New Trend: Accommodating Pets in Properties

People have always loved their pets - that’s never going to change. They’re a part of the family, and as such, many pet owners face a dilemma when they’re going out of town for travel. Kenneling or getting a pet sitter used to be just about the only options. But now there are plenty of specialty pet accommodations that cater specifically to pets, and their owners when traveling.
Pet parents can be reluctant to leave their pets in a cramped kennel or to leave them far away, at home with a pet watcher. Now more and more properties, rentals, and hotels are looking to accommodate pets in order to win favor with the owners.

While hotels may have taken the lead on starting this business trend, plenty of smaller, short term rental properties are picking up on the demand and really benefiting as a result.

Why is Pet Travel so Popular

Pets are a staple of their owners' lives. In fact, about 68% of U.S. residents have at least one pet. The pet grooming and boarding industry now rake in an impressive $6 billion-plus each year, so it's no question whether or not pet owners are willing to spend on their precious companions.

In fact, airlines and trains already have various options to help pets travel, and this is a popular choice for pet owners. As a result, it's not difficult for pet owners to get their pets to their destinations, but they do want quality accommodations for their pets once they arrive.

Pet travel options allow owners peace of mind, knowing that their beloved pets are close and well cared for, as well as providing the owners with the companionship they love. People can treat their pets to luxury style treatments, or simply have a place to stay that welcomes their four-legged friend.

These pet-friendly abodes can also offer conveniences that make the pet owner's life a little easier, like having pet room service, staff on hand to walk pets, or even providing special dog beds or clean up bags. All these things allow people to travel with their pets without much hassle.

Pet owners will always have a soft spot for their pets, and many people refer to their pets as their ‘furry children.’ Just as they’d care for another family member, they want to be assured that their fur baby is well cared for. Pet travel allows people to keep their furry loved ones close, and get some peace of mind.

How can Properties Benefit from Accommodating Pets?

Properties can get ahead of the competition by making a few changes that allow for pet accommodation.

The first thing to understand if you're debating about whether or not to make your property pet-friendly is that those pet owners still have to travel. If they're looking to book a pet-friendly place, their mind is probably already made up to take their furry friends with them. Essentially,  that means that any property that doesn't welcome pets is off their list.

                                                                                                  (Image credit: ShortTermRentalz)

The other benefit that comes with making your property pet-friendly is all about profit, whether it's on new, pet accommodated bookings, or bookings the property would have had anyway. A pet-friendly property will rent out for at least 16% more, in general. For property owners, that can make a significant difference over time.

Not only can you (very justifiably) up your booking rate, there are other charges that pet owners can expect to have included in their bill. Things like an extra pet fee, refundable deposits (which are returned if there's no damage, and used for cleaning or repairs if needed), as well as professional cleaning fees. These items are to be expected and can add extra value to your property.

Another benefit not to overlook is how effectively accommodating pets can expand your customer base. If pet owners want to take their pets along, they'll be looking at pet-friendly properties only. Which means that your property is already in a category above the typical rentals.

Not only that, it can improve the reputation of your business, since pet owners are more likely to get you referral business via word of mouth from other travelers that can't leave their furry family members behind.

Pet owners are nothing if not as loyal and devoted as their four-legged friends, and showing that their pet is welcome is one of the best ways to win over their hearts (and their business).

What should a property provide for pets?

There's a wide range of things you can provide to make your property more accommodating for pets. Depending on your business, and personal preference, you can strive for luxury-level pet accommodations. Or simply create a comfortable, convenient space for traveling pets and their humans.

That is to say, you have plenty of options. So here are the things a property definitely should provide if you want to get in on the pet travel business:

To really even begin being pet-friendly, you need to make sure you have the basics covered first. That means providing doggy food bowls and water bowls. While some owners may take these with them, it's a big bonus to have them waiting at the property. It’s great for showing concern for the pets.

While we're on the subject, it's also a good idea to provide little snacks like treats. It’s even better to keep an extra bag of food on hand just in case an owner forgets (which of course, you can offer for an extra fee).

Some properties may have separate pet sleeping areas, but it's often just as well to provide a special pet bed so that the pet can sleep comfortably near the owner. An amply sized dog bed will do the trick, and keep everyone happy. Some pet accommodations even go so far as to provide TVs next to doggy beds where they have nature channels programmed in.

Properties don't have to go so far as to provide pets with their own TVs, but little touches make a big difference. Just like properties can boost their pet-friendly status with treats, keeping a few extra toys in the pet area can be a great addition. Of course, you'll want to make sure they're easily cleaned and fairly durable, but the pets (and their owners) will see it as going the extra mile.

Properties can go the extra step to accommodate pets with some thoughtful extras. For instance, properties can provide clean-up bags and a spare leash for walking, or give pet owners a helpful local guide.

Helpful information to include could include local maps, lists of the nearby pet or dog parks, a guide to local dog walkers or dog sitting services, or even a list of groomers and vets nears the property (just in case!). These extra tips help travelers navigate the locale, and they’ll appreciate the consideration.  

Do you have to accept everyone’s animals to get in on the action?

Getting into pet accommodations can be exciting, but also difficult to navigate, especially if you want to gather as much business as possible. That said, you also can't allow your property to suffer because of an unruly pet.

The easiest way to answer this question? No, you're absolutely not obligated to accept all animals in order to be a pet-friendly property. In fact, even most pet-friendly hotels have some restrictions about what pets are allowed.

The first thing to do is to establish a set of rules. For example, some properties may not accept pets over 100 lbs. Many properties have a weight range they would accept, usually between 75 and 100 lbs. Or perhaps they will accept dogs, but not cats. Many properties also place limits on the number of pets they can accommodate (regardless of size), and that can range from 1 to 2 pets on average, although larger properties may accommodate more.

Likewise, many properties may have restrictions against certain breeds, as a result of their own insurance, or local regulations.

It’s also important to cover your bases with a waiver, which explains to pet owners the rules of conduct on the property. For example, cleaning up pet messes, or cleaning up after their dog in the yard), and the consequences if there’s an issue. This allows property owners to maintain procedures that work for their rental.

Many rentals also restrict the pets allowed to either cats or dogs (or both), although some properties do allow birds or reptiles. You’re under no obligation to accept all pets, but it’s good to be reasonable with your regulations.

Conclusion

As more and more people begin to travel with their pets, it’s inevitable that they'll also need more pet-friendly accommodations. A property can significantly increase business by catering to pets and their owners.

Not only that, properties can also significantly increase the revenue they're bringing in on their booking rates. All said, the pet accommodation trend is rising, and there's never been a better time to get in on it.