Are you thinking of allowing pets in your Airbnb, Vrbo, or vacation rental? Being a pet-friendly property has its advantages, such as expanding your market and creating happy guests. But it can also come with disadvantages that can cause headaches down the road if you’re not prepared and organized ahead of time. Don’t worry: we have you covered! 

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In this guide, we'll walk through everything you need to consider when it comes to deciding whether or not to welcome furry friends into your short term rental. From understanding the pros/cons of being pet friendly, setting proper rules for pets staying at your properties, instituting any necessary pet fees, knowing what to do if something gets damaged by animals staying there and how deal with service animals – let us get all the information squared away so that hosting four-legged guests turns out great for both hosts and their renters alike!

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Table of Contents

The Pros and Cons of Being a Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental

Setting the Proper Pet Rules for Your Vacation Rental

All About Pet Fees for Your Vacation Rental

What to Do When Pets Damage Something in Your Vacation Rental

Guidelines for Service Animals

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The Pros and Cons of Being a Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental

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The world of vacation rentals has become more and more competitive, and one way to distinguish yourself from the pack is by becoming a pet-friendly vacation rental. It’s a great way to attract a specific type of guest, and as a host, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. But before you jump in and start accepting furry friends, it’s important to consider both the pros and the cons. In this post, we’ll explore both sides to help you make an informed decision on whether becoming a pet-friendly vacation rental is right for you.

Pros

Attract More Guests: By allowing pets, you’re opening your vacation rental up to a much larger pool of potential guests. Many families don’t like the idea of leaving their pets behind while on vacation, so having a place where they can bring their furry friend with them will be a huge selling point. Plus, with more guests comes more revenue, which is always a good thing.

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Charge Higher Rental Rates: When it comes to pet-friendly vacation rentals, having a pet is considered an amenity. And like any other amenity, guests can expect to pay a little extra for it. So, if you’re able to accommodate pets, you can typically charge a higher rental rate and bank in some extra income.

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Increase Repeat Guests: If you provide a great experience for both the pet and the owner, you’ve just scored yourself a repeat guest. When families with pets find the perfect vacation rental that suits their needs, they’re likely to want to come back year after year.

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Cons

Damage: One of the biggest concerns when allowing pets into your vacation rental is the potential for damage. Even the most well-behaved pets can have accidents, scratch up floors and furniture, or chew on things they shouldn’t. You need to be prepared for the possibility of additional maintenance and cleaning fees.

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Allergies: Not everyone loves pets, and for those with allergies, staying in a pet-friendly rental can be a nightmare. Make sure you’re upfront about your pet policy to avoid any issues down the line. You could even consider having a designated pet-free zone to accommodate your guests’ needs.

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Noise: While you likely won’t have to worry about pets barking or meowing all night, they can still be noisy. Some pets might scratch at doors or whine/whimper when their owners leave them alone. Consider having a noise policy in place for the comfort of all guests.

Liability: There’s always the chance that someone could get injured or bitten by a pet on your property. This could lead to potential legal trouble if you’re not prepared for it. Make sure you have the appropriate insurance and liability policies in place to protect both yourself and your guests.

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Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you allow pets in your Airbnb property or vacation rental. While the pros usually outweigh the cons, it’s important to take all factors into consideration. And if you do decide to allow pets, ensure that you have the proper systems in place to mitigate any concerns, like pet fees and a process established for pet damage.

Setting the Proper Pet Rules for Your Vacation Rental

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If you own a vacation rental and you're hoping to attract pet owners, there are a few things you should consider. While some people love having pets in their home, others are hesitant due to potential damages and liability. However, with the right pet rules in place, you can help ensure that both your vacation rental and your guests' furry friends are safe and happy. In this blog post, we'll go over some pet-friendly policies you should consider implementing in your vacation rental in order to attract responsible pet owners and keep your guests happy.

Require a Pet Fee

It’s reasonable to require a pet fee in order to cover any possible damages caused by your guests' pets. While this might deter some pet owners from booking your property, it allows you to provide a comfortable and clean stay for all of your guests. Additionally, it shows that you take the cleanliness and quality of your vacation rental seriously.

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However, be mindful of charging too many or too high fees in general. Guest preferences are changing, and guests are increasingly becoming weary of too many fees.

Establish Weight and Breed Restrictions

If you're new to the vacation rental business, it's essential to learn your home and establish appropriate policies around the size and type of pets allowed in the property. For example, depending on the size of your unit, you might want to set a weight limit of 50 pounds or less. Additionally, consider banning specific breeds that are often associated with aggressive or destructive behavior to ensure everyone's safety.

Provide Clear Cleanup Rules

Vacation rentals with pets will require additional cleaning. That's why it's vital to establish some cleanup rules for your guests. Consider making it a requirement for guests to take their pets outside for potty breaks and have them clean up after their pets using bags provided by you. Clear communication will set expectations and keep your property livable.

Create a Pet-Approved Area

Finally, creating a designated area for your guest's pets can be a fantastic solution to ensure everyone's comfort and happiness. To help provide a pleasant stay for all guests, establish an area outside your house or an external fenced space where it’s safe to let pets roam free. This approach will keep your vacation rental safe from damage to interiors, which saves you money and time on maintenance.

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All About Pet Fees for Your Vacation Rental

Why is a Pet Fee Needed?

Some guests tend not to take adequate measures to prevent their pets from causing damages to the vacation rental. If a problem goes unnoticed at the rental, it can multiply, leading to costly damages. From a host’s standpoint, making a small fortune on pet fees may seem like a good idea, but, from a guest’s perspective, paying an excessive fee can be a turn-off. Therefore, setting a fair amount that benefits both parties is the best option to attract guests who wish to travel with their pets and ensure that you are not out of pocket if anything goes wrong.

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Check What Other Hosts in Your Area Charge

Setting a pet fee that's in line with the local average is sensible. It’s advisable that you do a comparative analysis of the fees other vacation rental hosts in your area charge. Keeping an eye on your competition is crucial when deciding on the final fee. Take note of the amenities that come with pet-friendly stays. For instance, if other hosts offer bigger yards, extra bedding, or bowls for pets, all of these are factors that can impact the pet fee.

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Be Careful About Charging an Excessive Fee

Before you set a pet fee, do your research on what the competition is charging, and give some thought to your rental property's unique features, such as the size of the yard and the surrounding neighborhood. Setting a fee too high can make the rental a less attractive option for potential guests that travel with pets. While this may seem like a great strategy to hedge the risks, offering an affordable and fair pet fee will keep you competitive and attract more guests interested in traveling with their pets.

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Consider Adding Pet-Friendly Amenities

If your rental has a fenced backyard, or other features suitable for pets, you can add extra value by highlighting these amenities on your rental listing. Guests with pets love vacation rentals that cater to their furry loved ones. Offering amenities such as dog beds, pet crates, or toys are nice-to-have features that will make their stay more enjoyable, and it will create a memorable stay experience for both guests and pets.

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What to Do When Pets Damage Something in Your Vacation Rental

Be proactive about pet-proofing your rental.

Before you even welcome pets into your rental, be sure the space is as pet-proof as possible. This may include removing any items that could be easily knocked over or chewed up (such as indoor plants or decorative objects), securing electrical cords and outlets, and making sure any hazardous chemicals or substances are safely stored out of reach. You might even consider investing in pet-friendly furnishings or decor, such as durable upholstery or washable rugs.

Use a pet fee or deposit.

Consider requiring a pet fee or deposit to offset the potential cost of damage caused by pets. This can also serve as a deterrent for owners whose pets are particularly destructive or prone to accidents. Make sure your pet fee is reasonable, and clearly communicate your policy to potential guests before they complete their booking.

Be prepared to act quickly.

In the event that a pet does damage something in your rental, it's important to act swiftly to minimize the impact. This means having a plan in place for addressing the situation, including a way to contact the guest, a protocol for assessing the damage and determining appropriate compensation, and a plan for repairs or replacement. Consider keeping a list of local service providers (such as cleaners, contractors, and furniture stores) that you can call on in case of emergency.

Communicate openly and honestly with guests.

If a pet has caused damage in your rental, it's important to communicate clearly and honestly with the guest. Be transparent about what has happened, and offer solutions that are fair and reasonable. This may include a refund for the guest, arranging for repairs or replacement of damaged items, or simply providing an apology and a plan for how you will prevent similar incidents in the future. Remember that communication is key to maintaining good relationships with guests, and dealing with damage effectively can help prevent negative reviews or disputes down the line.

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Guidelines for Service Animals

What is a Service Animal?

A service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The tasks performed by the animal must be directly related to the person's disability. Service animals are not considered pets and are not subject to pet restrictions in vacation rentals.

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What are the Rules Surrounding Service Animals in Vacation Rentals?

Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), vacation rental hosts are required to make reasonable accommodations for guests with disabilities. This includes allowing service animals on the property, even if the rental has a "no pets" policy. However, if the service animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, the rental host may deny the request for accommodations.

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What Information Can You Ask for?

As a vacation rental host, you are allowed to ask for information regarding the guest's disability and the service animal if it is not readily apparent. However, you are not allowed to ask for medical records, ask for the animal to demonstrate its task, or ask for a special identification card.

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What are the Accommodations You Need to Make?

When accommodating a service animal, you may need to make certain modifications to your rental property. This may include providing a designated relief area for the animal, removing barriers to allow the animal to move freely, or modifying your cleaning protocols to accommodate for the animal's presence.

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What Should You Do if You Encounter a Problem?

If you encounter a problem with a service animal, it's important to address the situation promptly and professionally. If the animal is causing damage to the property, is not housebroken, or is posing a direct threat to the health or safety of others, you may be able to ask the guest to remove the animal from the property. However, you must first consider whether or not this request is reasonable under the Fair Housing Act.

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