In recent years, the vacation industry has witnessed a growing trend: people traveling with their household pets. As a property owner, you may be wondering whether or not to allow pets in your vacation rental. In this article, we cover the pros and cons, practical considerations, and overall stats to help you decide if, when, and how you should allow pets in your Airbnb. We also go over the differences between pets, service animals, and emotional support animals.

The Rising Trend of Pet-Friendly Travel

As of late 2021, "pet-friendly" emerged as the most popular search filter on popular vacation rental platforms like Airbnb. This surge aligns with the increasing number of pets in the United States. With close to 90 million households owning pets, a significant portion of travelers prefer to take their non-human companions along. Moreover, the search trend for pet-friendly accommodations has seen a consistent rise, hinting at a market shift towards pet-inclusive travel.

Searches for “pet friendly airbnb”. Source: Google Trends

Why You Should Consider Allowing Pets

If your property is conducive to hosting animals and is not restricted by factors like high-rise apartment, lack of yard fencing, or homeowners' association (HOA) regulations, allowing pets can be greatly beneficial. The advantages often surpass the potential drawbacks, but here are the main factors you should consider.

Pros:

Increased visibility and bookings: pet-friendly properties stand out, attracting a broader audience.
Higher revenue: additional income comes not only from pet fees but also from a potential increase in the average daily rate (ADR).
Competitive edge: differentiate your listing from others that do not accommodate pets.
Service animals: the process for hosting pets aligns closely with accommodating service animals, which is a legal requirement in many places.

Cons:

Initial setup considerations: selecting pet-friendly fabrics and decor is a must. Just like new parents often need to child-proof their homes, you’ll want to pet-proof yours.
Intensive cleaning: more thorough cleaning will be necessary.
Potential for damage: increased wear and tear or accidental damages.
Noise issues: possibility of noise complaints due to barking.
Increased expenses: from property damage, to stains, it’s typical for the costs of operating your property to go up. This is a primary reason to consider charging pet fees.
Allergy concerns: some travelers might avoid pet-friendly properties due to allergies.

Key Recommendations for Pet-Friendly Hosting

If you are leaning towards welcoming pets, consider these guidelines to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved:

Establish clear pet policies: define rules about where pets are allowed, if they can stay home alone, breeds/sizes that are OK, and instructions for handling waste.
Provide a pet-friendly guidebook: include information on local pet-friendly activities, veterinarians, and doggie daycares.
Offer pet amenities: provide doggie bags, treats, bedding areas, bowls for water/feeding, and extra towels.
Limit the number of pets: generally, two pets are manageable, but be open to discussing exceptions. A guest with 3 well-behaved pets would reach out privately to check if you could make exceptions.

Additional Considerations

When hosting pets, remember to:

Be mindful of allergies: ensure your property can be thoroughly cleaned to accommodate guests with allergies.
Understand service animal regulations for your market: these are not pets and are subject to different rules. See the section below for more information.
Differentiate between 'Pets Allowed' and 'Pet-Friendly': The latter suggests a more welcoming environment for pets, yet takes more effort in terms of setup and attention to details.
Consider various pet types: while dogs and cats are common, decide if you can host other pets like snakes or rodents.
Install practical features: consider adding curtains or child gates for safety and convenience.

Understanding Service Animals in Your Vacation Rental

When it comes to service animals, vacation rental hosts must navigate a set of specific rules and considerations. It's important to understand the difference between service animals and pets, including emotional support animals, and the legalities involved.

Service Animals vs. Emotional Support Animals

No Disclosure Requirement: Guests are not obliged to inform you in advance if they're bringing a service animal. Unlike pets, service animals are not a preference but a necessity for people with disabilities.
Mandatory Acceptance: You must allow service animals in your rental property unless there is a legitimate safety or health concern documented. This rule applies even if your property generally does not allow pets.
Legal Distinction: Unlike service animals, emotional support animals are not granted the same legal protections in most states. However, it's important to note that in states like New York and California, the laws include emotional support animals in some accommodations.
Limited Inquiries Permitted: As a host, you can only ask two specific questions regarding a service animal. These questions are designed to ascertain the necessity of the service animal without infringing on the guest's privacy or rights:

Whether the service animal is required because of a disability.
What work or task the service animal has been trained to perform.

Key Points for Hosts

No Additional Fees: Charging extra fees for service animals is not permissible, as they are not considered pets.
Accommodation Policy: Ensure your rental policy clearly distinguishes between pets, service animals, and emotional support animals.
Awareness and Sensitivity: Educate yourself and your staff (if applicable) about the needs and rights of guests with service animals to ensure a welcoming and compliant environment.

Conclusion

Embracing the pet-friendly trend can open your vacation rental to a wider audience and potentially increase your earnings. By considering the pros and cons and following key recommendations, you can create a welcoming space for both pets and their owners. Ultimately, being pet-friendly isn't just about allowing animals; it's about providing an environment where they, along with their human companions, can enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay.

Embracing Pet-Friendly Hospitality: A Guide to Understand How and When to Allow Pets in your Vacation Rental