It is said that pets are a man's best friend, and that's right: our four-legged friends are gifted with intelligence, sensitivity and great intuition. That's why becoming friends is so easy.
Share your happy moments with your furry friends, bring them on vacation with you
But why are we telling you about pets in this blog post? Data shows that pet-friendly holiday homes attract families with four-legged companions and also help increase booking demand and revenue potential. Additionally, one of the main challenges for families when booking a holiday home is finding a welcoming space for their pets.
Therefore, making your home pet-friendly benefits everyone—owners, pets, and you as a host.
Why Pet-Friendly Holiday Homes are Worth It?
While the demand for pet-friendly getaways is constantly growing the supply is not at the same level. In this case, having a pet-friendly home will make homeowners stand out in the holiday rental market.
Advantages of Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
1. Attract a Broader Market
Increased Demand: There is a separate category of travellers who prefer pet-friendly stays. By offering pet-friendly options, you can attract this growing demographic and increase your booking rates even in the low season!
Extended Stays: Allowing pets eliminates the need for pet boarding, saves costs for guests, and reduces separation anxiety for families hence guests are likely to book longer stays.
2. Higher Revenue Potential
Pet-friendly properties can often charge higher rates and additional pet fees, boosting your overall revenue. Indeed, pet-friendly properties earn 10-20% higher rental income. Happy guests are more likely to become regulars leading to repeat business, customer loyalty and higher occupancy rates.
3. Positive Reviews and Word-of-Mouth
Pet owners appreciate being able to bring their pets on vacation. Offering a pet-friendly environment can result in positive reviews and recommendations, which are two main aspects of maintaining a loyal guest base while increasing your reach to new ones.
4. Competitive Edge
In a competitive market, a pet-friendly policy can distinguish your property from others and enable listings on specialised pet-travel platforms, enhancing visibility and attracting a niche audience. Families and large groups especially look for pet-friendly holiday cottages when booking for a vacation, so if your property is anything like this holiday home, then don’t wait to cater to this ever-returning and loyal customer base.
This stunning villa with huge garden is the perfect choice for a family with pets
5. Social Media Exposure
Pet-friendly amenities encourage guests to share photos of their pets on vacation, boosting your property's online exposure and serving as free marketing through positive social media posts and reviews.
Lovely lake side house with private garden and pet-friendly access on Lake Como
Making your holiday home pet-friendly boosts appeal, increases revenue, and enhances guest satisfaction. Welcoming pets tap into a lucrative market, fosters loyalty, and generates positive word-of-mouth.
Implementing pet-friendly policies is a relatively simple yet highly effective way to stand out in the competitive vacation rental market.
Here’s how we can help you:
Tips to make your holiday home pet-friendly
Here are essential tips for hosts to ensure their vacation rental is welcoming and safe for pets:
1. Pet-Proofing Your Home
Secure Fencing and Gates: Ensure outdoor areas have sturdy, secure fencing to prevent pets from escaping.
Keep your guest’s pets safe with fences and gates around open areas of your property
Window and Balcony Safety: Install secure screens on windows and railings on balconies to prevent falls.
Hazard-Free Environment:
- Regularly inspect for hazards like sharp objects or choking risks to ensure pet safety.
- Provide washable throws and sofa covers to protect furniture.
- Store chemicals, medications, and fragile items out of pets' reach.
- Keep trashcans covered or stored to prevent pets from accessing hazardous items.
- Choose pet-safe plants like Spider Plants, Parlor Palm, and Areca Palm for decor.
- Install blockades to prevent pets from accessing spaces behind large furniture and appliances.
- Use cable protectors to prevent pets from chewing exposed wires.
- Provide dog gates to secure off-limit areas and prevent accidents.
2. Exclusive Pet-Friendly Amenities
Offer exclusive amenities like:
- Towels to dry the dog after walks
- Food and water bowls
- Crate, basket, or bed
- Toys/ball
- Poo bags
- Spare lead
- Calming plug-in/spray
- ID tag with vacation rental address and number in case the dog gets lost
![Young woman enjoying ball games with her cute fluffy jack russel terrier puppy]( "Young woman enjoying ball games with her cute fluffy jack russel terrier puppy")
Leave some toys for pets in your holiday home
Designated Pet Areas: Create specific areas for pets to sleep and eat, keeping their needs in mind. Consider using stairs, gates and other solutions to forbid some areas.
3. Pet Hygiene and Cleanliness
Waste Disposal Solutions: Provide waste bags and designate areas for pet waste disposal. Consider installing a pet waste station in the yard.
Pet-Safe Cleaning Products: Use and provide cleaning products that are safe for pets to avoid any toxic reactions.
Pet-Friendly Flooring: Use durable, easy-to-clean flooring like tile or laminate to handle pet messes. Avoid rugs and carpets, as they trap pet hair and bacteria, reducing hygiene for both pets and humans.
Tile or laminate floors are easy to clean and ideal to handle pet messes
Regular Cleaning Routine:
- Implement a thorough cleaning routine between guests to maintain hygiene and eliminate pet odors.
- Provide cleaning products. Supplying the right cleaning supplies helps guests minimize the risk of accidental stains causing long-term damage.
- Invest in a good vacuum cleaner if you have a pet which sheds a lot.
- Choose dark-colored fabrics to hide stains and dirt. Use scratch-resistant materials and consider faux leather furniture for easy cleaning and odor resistance.
- Homeowners may hesitate to allow pets due to odors. Use pet-friendly fabric fresheners and sprays to keep your property smelling fresh.
4. House Rules and Pet Policies
Clear Communication: We believe in transparency and state pet policies in your listing, including fees, size/breed restrictions, and behaviour rules. If space allows, consider accepting 2-4 dogs to meet the high demand for dog-friendly rentals.
Guidelines for Guests: We provide guests with guidelines like leash rules, cleaning up after pets, potential hazards, such as sharp drops and wildlife, to ensure their pet's safety. We also help with pet-friendly beaches, dining options, and local attractions like gardens and castles.
Want to check with our property manager on how they will list your property as pet-friendly? Reach out to our team. 5. Pet Safety: Emergency Preparedness
If you are one of those hosts who are pet parents themselves with experience in travelling with pets, then you can also provide these additional conveniences to guests with pets: contact information for local veterinarians and emergency pet clinics, along with a basic pet first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers.
Making your holiday home pet-friendly can significantly enhance its appeal and attract a wider range of guests. By implementing these tips, you can create a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for pets and their owners, leading to increased bookings and positive reviews. Embrace the opportunity to cater to pet owners and watch your holiday home become a sought-after destination for furry friends and their families.
What’s next?
If this seems like something you want to do to increase the bookings of your holiday home but don’t have the time, then book a free consultation with our holiday rental specialists! We will handle the listing and promotion of your property on key vacation rental platforms, with our booking team managing guest inquiries and reservations. If you're concerned about cleanliness or potential damage, we also offer professional cleaning services and damage insurance for peace of mind.
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