Travelling with a furry friend shouldn’t mean sacrificing comfort or adventure but sometimes finding the perfect pet-friendly accommodations can leave guests chasing their tails. If you are looking to expand your Airbnb’s appeal and cater to new clientele, opening your doors to well-behaved pets could be the answer.
Ensuring a smooth experience for your pet guests requires some preparation. That is why we have curated a comprehensive guide that will equip you with everything you need to know about running a successful pet-friendly Airbnb. Let’s dive in.
Steps to hosting a pet-friendly Airbnb
By tailoring your Airbnb space to accommodate furry companions, hosts not only expand their potential guest demographic but also foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere for those travelling with pets, including service animals. Here are the steps on how to create a pet-friendly environment.
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Set clear house rules
Before you begin hosting, establishing clear guidelines for pet behaviour and expectations, including any additional fees or rules, helps create a harmonious environment for all guests.
You may want to consider setting a maximum number of pets allowed per booking and the type of animals allowed. For instance, some Airbnb’s will accept cats and dogs, while others may be dog-only. You may also include a requirement of up-to-date vaccination certificates for all pets.
State specifically about where pets are allowed to go in your Airbnb guidebook and whether pets need to be supervised or on a leash in certain areas like the bedroom or pools. Moreover, emphasise guest responsibility for cleaning up pet waste and messes to ensure overall cleanliness in the Airbnb.
Don’t be afraid to charge a pet fee. You may need to carry out additional cleaning costs or fix broken or damaged items in your rental home. Just make sure to be reasonable!
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Pet-proof your space
In order to make sure your Airbnb is safe and comfortable for pets, consider installing pet-friendly surfaces and fabrics that are easy to clean.
Accidents can happen, even with house-trained pets. However, cleaning hard surface floors, like tile or wood, will be much easier than carpet. So it’s best to avoid absorbent carpets, rugs, and surfaces that will be difficult or time-consuming to clean.
If you want to stick with carpet, strategically placed throw-rugs are a great option as they can easily be tossed in the washing machine. On that note, we recommend investing in washable items throughout your home — such as throw blankets, floor coverings, and furniture. This will protect your upholstery from pet hairs and accidents. Regarding toileting, designate an area for potty breaks. Providing a litter tray, waste bags, or a space for pets to “do their business” will be extremely helpful to pet parents.
Pets are curious by nature. For that reason, store away any electrical cords, fragile objects, poisonous flowers, and any other household items that could pose a hazard to your furry guests. If you do have areas in your home that are off-limits, be sure to install a gate or barrier to prevent them from entering. This also goes for Airbnb rentals which have a back garden — ensure the yard is fully fenced to prevent any runaways!
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Provide additional pet-friendly amenities
Small touches go a long way. If you are looking to be an outstanding Airbnb host, consider providing food and water bowls, comfy pet beds, treats, additional cleaning supplies, and toys. Most pet accessories are pretty inexpensive and will definitely leave canine guests feeling right at home.
Additionally, if guests are new to the area, they may be seeking insider knowledge. Elevate your pet-friendly Airbnb by promoting nearby pet-friendly areas and activities such as parks and dog-friendly restaurants. It is also worth noting down the telephone numbers and addresses of nearby veterinary clinics in case any accident or emergency were to occur.
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Maintain your reputation
Hosting pets can result in additional cleaning and maintenance — in order to keep up those “paw-sitive” five-star reviews, you may need to invest in pet-specific cleaning tools and supplies. This may include specialist vacuum cleaners which will effortlessly help you remove any pet hairs, pet odour eliminators, and stain removers for any tough pet-caused stains. Or if you lack the time to do this yourself, finding an in-house Airbnb cleaning service may be the solution. Here at Frank Porter, we provide the best general and deep cleaning services for your properties as well as for your guests.
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Update your listing details
The last step of having a pet-friendly Airbnb is updating your listing to let your guests know they can bring their companions to your rental home. Guests travelling with pets will be expecting a description outlining your pet policies, pet-friendly amenities, and features. Not only will this save your guests’ time, but supplying this information upfront will prevent any mishaps or guest complaints from occurring.
Partnering with Frank Porter
By following these tips and creating a welcoming space for furry and feathered friends, you can transform your Airbnb into a haven for pet owners seeking a comfortable and enriching travel experience with their beloved companions.
At Frank Porter, we’re here to help you go above and beyond for your guests, creating memorable stays while making a difference. If you would like to learn more about how you can leave an everlasting impression on your guests, contact our team today. Additionally, check out our blog page for more informative Airbnb guides.