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Many accommodation providers wonder whether their property should be pet-friendly, that is, whether they should accept pets. If they decide to take that step, they ask themselves new questions — should they charge extra for a pet’s stay, and how much.
The decision to accept pets affects occupancy, revenue, and the day-to-day management of accommodation.
There are many questions, especially for accommodation providers who are just starting out, because they have no personal experience either with pet owners or with pets themselves as guests. That is why they often seek advice from other accommodation providers, and the experiences are, as always, mixed — both positive and negative.
That is exactly why this article is dedicated to the advantages and disadvantages of accepting pets, to help you decide whether your property should be pet-friendly or not.
Advantages for pet-friendly properties
Wider market
If you decide to accept pets and advertise your property as pet-friendly, it is very likely that you will reach guests more quickly. Many people travel with their pets, and there is still not enough accommodation that accepts them.
Additional advertising channels
Besides the classic portals where guests can find you using filters, there are also portals specialized in pet-friendly accommodation, such as Pet Friendly Accommodations. This gives you additional advertising channels without extra effort.
Higher earnings
Many accommodation providers charge extra for pets. Most often, this is a fee of around €10 per pet per night. For a 10-day stay, this can mean an additional €100 of income for one pet.
Better reviews and recommendations
Guests who travel with pets are often especially grateful to hosts who welcome them, because such accommodation is harder to find. For that reason, they are more likely to return and also recommend the accommodation to friends who travel with their pets as well.
Disadvantages for pet-friendly properties
Noise
Dogs bark, cats meow — that is reality. If neighbors are sensitive to noise, complaints are possible, which can create unpleasant situations for both you and your guests.
Allergies
Many people are allergic to pet hair, which can remain in the space even after thorough cleaning. As the owner of a pet-friendly property, you will need to pay special attention to deep cleaning, washing textiles, and disinfecting the space.
Fleas and ticks
Even with good care from the owner, pets can bring in fleas and ticks after spending time outdoors. If they appear in the property, they can cause serious problems and additional costs.
If fleas appear, the property may have to be closed for several days for pest control treatment.
That is why it is recommended to inspect the space thoroughly after every pet stay and react in time.
Damage
Although many pets are used to staying indoors, a new environment can trigger unwanted behavior. Pillows, sofas, or other pieces of furniture may become tempting targets.
There is always some risk, so it is good to have quick solutions and spare items ready so that the property is prepared for the next guests.
Should you choose the pet-friendly option?
Before making a final decision, think about the following questions:
- Is your property in a residential building?
Think about how tolerant the neighbors are to noise and what the sound insulation of the property is like. - Does the property have a yard?
A fenced green area is a big advantage for guests with dogs. - Are there pet-friendly facilities and beaches nearby?
If there are not, guests may have a worse overall stay experience. - How do you personally feel around pets?
If you are allergic or have a fear of animals, think about alternatives such as self check-in or hiring another person to do the cleaning.
This decision should not be made hastily. Even if you love dogs and cats, you are renting the property to other people, and you cannot know how they care for their pet.
If you still decide on the pet-friendly option, be sure to highlight it clearly. Quality photos of pets in the apartment, yard, or by the pool can be a strong motivator for potential guests.
After all, who can resist those cute little faces?
Do you want to highlight that your accommodation is pet-friendly?
On Apartmanica websites, you can clearly emphasize right on the homepage that pets are welcome and thus stand out from the competition.
