How to Design a Pet-Friendly Short-Term Rental That Attracts Guests
As pet ownership continues to rise, offering a pet-friendly short-term rental (STR) can help you stand out in a competitive market and appeal to a growing demographic of travelers who prefer to bring their furry companions. This article outlines how to design a pet-friendly rental that attracts guests while maintaining your property’s cleanliness and appeal.
Why Pet-Friendly Rentals Are a Smart Choice
1. Increased Bookings
Pet-friendly properties are often in high demand and can fill calendar gaps.
2. Higher Rates
Many guests are willing to pay extra for the convenience of bringing their pets.
3. Stronger Guest Loyalty
Catering to pet owners fosters goodwill and encourages repeat bookings.
4. Expanded Market Appeal
Pet-friendly options attract families, couples, and solo travelers who prefer traveling with pets.
Step 1: Set Clear Pet Policies
1. Define Your Pet Rules
Outline the types of pets allowed, maximum number of pets, and size or breed restrictions.
Example Policy:
Maximum of 2 pets per stay.
Dogs under 50 lbs allowed.
Pets must be house-trained.
2. Communicate Restrictions
Be upfront about any areas where pets are not allowed, such as:
Bedrooms or furniture.
Pools or hot tubs.
3. Address Liability
Include a pet agreement that outlines guest responsibilities for cleaning up after their pets and covering damages.
Step 2: Charge a Pet Fee
1. Set a Reasonable Fee
Charge a nightly pet fee or a flat rate to cover additional cleaning and wear and tear.
Example Fees:
$25 per night per pet.
$100 flat fee per stay for up to 2 pets.
2. Offer Refundable Deposits
Request a refundable pet deposit as added protection against potential damages.
Step 3: Pet-Friendly Amenities
1. Provide Essentials
Make pet owners feel welcome with thoughtful touches:
Food and water bowls.
Waste bags and disposal stations.
Pet beds or crates.
2. Outdoor Features
Ensure your property has a pet-friendly outdoor space:
A fenced yard for secure playtime.
Nearby walking trails or parks for exercise.
3. Indoor Considerations
Hard floors (e.g., tile or laminate) are easier to clean than carpets.
Durable furniture that resists scratches and stains.
Step 4: Market Your Pet-Friendly Features
1. Highlight in Your Listing
Mention pet-friendly amenities in your property description to attract pet owners.
Example:
“Your furry friends are welcome! Enjoy our fully fenced yard, pet bed, and nearby dog park for a paw-some stay.”
2. Use Pet-Friendly Keywords
Incorporate terms like “pet-friendly,” “dog-friendly,” or “cat-friendly” into your listing.
Pro Tip: Use tools like AirDNA to identify high-performing keywords for your market.
Step 5: Maintain Cleanliness and Hygiene
1. Deep Clean Between Stays
Thoroughly clean floors, furniture, and outdoor areas to remove pet hair and odors.
Pro Tip: Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and pet-specific cleaning products.
2. Invest in Protective Measures
Use washable slipcovers for furniture.
Add rugs that are stain-resistant and easy to clean.
Provide pet gates to protect certain areas.
Step 6: Cater to Non-Pet Guests
1. Offer Pet-Free Options
Designate certain rooms or units as pet-free to accommodate guests with allergies or preferences.
2. Ensure Odor Control
Use air purifiers or deodorizers to maintain a fresh-smelling space.
3. Highlight Flexibility in Your Listing
Mention that you cater to both pet owners and non-pet guests.
Step 7: Promote Pet-Friendly Attractions Nearby
1. List Local Dog Parks and Trails
Provide directions to nearby pet-friendly outdoor spaces.
2. Recommend Pet-Friendly Restaurants
Compile a list of cafes or restaurants that welcome pets.
3. Partner With Local Pet Services
Collaborate with dog walkers, pet groomers, or pet sitters to offer exclusive deals.
Step 8: Handle Common Challenges
1. Address Noise Complaints
Set quiet hours and provide tips for minimizing barking or disturbances.
2. Manage Damage Risks
Inspect the property after each stay for pet-related damage.
Deduct repair costs from deposits if necessary.
3. Mitigate Allergies
Use allergen-friendly materials and cleaning practices to reduce pet dander.
Case Study: Boosting Bookings With a Pet-Friendly STR
Scenario:
An STR owner in Asheville, NC, noticed a high demand for pet-friendly accommodations but had concerns about potential damage.
Actions Taken:
Established clear pet policies and a $50 flat fee per stay.
Added pet amenities, including a fenced yard and dog bed.
Highlighted the property’s proximity to pet-friendly hiking trails in the listing.
Results:
Pet-friendly bookings accounted for 40% of total stays within six months.
Guests frequently praised the thoughtful pet amenities in reviews.
The pet fee covered cleaning costs, and no major damages were reported.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overlooking Maintenance: Regular cleaning and repairs are essential to maintain a pet-friendly space.
Failing to Communicate Policies: Unclear rules can lead to misunderstandings and property damage.
Neglecting Non-Pet Guests: Ensure your property appeals to all types of travelers, not just pet owners.
Tools to Streamline Pet-Friendly Hosting
Hostfully: Create guidebooks with local pet-friendly recommendations.
Stessa: Track expenses related to pet-friendly upgrades.
Canva: Design pet-friendly promotional materials for your listing.
Cross-Link Opportunities
Explore related articles to enhance your STR appeal:
How to Create a Memorable Welcome Guide for Your STR
How to Market Your Short-Term Rental on Social Media
How to Enhance the Guest Experience for Your STR
Additional Resources
Airbnb Host Blog: Tips for managing pet-friendly rentals.
BiggerPockets STR Forum: Discussions on hosting pet-friendly guests.
Hostfully Blog: Insights on attracting pet owners to your rental.
Conclusion
Designing a pet-friendly short-term rental is a strategic way to attract more guests, increase revenue, and stand out in the market. By offering thoughtful amenities, maintaining high cleanliness standards, and clearly communicating policies, you can cater to pet owners while ensuring your property remains welcoming for all travelers.
Want to dive deeper into short-term rental investments? In my next article, I'll discuss How to Create a Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Short-Term Rental, providing insights you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned!
