Pet-Friendly STR Guide: Boost Bookings & Revenue

Pet ownership in America has reached unprecedented levels, with over 66% of households now including at least one pet. For short-term rental owners, this represents both a significant opportunity and a challenge. Pet-friendly properties consistently outperform their pet-free counterparts in booking rates, but without proper systems in place, welcoming pets can lead to property damage, guest complaints, and operational headaches. Learn more about creating exceptional stays in our Guest Experience Optimization Guide.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about creating a successful pet-friendly STR operation. From crafting bulletproof policies to selecting durable furnishings and implementing thorough cleaning protocols, you will learn how to tap into the lucrative pet travel market while protecting your investment.

Understanding the Pet Travel Market

Before diving into the operational details, it is essential to understand why the pet travel market deserves your attention. The numbers tell a compelling story that every STR investor should consider carefully.

According to the American Pet Products Association, Americans spent over $136 billion on their pets in 2022, with pet services including travel accommodations representing one of the fastest-growing segments. The pandemic accelerated pet adoption rates dramatically, and these new pet owners are now seeking travel options that include their furry family members.

Why Pet Owners Are Your Ideal Guests

Pet owners who travel with their animals tend to share several characteristics that make them excellent STR guests:

• They book longer stays: Pet owners often extend trips to make travel worthwhile for their animals, resulting in longer average booking durations and reduced turnover costs for hosts.
• They pay premium rates: Finding quality pet-friendly accommodations is challenging, so pet owners willingly pay pet fees and higher nightly rates for properties that genuinely welcome their animals.
• They become repeat guests: Once pet owners find a property that treats them well, they return repeatedly rather than risk the uncertainty of new accommodations.
• They leave detailed reviews: Pet owners appreciate hosts who go above and beyond, and they express this appreciation through positive, detailed reviews that attract more bookings.
• They book during off-peak periods: Many pet owners avoid peak travel seasons, helping to fill your calendar during traditionally slower times.

Market Competition Analysis

Despite the massive demand, only about 15% of vacation rentals actively welcome pets. This supply-demand imbalance creates a significant competitive advantage for hosts willing to accept pets. In many markets, pet-friendly properties maintain higher occupancy rates and can command premium pricing compared to similar non-pet properties.

Creating Your Pet Policy

A clear, comprehensive pet policy protects both you and your guests while setting proper expectations. Your policy should address every potential scenario while remaining welcoming and reasonable.

Essential Policy Components

Your pet policy should clearly address the following elements:

• Accepted pet types: Most hosts focus on dogs and cats, but consider whether you will accept other animals. Be specific about any breed or size restrictions.
• Number of pets allowed: Set clear limits based on your property's size and layout. Two pets is a common maximum for most properties.
• Weight limits: Some hosts restrict pets by weight. If you implement weight limits, ensure they are reasonable and clearly stated.
• Vaccination requirements: Require proof that all pets are current on vaccinations, particularly rabies.
• Behavioral expectations: Specify that pets must be house-trained, non-aggressive, and under owner control at all times.
• Areas of property: Clearly state where pets are allowed and any restricted areas such as specific rooms or furniture.

Pet Fees and Deposits

Pricing your pet acceptance appropriately protects your property while remaining attractive to pet owners. Consider implementing a tiered approach:

• Non-refundable pet fee: A flat fee per pet per stay, typically ranging from $50 to $150, covers additional cleaning and wear. This is your most important revenue offset.
• Refundable pet deposit: An additional security deposit, usually $200-500, held against potential pet-related damages. Refund this if no damage occurs.
• Nightly pet fee: Some hosts charge $15-35 per night per pet for longer stays, which can be more equitable for extended bookings.

Policy Documentation

Create a separate pet agreement that guests must acknowledge before booking. This document should detail all rules, fees, and consequences for policy violations. Include:

• Complete list of pet rules and expectations
• Fee structure and deposit terms
• Damage liability acknowledgment
• Emergency contact requirements for pet-related issues
• Local pet regulations and leash laws
• Consequences for undisclosed pets

Property Preparation and Pet Amenities

Setting up your property to accommodate pets requires thoughtful preparation. The goal is to create an environment that is welcoming for pets while being resilient enough to handle the additional wear they bring.

Flooring Considerations

Flooring is often the first casualty of pet-related damage. Make smart choices that balance durability with aesthetics:

• Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): The gold standard for pet-friendly rentals. Waterproof, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Quality LVP can be indistinguishable from hardwood.
• Tile: Excellent for entryways and high-traffic areas. Completely waterproof and easy to maintain.
• Indoor-outdoor rugs: Use washable or replaceable area rugs over hard flooring. Avoid high-pile carpets that trap pet hair and odors.
• Carpet tiles: If carpet is necessary, use modular carpet tiles that can be individually replaced if damaged.

Furniture Selection

Choose furniture that can withstand pet use while remaining stylish:

• Leather or faux leather: Wipes clean easily, does not trap hair or odors, and ages gracefully even with pet use.
• Performance fabrics: Crypton, Sunbrella, and similar stain-resistant fabrics are designed for durability and easy cleaning.
• Slipcovers: Removable, washable slipcovers protect furniture and can be replaced cost-effectively if damaged.
• Elevated furniture: Pieces with legs allow for easier cleaning underneath, where pet hair accumulates.

Essential Pet Amenities

Going beyond basic accommodation to provide pet amenities delights guests and justifies premium pricing. Consider including:

• Food and water bowls: Provide elevated, non-tip bowls in stainless steel or ceramic for easy cleaning.
• Pet bed: A quality, washable pet bed shows you genuinely welcome animals.
• Welcome treats: A small bag of quality treats creates an immediate positive impression.
• Waste bags and disposal: Supply waste bags and designate a disposal area for pet waste.
• Pet towels: Provide dedicated towels for wiping muddy paws before entering.
• Local pet information: Include a guide to nearby dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, veterinary clinics, and pet supply stores.

Outdoor Space Preparation

If your property includes outdoor space, proper preparation is essential:

• Secure fencing: Inspect fencing for gaps, weak spots, or areas where pets could escape. Consider the fence height relative to athletic breeds.
• Gate latches: Ensure all gates have secure, self-closing latches that curious dogs cannot open.
• Designated relief area: Create a specific area for pets to relieve themselves, preferably with easy-to-clean ground cover like pea gravel.
• Toxic plant removal: Remove any plants toxic to pets, including common landscaping choices like azaleas, lilies, and sago palms.
• Outdoor water station: Provide a fresh water source for outdoor use, especially important in warm weather.

Cleaning Protocols for Pet-Friendly Properties

Thorough cleaning between pet-hosting guests is non-negotiable. Pet allergies affect approximately 10-20% of the population, and even guests who love animals expect a clean, odor-free environment.

Enhanced Cleaning Checklist

Your post-pet cleaning routine should include these additional steps:

• HEPA vacuum all surfaces: Use a vacuum with HEPA filtration on all floors, furniture, and soft surfaces. Pay special attention to corners and under furniture.
• Lint roller and pet hair remover: Follow vacuuming with manual hair removal on upholstery and bedding.
• Enzyme-based cleaners: Use enzymatic cleaners rather than standard cleaning products, as they break down organic matter that causes pet odors.
• Air filtration: Run air purifiers with HEPA filters during the cleaning process and for several hours afterward.
• Fabric freshening: Wash all removable fabric items including throw blankets, pillow covers, and pet bedding.
• Hard surface sanitization: Clean and sanitize all hard floors with pet-safe cleaners.
• Outdoor cleanup: Thoroughly inspect and clean outdoor areas, removing any pet waste.

Odor Elimination

Pet odors are the most common complaint from guests following pet stays. Implement a multi-layered approach:

• Source elimination: Identify and clean the source of any odor rather than masking it.
• Baking soda treatment: Apply baking soda to carpets and upholstery, let sit, then vacuum thoroughly.
• Ozone treatment: For persistent odors, consider periodic ozone treatment. Use professionally or follow safety guidelines strictly.
• Ventilation: Open windows and doors when possible to allow fresh air circulation.
• Quality air fresheners: Use subtle, natural scents rather than overpowering artificial fragrances.

Cleaning Team Training

If you use a cleaning service, ensure they understand pet-specific cleaning requirements:

• Provide written protocols for post-pet cleaning
• Supply specialized cleaning products and equipment
• Allow additional time in the turnover schedule
• Establish a checklist for verification
• Implement quality control inspections

Managing Risks and Handling Issues

Despite best efforts, issues will occasionally arise with pet guests. Having systems in place to handle problems protects your property and reputation.

Insurance Considerations

Review your insurance coverage before accepting pets:

• Liability coverage: Ensure your policy covers incidents involving guest pets, including bites or injuries to others.
• Property damage coverage: Verify coverage limits for pet-related property damage.
• Notify your insurer: Inform your insurance company that you operate a pet-friendly rental.
• Consider additional coverage: Specialized STR insurance policies often provide better pet-related coverage than standard homeowner policies.

Damage Documentation

Proper documentation protects you when damage claims arise:

• Pre-stay photos: Document your property's condition before each pet stay with dated, comprehensive photos.
• Immediate inspection: Conduct thorough inspections immediately after checkout, before the security deposit window closes.
• Detailed damage records: Document any damage with photos, descriptions, and repair cost estimates.
• Communicate promptly: Contact guests about damage immediately and professionally.

Handling Common Issues

Address these common pet-related issues with established procedures:

• Noise complaints: Have protocols for addressing barking dogs, including communication templates and escalation procedures.
• Undisclosed pets: State consequences clearly in your listing and enforce them consistently.
• Allergic subsequent guests: Schedule extra cleaning time after pet stays before guests who may have allergies.
• Aggressive animal reports: Have a clear policy for addressing reports of aggressive behavior.

Marketing Your Pet-Friendly Property

Once your property is properly set up, effective marketing attracts pet-owning guests who will appreciate your efforts.

Listing Optimization

Make your pet-friendliness prominent and appealing:

• Title inclusion: Include pet-friendly in your listing title when possible.
• Photo featuring: Include photos showing pet amenities and fenced yards.
• Description emphasis: Dedicate a section of your description to pet-specific features and policies.
• Amenity selection: Ensure all pet-related amenity boxes are checked on booking platforms.

Pet-Specific Keywords

Incorporate terms that pet owners search for:

• Dog-friendly
• Pet-friendly vacation rental
• Fenced yard
• Pets welcome
• Dog-friendly cabin/beach house/etc.

Review Management

Actively cultivate reviews that mention your pet-friendliness:

• Ask pet-owning guests to mention their pet experience in reviews
• Respond to reviews highlighting your pet policies
• Address any pet-related criticism constructively and publicly