If you are an Airbnb host, you may have noticed that more and more guests are travelling with their pets. As a result, it’s a good idea to make sure that your short-term let is pet friendly. With an increasing number of travellers looking to book an Airbnb with pets, a pet-friendly listing and property is likely to bring you more bookings and more business. In this post, UpperKey has some tips and tricks to help you accommodate four-legged guests and make their stay as comfortable as possible.
Update Your Listing
The first step to making sure that your Airbnb is pet-friendly is to update your listing. Make sure that your Airbnb pets acceptance is clearly stated in the title and description of your rental listing. This will help you attract pet owners who are looking for suitable accommodation to stay in.
In your listing, be sure to mention any rules or restrictions that you have in place for pets. For example, you may require that pets are well-behaved, house-trained, vaccinated, and up to date with flea and worming treatments. You may also request that guests clean up after their pets or keep them off the furniture. By being upfront about your expectations, you will help prevent any misunderstandings or conflicts with your guests.
Create a Pet-Friendly Space
To make your Airbnb more inviting to pets, you will want to create a pet-friendly space. For example, this may involve making some changes to your rental with Airbnb for dogs and other pets in mind. For example, you may want to invest in pet-friendly furniture, such as pet beds or a sofa with a slipcover that can easily be cleaned.
It’s also worth considering providing pet-specific amenities, such as pet bowls for food and water. These items can be relatively inexpensive, but they can make a big difference when it comes to the overall comfort and convenience of your guests.
Keep Your Rental Clean
Keeping their pets clean and comfortable is one of the biggest concerns that pet owners have when travelling. As an Airbnb host, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your rental is clean – and this may take some extra work if you allow pets. In between each booking, make sure that your rental is free from any pet hair and other debris.
If you’re going to be cleaning yourself, invest in a good vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies that are pet-safe. You may also want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service for in between guests to ensure that your rental is thoroughly clean and disinfected. If you work with a professional cleaning service, make sure that they use pet-friendly cleaning products.
Provide Information on Local Pet-Friendly Attractions
For guests who are travelling with pets, it can sometimes be challenging to find pet-friendly activities and attractions. As an Airbnb host, you can make things easier for your guests by providing information on local pet-friendly attractions such as parks, beaches, and restaurants.
You can create a list of pet-friendly places to visit and include it in your Airbnb listing or a guest welcome pack. This is a great way to help your guests plan their trip and make the most of their time in your area.
Communicate With Your Guests
Communication is key when it comes to hosting Airbnb guests with pets. You should ensure that you are available to answer any concerns or questions that your guests may have about travelling with their pets.
Be proactive when it comes to communicating with your guests before and during their stay. For example, you may want to remind them of any rules or restrictions that you have in place for pets or provide them with further information on the nearest veterinarian in case of an emergency.
Continue Charging a Pet Fee
An increasing number of guests are looking to book an Airbnb with dogs and other pets, and they are often willing to pay more for the privilege of being able to bring their pet with them. Many Airbnb hosts choose to charge a pet fee for the purpose of covering any additional cleaning or damage that may be caused by pets. If you decide to charge a pet fee, be sure to state this clearly in your listing and explain what the fee covers. This will help to prevent any disputes or confusion amongst guests.
Consider the extra time and effort required to clean and prepare your rental for pets when determining the pet fee amount. It’s also worth researching what other Airbnb hosts in your area are charging for pet fees to ensure that you are pricing competitively.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
When hosting Airbnb guests with their pets, it’s crucial to be prepared for emergencies. You should always have a plan in place in case a pet is injured or falls ill during their stay. Add information on local emergency pet clinics and vets in the area to your guest welcome pack. It’s also worth adding a pet first aid kit to your rental with some basic supplies such as antiseptic, bandages, and tweezers.
Check Your Insurance Coverage
Before you list your Airbnb as pet-friendly, it’s important to check your insurance coverage. Some insurance policies may not cover damage caused by pets or may have specific pet-related restrictions.
Review your insurance policy carefully to make sure that you are covered in the event of any damage caused by pets. If necessary, you may want to consider purchasing additional coverage that includes pet-related damage.
Get Guest Feedback
After hosting Airbnb guests with their pets, it’s worthwhile getting feedback from them on their experience. Doing this will make it easier for you to identify any areas where you can improve your pet-friendly accommodation and amenities.
You can send your guests a follow-up email asking for feedback after their stay or ask them to leave a review of their experience on your Airbnb listing. Any feedback that you get can be invaluable in helping you improve your rental to attract more guests with pets in the future.
Do you want to start a pet-friendly Airbnb, or are you looking to attract more guests with their pets to come and stay in your current rental? UpperKey can help! We have years of experience working with Airbnb hosts around the world, including those who welcome pets. From marketing your property to pet owners to cleaning in between guests and getting rid of any pesky stray pet hairs, our Airbnb management service is designed to help you succeed. Contact us today to find out more about what we can do for you.