It’s a question many property owners wrestle with: Should I allow pets in my rental? The answer isn’t always clear-cut. On one hand, pet-friendly vacation rentals often see more bookings and happier repeat guests. On the other hand, pets can bring extra cleaning, unexpected damage, and stricter insurance rules. If you’re unsure whether to make your property pet-friendly, here are five things to think about before you decide.
1. Look at Guest Demand in Your Area
The first step is figuring out whether travelers in your market are looking for pet-friendly vacation rentals. In some places, like beach towns or mountain cabins, families love bringing dogs along for the trip. In city rentals, the demand might be lower.
Search local listings and see how many competitors highlight pet-friendly amenities. If you notice they’re filling calendars quickly, that’s a clear sign that pet policies could work in your favor. You can also check your guest communication history: if people keep asking, “Do you allow pets?” it may be time to reconsider your house rules.
More demand often means more bookings, especially during seasonal demand spikes like summer vacations or holidays when families travel together.
2. Weigh the Risks and Costs
Allowing pets in vacation rentals isn’t just about saying yes or no. It comes with real costs. Scratched floors, chewed furniture, or stained rugs are all possibilities. Even well-behaved pets can leave behind hair that takes extra time to clean.
This is where a clear vacation rental policy helps. Many property managers charge a pet fee or require a refundable damage deposit. That way, if there’s an accident, you’re covered. Some owners also adjust their cleaning fees for pets to account for the extra work.
If you decide to allow pets, be upfront in your listing. Potential guests will appreciate honesty about fees, rules, and expectations. Transparency reduces the chance of poor communication or bad guest reviews later.
3. Think About the Guest Experience
At its core, a vacation rental is about the guest experience. Travelers who bring pets are often some of the most grateful guests you’ll host. They’ll leave glowing reviews when their furry friends feel welcome. A bowl of water by the door, a small fenced area, or a list of nearby dog-friendly parks can go a long way.
Of course, not every property type is suited for pets. If your home has expensive rugs or delicate furniture, the risks may outweigh the benefits. In those cases, it might be better to keep your listing pet-free and attract quality tenants who expect a spotless, no-pets environment.
Remember, happy guests often turn into repeat bookings. If you design a comfortable guest experience that includes pets, you’ll likely see more loyalty over time.
4. Review Your Property Setup and Insurance
Before changing your policy, walk through your vacation home as if you were a pet owner. Is there ample storage space for crates or pet gear? Are there breakable items sitting low on tables? Would a dog have easy access to a yard or outdoor space?
Some property managers add simple upgrades like washable slipcovers, outdoor showers, or pet gates to make their homes more durable. Even keyless entry systems can be handy (no need to juggle keys while walking a dog).
Also, don’t forget the fine print. Check with your insurance provider and property management company (if you use one). Some policies limit the breeds or number of pets you can allow. Others may raise your premium if you advertise your vacation rental as pet-friendly.
5. Consider the Impact on Bookings
For many property owners, this is the deciding factor. Pet-friendly vacation rentals often bring in more bookings, especially from families who don’t want to leave their dogs behind. Those guests are often willing to pay higher nightly rates or extra fees, which can boost rental income.
But it’s not guaranteed. Some guests may avoid pet-friendly homes due to allergies, so you’ll need to balance both sides. A good approach is to highlight your cleaning routine clearly in your listing. Mention professional cleaning or hypoallergenic practices to reassure potential guests.
If you notice fewer bookings in your current setup, adding pet options could attract a new audience. On the other hand, if your calendar is already full with repeat bookings, you might not need to make changes at all.
The Middle Ground: Flexible Pet Policies
Not every property owner wants to go fully pet-friendly, and that’s okay. You can create flexible policies. For example:
- Allow small dogs but not large ones.
- Cap the number of pets per stay.
- Charge a per-pet fee to cover cleaning.
- Require pets to stay off furniture or in certain rooms.
Clear signs in the house (like friendly reminders about rules) help manage expectations. Strong guest communication keeps things smooth.
This middle-ground approach allows you to attract tenants who value pet-friendly stays while still protecting your property.
So, Should You Allow Pets in Your Rental?
There’s no single right answer. If you’re in a market with high demand, if you want more bookings, and if you’re okay with adding clear rules and fees, then allowing pets might bring long-term success. If your home is fragile, high-end, or already booked solid, keeping it pet-free could make more sense.
The important part is making a decision that matches your goals as a property owner. Just remember: whether you say yes or no, explain it clearly in your listing. A well-written policy avoids poor communication and keeps guest expectations realistic.
And if you do decide to go for it? Make your rental shine with professional photos, highlight your pet-friendly amenities, and invite those glowing reviews. Guests will thank you, and your calendar just might start filling faster. And when it comes time to list, Houfy makes it easy to showcase your rental directly to travelers looking for pet-friendly stays—no extra booking fees, just more eyes on your property.
