How to Make Your Airbnb Pet-Friendly: A Guide for Hosts 🐶

Key Takeaways

• Pet-friendly short-term rentals are in demand and often generate higher revenues. Consider regional demand and potential pet fees as you decide whether to go pet-friendly.
• There are both advantages and challenges to hosting pet-friendly rentals, such as increased occupancy rates but higher potential for property damage. Hosts should weigh these factors and adjust cleaning and maintenance routines accordingly.
• Marketing and managing pet-friendly rentals effectively involves showcasing pet-friendly amenities, leveraging positive guest reviews, and addressing insurance and neighbor concerns.

The short-term rental industry has plenty of room for our four-legged friends. 

Recent AirDNA research indicates that 30% of short-term rental listings in the United States are now pet-friendly, a rise from 28% in the previous year. With 71% of all U.S. households owning a pet, this data represents a significant market opportunity for rental owners.

Making your vacation rental pet-friendly is a strategic business decision that can distinguish your property and broaden your potential guest pool. It means pet owners don't have to bypass your listing because they’d have to leave their pets at home, which can potentially increase bookings and appeal to a vast community of pet lovers.

Should I Make My Short-Term Rental Pet-Friendly?

Making your short-term rental pet-friendly can significantly impact your rental's appeal and increase bookings. When you open your doors to pets,  you tap into a growing market segment and potentially boost your overall revenue.

According to AirDNA data, the average annual revenue of pet-friendly properties between 2021 and 2022 was higher than those that did not allow pets, even across multiple price tiers. 

Regional Data For Pet-Friendly Properties

Understanding the regional demand for pet-friendly accommodations is crucial for making an informed decision for your short-term rental. Consider the following U.S. market data from AirDNA:

High Pet-Friendly Regions:

Greys Harbor, Washington: 66% of listings are pet-friendly.

Joshua Tree, California: 64% of listings are pet-friendly.

Broken Bow Lake, Oklahoma: 48% of listings are pet-friendly.

Low Pet-Friendly Regions:

Maui, Hawaii: Less than 2% of listings allow pets.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado: 6% of listings are pet-friendly.

Park City, Utah: 8% of listings are pet-friendly.

Breckenridge, Colorado: 8% of listings allow pets. 

(TLDR: It seems ski markets typically have fewer pet-friendly options) 

Are there pet-friendly rental options in your area, or is there a gap that you can fill? In regions with lower percentages of pet-friendly rentals, there may be unmet demand.

In areas with more pet-friendly offerings, consider how your pricing could be adjusted to remain competitive while still capitalizing on the pet-friendly feature.

Pros and Cons of Having Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals 

Transforming your short-term rental into a pet-friendly space comes with its own set of advantages and challenges.

Pros 

• Increased Occupancy Rates: AirDNA has found that, on average, pet-friendly vacation rentals notice about a 2-3% increase in occupancy compared to listings that aren’t pet-friendly or dog-friendly.  However, this can vary widely from market to market.
  Our data also found that detached single-family homes, which typically have a yard, experience a higher occupancy rate of 4%, while apartments and condos that allow pets do not see any increase in occupancy.
• Pet Lovers Pay More: Catering to dog owners and cat lovers is a niche market, attracting a demographic that's often willing to pay more for the convenience of bringing their pets.
• Higher ADR in Urban Markets: According to AirDNA data, hosts generally don’t make more money in Average Daily Rates (ADRs) by allowing pets. However, they can still benefit from charging an additional pet fee. The exception to this pattern seems to be in urban markets, where homes that allow pets can earn a 6% higher ADR. 

Cons

• Property Damage Risks: Pets can cause a lot of wear and tear, such as scratches or stains, which might require more frequent repairs or replacements.
• Additional Cleaning Requirements: You may need more comprehensive cleaning methods and additional time between bookings to ensure a pet-friendly space is clean and allergen-free. 
• Potential Discomfort for Non-Pet Owners: Guests without pets might have concerns about cleanliness or allergies, and some may prefer to stay in a property that hasn’t hosted pets before.

How Much Should I Charge for Pets?

You must balance profitability and guest satisfaction when setting your pet fee.

Pet charges can vary significantly based on location and property type, usually ranging from $10 to $50 per night or a flat rate for each stay.

Start by researching what similar properties in your area are charging. The fee should be sufficient to cover extra expenses such as additional cleaning or wear and tear, but it should also be reasonable and justifiable to your guests. It's important to be transparent about what the pet fee covers in your listing. This will help manage guest expectations and prevent any misunderstandings upon booking.

Adapt as you go. If you observe a pattern of negative comments about the fee or a decrease in reservations, it might be time to reevaluate your pricing strategy. Your goal is to create a scenario that benefits both you and your guests. Guests should feel they are receiving an added value while you maintain a profitable and sustainable operation.

6 Steps to Make Your Vacation Rental Pet-Friendly

Transforming your vacation rental into a welcoming space for guests and their pets goes beyond simply saying ‘pets allowed.’ 

1. Pet-Proof Your Space

Make the property safe for pets. Put away electrical cords, secure trash bins, and remove or safely store any plants or substances that may be toxic to cats or dogs. 

Choose easy-to-clean flooring and furniture. It’s easier to clean dog hair off of hardwood floors than a thick rug. Add a floor mat to any entrances to keep muddy paws away from your couches. Choose furniture fabrics that are easy to clean, like microfiber, leather/pleather, and canvas. 

For cats, you might want to check for any potential escape routes, such as gaps in windows or balconies. Consider adding pet-friendly screens or netting to prevent any accidental escapes. Provide cat scratching posts or pads to redirect their scratching behavior and protect your furniture. Scratch-resistant furnishings can help minimize damage. 

If you’re feeling nervous about potential damages, you can offer a refundable deposit to guests to encourage them to take added care. A refundable deposit can give you peace of mind regarding potential damages.

2. Optimize Outdoor Spaces

An outdoor space can make vacation rental more appealing for guests with pets. If you have a yard, be sure it’s properly fenced to create a safe and enjoyable space for pets to play and relax (this lets your guests relax too!)

If your rental property doesn't have a private yard, you can still cater to pet owners by providing a list of nearby pet-friendly trails or dog parks. 

3. Incorporate Pet-Friendly Amenities

AirDNA identified 1,429 reviews in the U.S. that mention dog treats. One reviewer wrote, “We were greeted with candy, wine, and dog treats!” 

We also identified 428 positive reviews that mentioned ‘dog toys’, 17,598 that mentioned ‘dog friendly’, and 15,119 that mentioned ‘pet friendly’.

Here are some items you can provide to encourage similar reviews for your own property:

• Pet beds
• Treats and toys
• Washable furniture covers and blankets
• Water and food bowls with mats
• Leash and collar hooks
• Litter boxes and scoops for cats
• Pet waste disposal bags
• Emergency pet supplies

Think about including a few pet-friendly items directly in your welcome basket. In an AirDNA analysis of 9,000 reviews mentioning welcome baskets, 500 of them highlighted dog toys, treats, or information about nearby dog-friendly walking areas. 

4. Provide Information for Pet Owners

Guests traveling with pets will appreciate a well-prepared guidebook. Include information on local pet-friendly restaurants, walking trails, emergency vet contact details, and specific rules and guidelines for pets staying at your property.

5. Establish Clear Pet Policies

Outline the number of pets allowed and any size or breed restrictions.  If certain breeds are restricted in your area, make that clear in your listing and in a pre-booking message. Clearly communicate rules such as designated areas for pets to relieve themselves or restrictions on pets on furniture. Be up front about any additional fees or pet deposits in your policy. 

6. Prepare for Additional Cleaning and Maintenance

Being dog-friendly doesn’t come without its costs. Not all pets will be well-trained enough to stay out of trouble. Develop a thorough cleaning routine specifically tailored for pet guests. This includes frequent vacuuming to remove pet hair, using air purifiers to eliminate odors, and having a stock of pet-safe and pet-specific cleaning products. 

Making your vacation rental pet-friendly is about creating an environment where pet owners don’t just see your property as a place that allows pets, but as a destination that truly welcomes them.

How to Market Pet-Friendly Rentals 

Here are some effective strategies to consider when marketing your pet-friendly vacation rental:

Showcase Pet-Friendly Features in Your Advertising

Emphasize the pet-friendly amenities that set your property apart. This can include photos and descriptions of the secure outdoor spaces, the special pet amenities like beds and toys, and any extra services you offer for pets. Highlight these features in your listing, on social media, and in all your marketing materials to catch the attention of pet owners.

Leverage Positive Guest Reviews

Guest testimonials can provide social proof to potential renters about the quality and suitability of your rental for pet owners. Feature these reviews prominently in your marketing materials. You can also directly request past guests to mention the pet-friendly aspects of your stay in their reviews.

It's essential to communicate that your property isn’t only ‘pets allowed’, but is designed with the comfort and safety of pets in mind. This distinction can make your property stand out in a crowded market and appeal strongly to pet owners who are looking for the best experience for themselves and their pets.

How to Manage Your Pet-Friendly Vacation Rental Efficiently

It's crucial to implement effective management strategies for your pet-friendly vacation rental. This involves maintaining cleanliness, minimizing potential damages, addressing issues with neighbors, understanding insurance implications, and navigating pet policies.

Address Potential Issues with Neighbors 

Inform neighbors about your pet-friendly policy and the measures you have in place to ensure pets are supervised and well-behaved. Address any concerns they might have proactively, whether it’s about a barking dog or pet allergies. Setting quiet hours or requiring pets to be on a leash when outside can prevent conflict. 

Review Insurance Policies 

Review your insurance policy to ensure it covers pet-related incidents. This may include damages or potential injuries caused by pets. Consider requiring pet liability insurance from your guests. 

Understand Pet Policies: Breed Restrictions and Service Animals

Hosts must comply with local laws and regulations that impact your rental. Be aware of certain breeds that are restricted in your area. 

Know the distinction between pets and service animals. According to Airbnb's Accessibility Policy, service animals are not considered pets and must be accommodated in your rental, regardless of your standard pet policy. Service animals are also exempt from any pet deposits or fees. 

Why Creating A Home for All Kinds of Guests Matters 

Beyond the earning potential, making your rental pet-friendly indicates a larger shift in the way we travel. Pets are increasingly considered to be important family members, and travelers look for accommodations that acknowledge this bond. 

By making your rental pet-friendly, you're not only tapping into a growing market but also showing a commitment to inclusivity and guest-centric experiences. This ultimately builds stronger connections with your guests and creates lasting impressions that go beyond a single stay.