The Benefits of Pet-Friendly Short-term Rentals
More and more travelers these days are looking to bring their furry companions along on vacation. In fact, a recent survey found that a whopping 64% of people traveling with pets said they would not consider booking a rental that didn't allow pets. As an Airbnb host in the Hudson Valley area, making your rental pet-friendly could significantly expand your pool of potential guests and increase your revenue. Here are some of the key benefits of allowing pets in your Hudson Valley Airbnb.
Increased Demand from Pet Owners
One of the biggest advantages of allowing pets is that it opens your rental up to a whole new demographic of travelers. There are currently over 90 million pet dogs and cats in the US, and around 68% of US households have a pet. That's a massive market of potential guests you could be missing out on if you don't allow pets.
Significant Revenue Gains
Not only does allowing pets increase demand among pet owners, but these guests are often willing to pay more for the privilege of bringing Fido or Fluffy along. Pet fees allow you to generate significant additional revenue from each booking.
For a real life example, look at the numbers from 4 bedroom vacation rentals in Saugerties, NY. On average, pet friendly 4 bedroom rentals generate a massive $13,000 more in annual revenue compared to homes that don't allow pets.
The reason is simple - pet owners know they'll have limited rental options so they're willing to pay more, especially in popular vacation destinations like the Hudson Valley. By charging a reasonable pet fee - say $50 - $100 per pet - you can easily capitalize on this willingness to pay extra.
When you do the math, even just a handful more bookings from pet owners each year can make a huge difference. Those numbers add up fast.
Lower Vacancy Rates
Another big advantage of allowing pets is that it helps lower vacancy rates during slower seasons or weekdays. There is consistent demand year-round from pet owners looking to travel with pets. This helps smooth out occupancy throughout the year.
For example, while families with kids may primarily travel during peak summer months, pet parents take trips year-round. Lower vacancy means greater annual income for your rental.
This effect is clear when looking at the data. In Saugerties, 64% of available 4 bedroom rentals are pet friendly. These rentals enjoy much higher occupancy rates and fewer gaps between bookings than non-pet friendly homes. Opening up your home to pets can help maximize booking rates in the same way.
Positive Reviews & Reputation
Travelers deeply appreciate being able to bring their pets, which also results in higher online ratings and reviews for pet friendly rentals. Positive word of mouth and reviews help drive repeat visits and referrals, further boosting your occupancy and income.
Many top performing Hudson Valley Airbnb rentals highlight that they are pet friendly right in the listing title or description. They know this attracts more bookings. But it also results in greater guest satisfaction as pet owners appreciate a welcoming environment for their furry family members.
Lower Owner Stress
For many rental owners, the idea of allowing pets causes some trepidation around potential damage or increased wear and tear. However, with the right precautions and preparation, most pet owners cause very little damage. The additional pet fee also helps offset any potential issues.
Having clear house rules around cleaning, crating when alone, repair fees, etc also helps set expectations. And conducting thorough pre and post-stay inspections also allows you to charge cleaning fees in the rare event of accidents or damage.
The small minority of irresponsible pet owners can be mitigated through preparation, fees, and inspections. For most rental owners, the stress around allowing pets is unwarranted compared to the boost in income and occupancy it generates. Some basic preparation is well worth it for the significant revenue gains.
Adopting Pet-Friendly Practices
If you do decide to expand into the pet-friendly rental market, here are some best practices to allow pets while also minimizing any hassles:
- Charge a non-refundable pet fee per pet, such as $50-$100. This covers any extra cleaning or wear and tear.
- Outline pet policies clearly in your listing - size limits, number allowed, pet rules, fees, etc. This sets expectations.
- Make a checklist for pre and post-stay pet inspections. Document any issues to justify retaining damage deposits if needed.
- Use covers on furniture to prevent shedding and scratching
- Store breakable decor safely out of reach to prevent accidents
- Require crating when pets will be unattended to prevent misbehavior
- Provide list of local pet sitters/walkers to make travel easier for guests
- Offer amenities like food/water bowls, beds, treats, poop bags to go above and beyond
With the right policies and preparation, allowing pets can be a seamless - and highly lucrative - addition to your Hudson Valley Airbnb. The increased demand, higher rates, lower vacancies, and better reviews make going pet friendly well worth it from a revenue standpoint.
And pet owners will appreciate you going the extra mile to accommodate their furry family members. Meeting this growing need in the marketplace can set your rental apart.
Turning Your Airbnb Into a Pet Paradise
Haus Vacation Rentals is dedicated to enhancing every aspect of the short-term rental experience, from optimizing property listings to providing exceptional guest support.
If you're interested in increasing your STR's return on investment and experiencing the benefits of professional management, contact Haus today and discover what their tailored solutions can do for you and your property.
