With many people working remotely, school kids learning online, and daycare centers closed in most parts of the country, families are now free to work, study and play away from their homes.
And after many months of being cooped up, many are itching to go out for stay-cations and working trips — with kids and pets in tow.
While allowing dogs in your Airbnb may not sound so appealing, here’s the market trend you need to know about the growing demand for pet-friendly Airbnbs:
And we all know pet adoptions surged after Covid-19.
These are enough reasons to get you to consider allowing pets in your Airbnb. But, to find out how exactly pet-friendliness could benefit your vacation rental, we’ve outlined the top reasons here:
According to Airbnb’s latest data, the most-searched-for amenity in recent months is “pets-allowed” — up from 5th place 2 years ago.
In 2019, the top five amenities in demand were: 1) pools, 2) wifi, 3) kitchens, 4) air conditioning, and 5) pets allowed.
Additionally, searches that filtered for listings allowing pets increased by 55%.
This is why travel sites such as BringFido and PetsWelcome have sprung up. And why many other traditional travel sites — Expedia, TripAdvisor, Hotels.com, and Booking.com — have also installed “Pets Allowed” filters.
But even before Covid-19 hit, statistics already showed that 36.7% of pet owners were planning 3 to 5 getaways with their pets in 2018, and 31.3% were planning to travel with their pets 6 or 7 times more that year. Furthermore, 50% of dog owners were willing to spend more for a dog-friendly stay.
And, with travelers now preferring land to air travel since the pandemic, you can be sure they’ll be bringing their pets along. Some 59% of families said they’re more likely to drive instead of fly for their next trip in 2021.
Read also: 9 Tips to Help Your Airbnb Rental Survive Covid-19
Though the demand for pet amenities is huge, not many hosts are inclined to offer them — for obvious reasons. It’s been estimated that only 3% of listings actually allow animals — which leaves you more opportunities for bookings.
Just try doing a search for an Airbnb Superhost room in any city and you’ll likely get dozens, if not hundreds, of regular listings. However, try turning on the pet-friendly filter and the options drop down to just a handful. That’s a huge opportunity you don’t want to pass up.
Offering a pet-friendly Airbnb will let you appeal to a much larger clientele.
By allowing pets, you can increase your nightly rate or charge extra for the cost of intensive or professional cleaning to remove pet hair after your guests leave. The extra fees will also cover wear and tear, pet amenities, and some “freebies” you may want to throw in: feeding bowls, welcome treats, washable chew toys, a scratching post, potty pads (if you have no outdoor space), maybe a standby crate or carrier.
These small investments will be insignificant compared to the long-term profits you’ll make, plus the satisfaction and delight you’ll give guests for catering to their furry friend’s needs.
Current pet fee rates range from $25 to $50 per night.
And remember to increase the security deposit for any incidental damage.
A pet-friendly Airbnb allows for happy memories — especially for your guests’ kids. And positive guest experiences increase brand loyalty If your customers had a good time and know their pets are always welcome on your property, they’re more likely to return.
A fun, pet-friendly stay not only inspires guests to share their experience with pet-loving friends, but it’ll likely result in favorable reviews, too — generating positive testimonials.
Not sure yet? You can try allowing pets only in the off-season. Taking in pet owners can keep your units occupied during the slow months.
Still not sure? If you’re hosting several Airbnbs, consider allowing pets only on certain properties. Start with the ones that have a yard or patio, those near a dog park or natural surroundings, and of course, those with non-delicate interiors. Those with hard, stain-resistant, and scratch-proof floorings like vinyl, tile, laminate, or stone, are great choices, too.
If you’re now willing to offer pet amenities, follow these tips to make your property purr-fectly pet-friendly.
1. First of all, check your property features and rules. Make sure the unit has enough space to accommodate a four-legged guest. Does it have an enclosed yard where it can’t escape? Will neighbors mind the sound of barking?
Do you have pets too? If you’re just renting out a spare room, it won’t be a good idea to take in other animals.
If you don’t own the property yourself, ask the owner, building administrator, or homeowner’s association in the neighborhood if they’ll allow pets to begin with.
2. Have a well-defined pet policy. Update your house rules and inform your guests of them in advance. Detail all rules about pet type, breed, size, age, and number restrictions, which areas the animals are or aren’t allowed to be in, cleanup and disposal of pet waste, extra charges for incidental damages, etc.
3. If your Airbnb doesn’t have any outdoor space, consider installing an indoor collapsible gate or barrier so that the animal is confined to only certain parts of the unit.
4. Ensure that nothing breakable, chewable, or scratchable is at pet level. Opt for sturdy, solid furniture as much as possible.
5. Provide a mat for the pet to lay on, or ask guests to bring their pet’s bed. Have old towels available at the door for wiping paws, some potty bags and a scoop, paper towels, a broom, a dustpan, and extra cleaning supplies.
6. Get rid of carpets. Stick to small, thin rugs that are easy to wash and clean.
7. Next time you invest in new sofas, couches, or duvets, go for fabrics that are durable and easy to clean. Artificial leather for sofas is a great choice. Otherwise, place throws or slipcovers on existing ones that are made of delicate material. Consider using mattress protectors on beds, or providing extra linen in the closet.
8. Have competent housekeepers. There’s going to be pet dander — and, likely, mites — that could cause an allergic reaction to your next guest. You’ll want to make sure your cleaners are doing an excellent job at doing intensive cleaning.
8. Have a list of recommended dog parks, pet-friendly malls, and cafes, doggie daycares, pet-sitting services, nearby pet stores, and veterinarians.
9. Add “Pets Allowed” to your listing description. And, if your pet-friendly offer proves to be successful in the long run, consider using it as your main draw and include the term “pet friendly” in your listing’s name.
Be mindful that if you do decide to allow pets in your Airbnb, there’ll be that possibility of turning away no-pet guests. There’ll always be sensitive and picky clients whose primary concern is aseptic, “surgery room” cleanliness.
You may balance this, though, by saying — and ensuring — that your units are professionally cleaned and follow the strict Airbnb cleaning protocol.
Read also: How Do You Become an Airbnb Superhost?
There’s a gnawing demand for pet-friendly Airbnbs. And if you’re a pet-lover yourself, you’d know the joys a pet can bring to a family’s vacation — you won’t think twice about accommodating them. Pets, after all, are part of the family.
Note that assistance animals (service dogs and emotional support animals) are not the same as pets, and should be accepted into your Airbnb if they are housebroken and under control.
For more details on Airbnb’s guidelines for pet-friendly amenities, click here.
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