The Pros and Cons of Allowing Pets in your Vacation Rental Property

It is becoming increasingly common for individuals to adopt and own pets. It's no surprise that pets provide emotional comfort, especially with today's fast paced and stress-ridden lifestyle.

If you own a vacation rental property, it's important to decide whether you wish to adopt an open pet policy. However, in order to make an education decision, you must be aware of the benefits and the drawbacks of accepting pets in your rental property.

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Benefits of Allowing Pets in your Property:

  1. Larger tenant pool

When vacationing, many pet-owners desire to bring their pets along with them. If you allow pets in your vacation rental property, you are creating more opportunities to keep your unit occupied. This means you will earn a steady stream of income.

  1. Opportunity to charge higher rent

Since not all rental properties are accepting of pets, being a pet-friendly vacation rental gives you a chance to charge higher rent and an additional pet fee. As a result, you will earn more income.

  1. More responsible tenants

Owning a pet comes with many responsibilities. A pet owner is accountable for taking good care of their pet. If the tenant can care for a pet, it can be assumed that the tenant will also care for your vacation rental property.

  1. Happier tenants

Pets bring happiness to their owners. So, a tenant who owns a pet will be a naturally happier individual. Also, if they have their pet, they will feel happier and more comfortable staying in your vacation rental home. If your tenant is happy and satisfied, he will keep coming back to your vacation rental property. This will make your rental more popular, resulting in zero vacancies.

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Although there are benefits to accepting pet in your vacation rental property, there are also drawbacks.

Drawbacks of Allowing Pets in your Property:

  1. Increased potential for property damage

Sometimes, pets are not well trained by their owners. When this is the case, the pets can cause damage in your vacation rental. For instance, they can chew papers, tear rugs and scratch the walls and the floors. By allowing pets in your vacation rental property, there is a higher chance of property damage.

  1. Chance of injury

If a pet gets triggered, there is a chance the pet may attack or bite a person. This can interrupt a relaxing vacation for a vacationer in your property and cause them a lot of stress.

  1. Source of noise nuisance

As a vacation rental owner, you want to provide a tranquil environment. Sometimes pets can disrupt the peace and calmness as they make noises. For instance, if dogs are barking, this can disturb the serenity. This may cause frustration to nearby vacationers in the area. As a result, you might face complaints.

Barking-Dog-Noise-Property

  1. Air ducts and carpets can trap allergens

If you accept pets in your vacation rental property, additional maintenance may be required. If you allow a pet in your property, but your next tenant is allergic to pets, it can cause them serious discomfort. This means that you will have to prioritize maintenance and hire cleaning services to ensure that your vacation rental is allergen free.

  1. Pet odors

Some pets are not properly trained. They may urinate or leave their feces anywhere in the property. Again, this means that you will be required to seek additional maintenance and cleaning for your property.

It may seem that the disadvantages are heavy, but there are ways to deal with them. If you want to maximize the advantages of allowing pets in your rental property, such as receiving a higher income, there are ways to manage the risks.

Tips to Manage the Risks in a Pet-friendly Vacation Property

  1. Collect information

In order to make a good decision, you want to collect relevant information. One way to do so is by interviewing the pet owner beforehand.

Here are a few specific questions that you can ask the pet owner during an interview:

  • How many pets do you own?
  • What is the pet's breed and size?
  • How long have you owned your pet?
  • How have you trained your pet?
  • What type of vaccines does your pet have?
  • How does your pet react around people? Is your pet sociable? Does your pet get along with other people and animals?

You also want to pay attention to the owner's sense of responsibility. Look out for the following:

  • The pet has a proper leash, treats and toys prepared by the owner.
  • The pet owner meticulously cares for his pet and provides love and adequate attention.
  • It's clear that the pet is disciplined and well trained.
  • The pet follows his owner's commands swiftly and obeys him dutifully.
  1. Include a pet policy in your lease

Another way to manage the risks is to ensure there is a clear pet policy in the lease. Make sure your lease covers topics on pet fees, insurance and pet maintenance. After all, as a vacation rental owner, it's your responsibility to protect your investment.

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Bottom Line

Being a pet-friendly vacation rental has some drawbacks. However, if you collect information and have a clear pet policy, you can manage the risks. Accepting pets in your vacation rental property will reward you with higher income and satisfied tenants.

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