How to Create and Manage a Pet-Friendly Short-Term Rental
Opening your short-term rental (STR) to pets can significantly increase your bookings and attract a wider audience of travelers. Pet owners often struggle to find accommodations that welcome their furry companions, and offering this option can set your property apart. This article provides practical steps to create and manage a successful pet-friendly STR.
Why Offer a Pet-Friendly Rental?
1. Expands Your Market
Pet-friendly accommodations appeal to a large segment of travelers who refuse to leave their pets behind.
2. Increases Booking Rates
Pet-friendly properties often enjoy higher occupancy rates and can charge premium prices.
3. Builds Guest Loyalty
Pet owners are more likely to return to a property that accommodates their furry friends.
4. Enhances Guest Satisfaction
Travelers appreciate hosts who cater to the needs of their pets, resulting in positive reviews.
Step 1: Prepare Your Property
1. Use Durable Materials
Choose flooring and furniture that can withstand wear and tear, such as:
Hardwood or tile floors for easy cleaning.
Leather or microfiber furniture for stain resistance.
2. Create a Safe Environment
Ensure the property is free from hazards like:
Exposed wires or cords.
Toxic plants or cleaning products.
3. Provide Pet Essentials
Stock items that make the stay more convenient for pet owners, such as:
Food and water bowls.
Waste bags and a designated trash bin.
Pet beds or blankets.
Step 2: Set Clear Pet Policies
1. Define Pet Rules
Establish guidelines to protect your property and ensure a pleasant stay for all guests.
Examples:
Limit the number or size of pets.
Specify areas where pets are not allowed (e.g., furniture or bedrooms).
Require pets to be house-trained.
2. Charge a Pet Fee
Cover additional cleaning or potential damages by implementing:
A flat pet fee per stay.
A refundable deposit for damages.
3. Include a Pet Agreement
Ask guests to sign a document acknowledging the rules and fees.
Step 3: Market Your Pet-Friendly Features
1. Highlight Pet Amenities in Listings
Showcase what makes your property ideal for pet owners.
Examples:
“Fenced backyard for your furry friend to roam.”
“Close to pet-friendly parks and trails.”
2. Use Targeted Keywords
Include terms like “pet-friendly,” “dog-friendly,” or “traveling with pets” in your description and tags.
3. Share Photos of Pet-Friendly Spaces
Feature images of outdoor areas, pet beds, or bowls to attract pet owners.
Step 4: Build Relationships With Local Pet Services
1. Partner With Pet-Friendly Businesses
Collaborate with:
Nearby pet groomers or trainers.
Local veterinarians or pet supply stores.
2. Recommend Local Attractions
Provide a guide to pet-friendly:
Parks and hiking trails.
Restaurants and cafes.
Beaches or outdoor activities.
Step 5: Prepare for Additional Cleaning
1. Use Pet-Safe Cleaning Products
Ensure all cleaning supplies are non-toxic to pets.
2. Schedule Extra Cleaning Time
Allow for thorough cleaning between stays to remove pet hair and odors.
3. Monitor Wear and Tear
Regularly inspect and maintain pet-prone areas like furniture and outdoor spaces.
Step 6: Manage Guest Expectations
1. Communicate Policies Clearly
Provide pet guidelines in your listing, welcome guide, and check-in instructions.
2. Be Responsive to Concerns
Quickly address questions or issues related to pets, such as nearby vet services or leash laws.
3. Balance Pet and Non-Pet Stays
For properties with mixed use, clearly communicate when the rental has hosted pets to avoid allergy-related issues.
Case Study: Transforming a Vacation Cabin Into a Pet-Friendly STR
Scenario:
An STR owner in the Smoky Mountains wanted to increase bookings during off-peak months by accommodating pets.
Actions Taken:
Added a fenced yard and stocked pet essentials, including bowls and waste bags.
Updated the listing with pet-friendly keywords and highlighted nearby dog-friendly hiking trails.
Charged a $50 pet fee per stay to cover additional cleaning.
Results:
Bookings increased by 30%, especially from families traveling with pets.
Guests frequently praised the property’s pet-friendly features in reviews.
Revenue grew by 15% due to additional pet fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Neglecting Property Protection: Ensure durable materials and safety measures are in place.
Failing to Enforce Rules: Guests may take advantage of unclear or unenforced pet policies.
Underestimating Cleaning Needs: Allocate sufficient time and resources to maintain cleanliness.
Overlooking Allergies: Clearly disclose pet-friendly status for guests with sensitivities.
Tools for Managing Pet-Friendly Rentals
Turno: Automates cleaning schedules and ensures thorough turnovers.
Hostfully: Creates guidebooks with local pet-friendly recommendations.
Airbnb Pet Filter: Highlights pet-friendly properties for guests searching on the platform.
Cross-Link Opportunities
Explore related articles to enhance your STR operations:
How to Enhance the Guest Experience for Your STR
How to Build Guest Loyalty for Your STR
How to Market Your STR on Social Media
Additional Resources
Airbnb Host Blog: Tips for hosting pet-friendly stays.
Hostfully Blog: Insights on accommodating pet owners.
BiggerPockets STR Forum: Discussions on managing pet-friendly rentals.
Conclusion
Creating a pet-friendly short-term rental is an excellent way to attract more guests, increase revenue, and differentiate your property. By preparing your space, setting clear policies, and promoting your pet-friendly features, you can provide a welcoming environment for both guests and their furry companions. Start implementing these strategies today to tap into this growing market segment.
