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Pet-Friendly Short-Term Rentals: A Guide to Attracting Guests with Four-Legged Companions
Travelling with pets has become increasingly popular in recent years, and as a short-term rental host, tapping into the pet-friendly market can open up a new world of opportunities. Accommodating guests travelling with their furry companions can set your property apart and attract a loyal customer base.
In this guide, we'll delve into the pet-friendly market and explore proven strategies to make your short-term rental property irresistible to guests travelling with their four-legged friends.
Worth noting: even after thorough cleaning, a certain amount of pet hair can and will stay on your carpets and furniture. Once you start allowing pets on your property, make sure to highlight in your listing that pets tend to stay on the property from time to time. It may be crucial information for other potential guests suffering from severe pet hair allergies - basically, once you start hosting pets, such guests won't be able to stay in your place at all.
Here are some portals/groups worth listing your property on - Facebook groups are usually free to promote your listing and get quite a good response!
Pet-friendly holidays - Fb group
Dog-friendly holidays - Fb group
Last Minute Pet & Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages - Fb group
Understanding the Needs of Travellers with Pets
To effectively cater to pet-friendly travellers, it's crucial to understand their unique requirements:
Pet-Friendly Amenities:
Pet owners seek accommodations with amenities such as pet beds, food bowls, waste disposal bags and designated play areas for their animals. Important to note: Always clean dog/cat bowls with hot water (ideally in a dishwasher). Bowls that are not cleaned perfectly can transfer diseases from pet to pet.
You can also keep some jars with clearly labelled treats for cats and dogs in the kitchen (make sure to be clear about all the ingredients though! ).
Safe Environment:
Ensure your property is safe for pets by removing potential hazards and providing secure outdoor spaces. Cover electrical sockets, hide cable extensions in boxes, and install safety gates at the door to prevent pets from going upstairs (if needed). Remove any hazards, such as toxic plants.
Clear Policies:
Communicate your pet policies, including any additional fees or restrictions, in your property listing. We advise adding an extra cleaning fee on top of the usual one (to get rid of pet hair, which takes a while) and setting up a maximum number of pets allowed to stay on the property.
Prepare a set of added rates you’d need to charge in case a pet pees on a sofa or armchair or damages a big furniture item. Just to have it ready in case it ever happens.
Tips for Attracting Pet-Friendly Guests
Now that you understand their needs, here are strategies to make your short-term rental property appealing to pet-friendly travellers:
1. Pet-Friendly Amenities
Consider adding a fenced-in yard or outdoor space where pets can play safely. Secure the balcony with a net, in case cats are visiting.
2. Clear Pet Policies
Clearly outline your pet policies in your property listing, including any additional fees or restrictions.
Specify rules regarding where pets are allowed within the property.
3. Local Pet Services Information
Compile a list of nearby veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, and pet-friendly parks or walking trails. What’s usually super-appreciated is a list of pet-friendly local cafes and restaurants - guests usually spend quite some time researching these, so having a list of such places is always a great idea.
Keep a post-it somewhere with an address of closest convenience store selling pet food.
4. Damage Deposit
Consider implementing a reasonable pet deposit to cover any potential damages caused by pets.
5. Marketing Your Pet-Friendly Features
Highlight your pet-friendly amenities and policies in your property's title and description.
Understanding their needs, implementing pet-friendly amenities and policies, and effectively marketing your property as a pet-friendly haven can lead to increased bookings and satisfied guests. So, open your doors to furry friends and watch your occupancy rates soar while providing a memorable experience for both human and four-legged guests alike.
About Us
KeyNest offers you a convenient service for storing and exchanging your property keys. You can drop off a key at any of the 5,000+ locations in our network, so there’s one such Point located next to your property already.
Guests, cleaners or contractors can then collect the key securely from a KeyNest Point, which is usually open 24/7. You'll be notified each time the key is picked up or returned, and you can even customize check-in and check-out times.
KeyNest has an ever-expanding global network of locations located just minutes from your property. To find out more, visit our website.