In every 10 American households, expect to find a pet in six or seven homes. Today, pets are considered part of the family. That is why many people do not want to leave them behind while traveling. However, pet-friendly traveling is still a complicated subject. Most Airbnb hosts are not sure whether they should be making their properties pet-friendly. After all, pets are messy and can be destructive. However, considering the number of people traveling with their pets, particularly domestic travelers, it is wise to make your rentals pet-friendly. In the article below, get to learn some helpful tips that will come in handy if you choose to allow pets into your property.

Provide the necessary amenities

In the same way, if you feel that it is important to have a welcome basket gift for your guests, you should extend that courtesy to pets. Providing pet amenities shows your guests that you not only care for them but their pets as well. You can be sure they will leave a good rating that can help you attract more guests. Here are some of the amenities you should provide:

• Pet treats
• Toys
• Food and water
• Bowl for food and water
• Chew toys
• Tether
• Pet crate
• Extra cleaning supplies

Including pet fee

One of the things hosts are worried about is that hosting pets will lead to more cleaning. The Airbnb cleaner will have to do a thorough cleaning to eliminate any pet fur or smell for the next guest. To cover such costs,they include a pet fee. That way, you will be able to meet those extra cleaning costs without feeling strained. Plus, a pet may cause damage to your furniture, and you will have to replace it. You can request your guests to make a deposit which will be refunded if there are no pet damages after their stay.

Suggest pet-friendly areas

Pet owners are not planning to lock their pets in an Airbnb as they go to explore the new area. Make things easier for them by suggesting nearby places they can visit with their pets. This includes local parks, restaurants, and beaches.

Did you know facts on pets? 🐶🐱
Pet Facts. 94% of pet owners say their animal pal makes them smile more than once a day. The American Veterinary Dental Society states that 80% of Dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.

Protect your furniture

Making your property pet-friendly means your furniture is at a high risk of damage. Considering that quality furniture is expensive, take preventative measures to reduce the risk. For instance, you can use slipcovers to prevent damage to your furniture. Slipcovers can easily be removed, washed, and put back. It is also a good idea to get a dog bed so that the dog does not have to sleep on the guest’s bed or your furniture. Another alternative is investing in fabrics that are resistant to stains or fur, like microfiber or canvas.

Establish clear rules

In your listing description, let the rules regarding pets be clear. Vague descriptions or beating around the bush will only lead to misunderstandings. Also, keep in mind that the word dog friendly is commonly used interchangeably with pet friendly. If you are not allowing any other pet apart from a dog, be specific. Here are some common rules you will have to let the guest know.

They shouldn’t break any of rules. ⭐⭐⭐

• Only a certain dog size is allowed
• The dog must be healthy and up to date with vaccinations
• Guests never leave the dog unattended in any room.
• Guests are responsible for cleaning up after the dog
• The guests will always have their dog on a leash when outside
• The dog uses the dog bed provided and not the guest bed.

Set boundaries

If there are areas where you have fragile or valuable objects, and you do not want to risk any accident, tell the guests that their pets should not access that room. You can use fence gates to mark which areas are restricted.

What is the most popular pet?

Pet dogs don’t beat out cats, fish, or birds in sheer numbers, but more households have at least one dog in them than any other pet, making dogs the most popular pet in the world. Recent surveys show cats are a close second, followed by fish (12%), birds (6%), and other pet types (6%).

One of the reasons most people choose not to make their Airbnb rentals pet friendly is because of cleaning and the possibility of damage. However, it is a good niche to explore if you follow the tips mentioned above. Also, talk to the Airbnb cleaner to be thorough in cleaning up once a guest leaves.