Should You Allow Renters to Bring Their Pets on Vacation?

There are a lot of decisions you need to make when you start renting your vacation property to others. One decision that shouldn’t be overlooked is whether to allow renters to bring their pets with them when they stay in your rental. Many pet owners consider their furry friends as family members and they can’t imagine vacationing without Fluffy or Fido by their sides.

If you decide you do not want to allow pets, you run the risk of alienating a group of potential renters. Of course, there are also risks if you do allow pets. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the pros and cons of running a pet-friendly vacation property, and discuss the protections your vacation rental insurance may provide.

Pro: Allowing Pets Could Result in More Bookings

Allowing pets can help you secure bookings from guests who travel with their pets in tow. This could help you increase the number of bookings, keeping your rental calendar full. If you choose to make your property pet-friendly, you could be appealing to a growing number of travelers who are looking specifically for digs that will accommodate their four-legged travel buddies. The attractiveness of your listing will only grow if your property is located near pet-friendly activities like hiking, camping and the like.

Con: You Could Alienate Renters Who Prefer Pet-Free Rentals

On the other hand, renters with allergies to pet hair or dander may not like the idea of staying in a rental where pets have been and may pass by your listing in favor of a pet-free option.

Con: Property Upkeep Will Increase Significantly

Allowing renters to bring their pets when they stay in your vacation property may result in greater wear and tear to the premises. You may need to replace furniture and flooring sooner than you otherwise would. You may also have to arrange for pest control services and increase the frequency of carpet cleaning.

Pro: You Could Charge More and Turn a Profit

If you allow pets in your vacation rental, you could consider charging a fee to account for extra cleaning costs and the like. Depending on how much you decide to charge, you could potentially turn a profit using this strategy.

Con: You Could Open Yourself Up to Greater Liability Risks

If you are a vacation rental property owner or manager, there’s another reason to carefully consider allowing pets in your rental property: If a renter’s pet injures a neighbor, delivery person, or visitor while at your rental, the injured party could sue you for damages.

Fortunately, having the right insurance can protect you from these risks. A vacation rental policy that includes damage and liability protection will give you the coverage you need if a guest’s pet damages the property or if you become the target of a personal injury lawsuit resulting from a bite or attack.

To Allow Pets or Not to Allow Pets…That is the Question

Making your short-term rental pet-friendly presents earning potential for your business. As more and more travelers opt to bring their pets with them on vacation, you could be tapping into a great opportunity that could result in more business for you. On the other hand, you could be opening yourself up to issues you’d rather not have to solve. Weigh your options and go with the choice that best suits your vacation rental business.

Whether or not you choose to allow pets at the vacation rental properties you own or manage, protecting your investment with CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance is a smart move. Ready to learn more about how insurance for short-term vacation rentals can help protect your investment? Contact us today for a free consultation.