Welcoming Our Furry VIPs (Very Important Pets)

In today's environment, pet-friendly accommodation is no longer a niche offering – it is a powerful way to provide a unique point of difference for your accommodation experience while attracting a wider audience and developing guest loyalty.

Whether it is a couple chasing the sun for the winter months, a tradie who regularly travels to regional areas for work, or the family heading off for the school holidays, leaving the much-loved furry family member at home is no longer a consideration. With more guests opting not to put their much-loved fur baby into care while travelling, accommodation operators have an opportunity to stand out by welcoming this growing demographic.

But what does it take to successfully create a pet-friendly accommodation offer while continuing to ensure the experience you are delivering to your other guests is not negatively affected?

In our latest blog, we look at the operational requirements you need to take into consideration as part of your decision-making process.

Communication of Additional Guest Charges

Most guests understand that pet-friendly accommodation operators will charge an additional fee to cover cleaning costs, potential damage, or extra guest amenities that are provided for pets: such as beds and bowls.

By ensuring your pet-friendly services and additional charges are clearly communicated on your website, you are creating a transparent environment while highlighting the value-added services that you are providing for pet owners.

Creation of Designated Pet-Friendly Spaces

Ensure your property has dedicated guest rooms and, or areas for guests travelling with pets. These spaces should be equipped with pet-proof flooring such as wooden floorboards or tiles, easy-to-clean furniture, and secure outdoor areas.

If space allows, providing a secure pet-friendly play area that allows pet owners to take their furry family members for exercise and social engagement with other animals can become a great feature of your experience.

Developing a Tailored Pet Amenity Program

Provide pet owners with thoughtful touches such as water and food bowls, pet beds or a furniture cover sheet, waste bags, and even treats.

There are also examples of hotels that have elevated their available experiences by creating pet-friendly mini-bars, tailored room service menus, and pet-minding services.

Safety Measures

Consider installing fencing for outdoor areas, secure windows and balconies, and ensuring all plants on your property are non-toxic to animals.

Create Clear Policies & Guidelines

Establish clear pet policies to ensure guests understand their responsibilities when travelling with their furry family members. These might include:

• Communicate which types of pets you are not set up to accommodate at your property.

• Communicate any weight or breed restrictions, the maximum number of pets allowed per room, and rules for noise and cleanliness.

• Communication of areas where pets are allowed within the property, including pet relief zones, and if they must be kept on a leash when outside of the room.

• Guidelines about noise levels and not leaving pets unattended.

• If you have a restaurant onsite, what arrangements are available to accommodate pets.

• What the procedures, and added costs, are if damage is caused during the stay.

Staff Training

Ensure your staff are comfortable dealing with pets and how to manage potential issues, such as cleaning up messes or addressing noise complaints. This provides a seamless experience for both the staff and guests.

Collaboration with Local Pet Services

When in an unfamiliar destination, pet owners want to ensure their beloved family members will be well looked after by businesses that come highly recommended.

Elevate your guest experience by partnering with local veterinarians, groomers, pet-sitters, and dog-walkers to provide your guests with convenient access to other pet-friendly services.

Other Areas for Consideration

When communicating with non-pet-traveling guests, reassure them that your property’s decision to offer pet-friendly accommodation does not detract from delivering exceptional experiences tailored to all guests - whether they are animal lovers or simply seeking a peaceful getaway.

• Ensure your pet-friendly rooms are clearly shown within your online booking system so that guests with allergies do not inadvertently book a room that welcomes pets.

• Highlight how you maintain clean and allergen-free rooms that are designated specifically for non-pet guests, ensuring a tranquil and enjoyable stay.

• Emphasise your rigorous cleaning protocols to mitigate pet-related odours, fur, or allergens across the property.

• Share details about pet-free zones, such as dining areas or lounges, where guests can relax without encountering animals.

There are accommodation operators that are simply unable to welcome pets to their property; for example, an accommodation experience immersed within a nature and wildlife environment where native animals roam freely across the property. If this is the case, ensure your staff can clearly communicate this reasoning to your guests to avoid any confusion or mixed messages.

Why Pet-Friendly Accommodation Matters

Beyond the operational and marketing aspects, in creating a pet-friendly experience complements your brand’s inclusivity and warmth.

Implementing thoughtful operational guidelines for pet-friendly accommodations can significantly enhance positive word-of-mouth marketing. By creating a seamless and welcoming experience for both pets and their owners, guests are more likely to share their satisfaction with friends, family, and on social media platforms.

Developing a pet-friendly accommodation experience can be both rewarding and profitable. So, whether you are running a boutique motel or a sprawling resort, don't underestimate the power of wagging tails in establishing a new community of positive word-of-mouth advocates.