93% of US travelers said their pet makes a good travel companion and 51% of travelers with pets said they would bring their pet along on every vacation if they could, according to a Best Western survey. The third most searched for amenity on HomeAway and it’s other listing sites is “pet friendly.” Its clear that renters enjoy bringing their furry friends on vacation, and accepting pets at your vacation rental could significantly increase your bookings. If you’re considering allowing pets at your vacation rental, there are several things to think about for your pet policy.
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Insurance
Check your insurance policy to see what restrictions they have for damage caused by pets. Are there breed restrictions? Will your insurance cover a guest’s pet if they attack someone?
Homeowner’s Association Rules
If your rental is in a managed community that has a homeowner’s association, you need to check and see if they have specific rules about pets. Many associations define the number of pets, types of pets, and breeds allowed. These rules are typically found in the CC&R’s (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) provided by the association management.
Increase in Revenue
With hotel customer satisfaction scores on the decline, more renters are looking to vacation rentals as an option. Allowing pets may be the differentiator between choosing a hotel or a competing vacation rental, thus increasing your bookings.
Additional Hassle
Allowing pets can be an extra liability and you should make sure that you are okay with the additional responsibilities that come along with a pet-friendly property. Additional cleaning will be required after each guest visit, especially if you have a renter who is allergic to pet dander. It is not uncommon for pets to scratch wood floors, dig into the carpets, have an accident inside the home, or tear at the screen door.
Creating Your Pet Policy
If you decide to allow pets in your rental unit, you need to include pertinent information in your pet policy to minimize smart parenting and set clear expectations for your renters. This information will protect you and the vacation rental unit, and should include:
Type of Pet
The Best Western study shows that 85% of pet travelers travel with their dog, while 21% travel with a cat. Dogs and cats are the most common types of pets allowed, but what if a guest wants to bring a rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, snake, iguana, or parrot?