Nowadays, it’s common for individuals to travel with their entire family -including their fur babies! Statistics even show that pet-friendly spaces are part of the top demands guests look for in Airbnb rental properties.
If you want to expand your business, making it pet-friendly puts you at the top of the list for many travelers. But while it brings you benefits, it is not always going to be the best for your rental property.
Let’s kick it off with why you might want to consider turning your Airbnb into a space for people and pets alike!
Reasons To Consider Allowing Pets In Your Airbnb
As a host, you may want to improve your location to cater to more consumer needs. Organizing your rental property to make it suitable for animals opens your Airbnb business to more opportunities.
Here are a few reasons to allow pets on your property:
Fewer Competitors
Not many rental properties accommodate animals due to location restrictions or extra hassle. So, if you allow pets, your property attracts more potential guests instantly!
Your audience grows when you open your rental for pet owners and non-pet owners. As a result, it increases your Airbnb booking rate and may later put your rental at the top of other options.
Consistent And Steady Demand
Surveys and researches confirm that pet-friendliness is a part of the top amenities tenants look for when booking a rental property. In fact, most individuals who travel with pets only stay at animal friendly properties.
With this demand, it would be safe to say many individuals will be interested in making a reservation at your property at a continuous rate.
Premium Pricing
Making your space compatible with pets means additional expenses and tasks to accommodate pets. You can include a pet fee for guests who bring their pets to cover these. If necessary, you could also increase the security deposit.
When adding extra charges, services, and rules, indicate these on the listing. That way, tenants with pets know what to expect.
Higher Guest Retention
Since rentals allowing pets are uncommon in most destinations, pet owners value properties that accommodate their furry friends, especially because they treat their pets like family.
A positive stay at your property will encourage tenants to book with you again. They may even recommend your place to their pet owner friends!
Guests Stay Longer
Many pet owners prefer to bring their fur babies along when going on vacations or holidays, but the opportunity to do so is not always available.
So, tenants tend to book more nights when they can bring their pets with them! That way, they can spend time away without worrying too much about their pets at home.
Factors To Consider Before Allowing Pet Friendly Rental
There are only a few Airbnbs that allow pets to stay, despite the demand. It is usually because property landlords encounter particular limitations that keep them from allowing pets.
Several factors affect whether or not a property can accommodate furry friends. These include the following:
Location Type
Some rental properties are not made for pet stays, either because of the location or activities. For example, jungle retreats or properties that offer outdoor sports.
Although there may be ways to make it possible, it may not always work out well.
Accommodation Accessibility
Unique property rentals may sometimes take more than a simple ride over, such as a mountain climb. In this case, bringing pets along will make it harder for tenants to reach the destination and may only cause hassle.
Property Restrictions
Some hosts encounter restrictions with the property, especially when they are not the actual landlords. In these cases, a host will only be able to allow pets at the property upon receiving permission from their landlord.
What To Know About Airbnb Assistance Animals
Regardless of whether or not your property is open to pets, Airbnb comes with a pet policy allowing tenants to bring their assistance animals.
It specifies that hosts should accommodate these pets and cannot charge additional fees when an assistance animal is present due to a guests’ disability.
In addition, a host will be allowed not to cater to an assistance animal if it risks the health and safety of the host and other individuals at the rental.
How To Make Your Rental Property Pet Friendly
If you are considering adjusting your rental property to make it friendlier for pets, here is what you can do:
Set Up Your Space
Most pets do not require much hospitality when they travel away from home. Usually, having their basic needs will be enough to keep them comfortable.
Keep a supply of pet bowls for food and water, pet friendly furniture covers, pet towels for wiping, pet scratching posts, litter boxes, and extra pet cleaning supplies.
As much as possible, pet-proof your property by putting away fragile possessions and the like.
Prepare House Rules
Be clear with your house rules to prevent any harm or damage during their stay. Indicate reminders like:
- which pets are acceptable at the property
- when pet owners can leave their pets unattended
- which areas of the property pets are allowed
- when to leash pets
- where to dispose of pet waste
Updating your listing with these rules sets guests’ expectations beforehand, so be sure to include them.
Update Your Guidebook
Your rental may not be able to provide everything a pet needs. Include recommendations for vets, pet or dog parks, and pet supply stores nearby the property in your guidebook and listing for tenants with pets who might need their locations.
Get Coverage For Pet Damage
Accidents can happen no matter how well-trained a pet may be, and the extra charges will not be enough to cover for them. Consider getting coverage for pet damages to protect you from unexpected expenses.
Insurance usually covers up to $1 million worth of damage. You can also request reimbursement if you have all the necessary documents.
Create A Pet Friendly Airbnb Rental
Property landlords tend to be hesitant about allowing pets on their rental properties, but opening your property for animals gives you more growth opportunities. Providing a pet friendly space produces more profit and keeps your business competitive.
At the same time, guests get the chance to bring their pets on special trips knowing they’ll be at ease and comfortable.
