Whether you own vacation rentals or long-term rental properties, deciding whether or not to allow pets can be a large decision. On one hand, there’s potential to attract more renters and make more money through pet fees and policies. After all, most people prefer to travel with their pets instead of leaving them at home with a pet sitter. However, you must consider some of the potential downfalls, like increased property damage or extensive cleaning costs. Ultimately, you’ll want to consider your personal preferences, the type of vacation rental you own, and the demand for pet-friendly rentals near you. Today, we’ll go over the pros and cons of offering pet-friendly vacation rental properties.
Contents of This Article:
- Should You Make Your Vacation Rental Pet-Friendly?
- How to Make Your Vacation Rental Pet-Friendly
- Pros and Cons of Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
- Tips for Marketing Your Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental
- Manage Your Vacation Rental With Ease
Should You Make Your Vacation Rental Pet-Friendly?
Making your vacation rental property pet-friendly takes careful thought and consideration. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preference, the type of property you own, and where it’s located. For instance, if you want to increase bookings, you may consider allowing pets in your properties. On the other hand, if your property isn’t well-suited for pets, you may think twice before allowing them to stay.
To decide whether or not to make your vacation rentals pet-friendly, you’ll want to consider the property type, your location, which rules and policies you want to implement, and your insurance coverage. For instance, if you decide to allow pets, it’s important to have an area for them to go outside or other pet-friendly amenities. Additionally, you’ll want to include rules and policies for guests with pets to manage potential issues. Finally, you’ll want to check with your insurance provider to see what’s covered when it comes to pet damage.
Ultimately, your decision to make your vacation property pet-friendly depends on your preferences, property characteristics, and the market you want to attract. Additionally, you may want to hire professional rental property management in Baltimore to help you keep things in order. Next, we’ll go over how to make your property suitable for pet owners and some of the pros and cons of pet-friendly vacation rentals.
How to Make Your Vacation Rental Pet-Friendly
If you decide to allow pets in your vacation rental, there are a few steps to ensure your property is prepared and suitable for pets. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Set Clear Expectations- First, you must ensure your guests know your rules regarding pets. Creating a thorough pet policy can help you prevent issues like pet damage or messes. Clearly state whether or not owners are required to pick up their pet’s waste, which parts of your property are off-limits for pets, what type of animals are allowed, and any breed or size restrictions.
- Pet-Proof Your Property- Next, you’ll want to put measures in place to protect your property from potential pet damage. For instance, you’ll want to buy durable furniture or use washable coverings for couches and chairs.
- Provide Toys/Accessories- Consider welcoming guests with a welcome package containing toys, pet bowls, treats, or other accessories. You can also provide information about local veterinary services or pet-friendly places nearby.
- Charge Pet Fees- You may want to charge additional fees for guests bringing their pets. This can help cover potential cleaning costs or damages that may occur while accommodating animals.
- Have Cleaning Protocols in Place- Implement thorough cleaning protocols to remove pet hair, odors, and allergens in between guests. Additionally, consider using pet-friendly cleaning products to ensure a safe environment for all guests.
Pros and Cons of Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
Offering pet-friendly vacation rentals can have both advantages and disadvantages. After all, most people have pets, and some don’t like to go anywhere without them. So, if you’re debating whether or not to allow pets in your vacation rental properties, here are some pros and cons to consider.
Benefits of Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
- Helps Increase Bookings- Many pet owners prefer to travel with their furry friends. So, offering pet-friendly rentals can help you increase bookings, especially from individuals or families with pets.
- Stand Out From Competition- In some locations, there may be limited pet-friendly rental options. So, offering this feature can give you a competitive edge over other properties.
- Potential to Charge More- You can charge higher or additional fees for accommodating pets, increasing your overall rental income.
- Encourage Repeat Renters- Providing a pet-friendly environment can lead to repeat business from pet owners who appreciate your accommodation.
Disadvantages of Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
- Risk of Property Damage- Pets can potentially cause damage to the property, whether it’s scratches on furniture or stained carpets. This can result in additional maintenance and repair costs.
- May Increase Expenses- Offering pet-friendly vacation rentals can increase your expenses. For instance, you’ll want to focus on cleaning thoroughly, keeping up with laundry, getting the right insurance, and offering pet-friendly amenities.
- Potential Noise Complaints- Pets, especially dogs, can be noisy and may disturb other guests or neighbors. This can lead to complaints and potentially negative reviews.
- Can Cause Allergy Issues- Some guests may have allergies to pets, and accommodating animals can pose a cleanliness challenge. As such, ensuring the property is thoroughly cleaned after each pet stay is crucial.
Tips for Marketing Your Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental
If you decide to offer pet-friendly vacation rentals, you’ll want to market them to attract pet-owning guests. You can do this by highlighting features that appeal to pet owners and ensure your property stands out in the competitive market. Here are some tips for effectively marketing your pet-friendly vacation rental property.
- Emphasize Pet-Friendly Amenities- You’ll want to clearly list and highlight property amenities that appeal to pet owners. For instance, emphasize a fenced yard, provide pet bowls and complimentary treats, or describe nearby pet-friendly parks and trails.
- Include Pet Photos- Features photos of your property with pets or showcase the designated pet-friendly areas. This can help potential guests visualize what their stay will be like at your property with their pets.
- Highlight Nearby Pet-Friendly Attractions- Within your property listing, mention and provide information about nearby pet-friendly places. Whether there are nearby beaches, parks, hiking trails, or pet-friendly restaurants, these can be significant draws for pet owners.
- Specify Pet Policies and Rules- Clearly outline your expectations regarding pets in your rental property. Specify your pet policies, including any size restrictions, additional fees, and rules. Giving this information upfront can help you avoid any misunderstandings between you and your guests.
- Share Guest Reviews and Testimonials- Encourage guests who have stayed with their pets to leave positive reviews highlighting their experience. This can reassure potential guests about the suitability of your property for pets.
Manage Your Vacation Rental With Ease
Ultimately, it’s your decision as a vacation rental owner whether or not you’ll allow pets in your properties. That said, if you do offer pet-friendly vacation rentals, it’s crucial to come up with a comprehensive rental agreement to ensure you and your tenants are on the same page regarding pet rules, expectations, and restrictions. Additionally, you’ll want to maintain and manage each rental properly to ensure each and every guest is comfortable.
Need More Advice? contact us today!
If you’re looking for help drafting a lease agreement or managing your rental properties, you may want to enlist the help of a full-service management team. Bay Property Management Group offers comprehensive rental management, including marketing, tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance, and more. So, if you’re looking for rental management services throughout Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, or Washington, DC, contact BMG today!