Furry Friends – Yay or Nay

There’s obviously a number of Pro’s and Con’s to consider to being a pet friendly Airbnb.

Pet friendly Airbnb’s are one of the most popular top amenities that guests search for, although depending on your location and property type it may not fit with your clientele or home type.

Let’s weigh up some options and choose what’s best for you…

The Pro’s!

• More potential guests

Again this a TOP Airbnb amenity so it can open up your clientele range by welcoming in their fur babies.

Do a search in your area to see how many other Airbnb’s nearby are pet friendly, if there’s hardly any you may be on to a winner to help yourself stand out from the crowd. Just remember there also just may not be a high demand in your hood.

• More bookings = more reviews = more bookings!!!

Obviously more bookings mean more reviews, which will in turn, get you a higher ranking on the Airbnb search, sooooo more bookings! Back to back baby!

• Premium Pricing.

High demand for pet friendly stays means you can increase your pricing. People will absolutely pay more to be able to bring along their beloveds, it’s a lot bloody cheaper than having to pay for a sitter or pet hotel.

You can also add on an extra pet fee to your pricing (excludes service animals), this helps cover the extra cost of cleaning for our four-legged guests.

• You might get to meet dogs…

If you live on site to your Airbnb property there is a good chance you may get to meet your fluffy guests, and as we all know dogs are just entirely better than us in every way possible #fact.

And the Con’s…

• More chance for accidents and damages.

Although you can take steps to prepare by moving breakables and making your Airbnb pet friendly, mishaps still happen.

• The Barking… and the pissed off neighbours.

If you’re going to have any issues with neighbours and your Airbnb this will be up top of the list.

• The poop.

Yep poop. Enough said.

• The fur.

Yeh, it’s almost definitely going to take a while longer to clean up. Even if you don’t allow pets on the furniture their fur and floof still manages to get everywhere!

• Allergies

Although you attract more potential guests by being pet friendly, there will also be allergy sufferers that avoid pet friendly Airbnb’s for this reason.

Other Considerations…

Your property type will also be a big influence in your decision making, if you host a luxury all-white Hampton style home, muddy little paws may not be the way to go.

But if you already have an enclosed yard, or easy to clean floors, a few little tweaks and additions and you may be able to create the perfect pet friendly home.

Location also plays a large part in the demand for pet friendly accommodation. Family friendly country stays may call out for fluff friendly homes, but if you’re in the middle of a big city with little demand it may also not be worth it.

Service Animals

These incredible gifts from the heavens (that are factually smarter than a lot of people I have met) must always be welcomed! You cannot refuse a reservation for a service animal, and you must not charge a pet fee. Although you can request for damages should the animal be responsible.

So remember…

Whatever you decide there is no wrong or right way to go, it’s a personal choice. But if you already have an Airbnb and are looking to try increase your booking rates, becoming pet friendly would be a great amenity to try.

If your brand new to Airbnb and already nervous about the process, maybe just start without until you find your groove and get comfortable with the process first.

If you’re on the fence, I would recommend giving it a go, with some hosts reporting drastic increases in booking rates it could mean a whole lot of extra cash in your pocket for potentially little more effort.

Whether you do or don’t, you can always change your mind. Just remember any bookings that have already been made must be honoured. Don’t be a jerk and cancel on them because you have changed your mind.

If you do decide a pet friendly Airbnb is right for you make sure you ‘lay down the law’ and set some house rules.

If you have any more questions let me know, always here to help!

Peace & Love

Steph

xo