Do you accept pets? This is becoming a very common question to Vacation Rental owners today. Many travelers and vacationers desire to bring along their pet and are seeking owners of vacation rentals that will accept a pet. If you search for vacation rentals online you will find there are really two categories that owners fall into when it comes to pets. Absolutely Not and Yes with restrictions.

Owners who do not accept pets as visitors are simply passing on any reservations that include pets – no pets – no pet problems. Many owners do not accept pets because of potential damages but also to prevent complaints from guests that have really sensitive noses, noise nuisance (barking) or have pet related allergies. Allergies are the reason you will have a really hard time finding anyone that will accept a cat as a visitor. The cat dander is a serious problem for many people with allergies and for owners it is a hard problem to mitigate. If a cat has been a visitor even for a few days it is often necessary to professionally clean all linens, upholstery and carpets.

Without a doubt “small lap dogs” are extremely popular and have become family members and traveling companions. The rise in small dog ownership has lead to a big increase in the number of vacationers that require pet friendly accommodations. These owners are extremely attached to their small dogs and will not travel or book a vacation home that does not allow for their little furry friend. It is worthy to note that most of the owners of these small dogs are very conscientous and meticulous in their care. Many small dogs are crate trained and spend most of the day with their owners outside and sleep in their crates. Owners want to travel with their dog. This is quite different from people who have to travel with their dog.

Increasing competition for vacation rental reservations has many owners reconsidering their pet policies. Perhaps the small lap dog is a good segment to consider. Many pet owners are willing to pay an additional daily pet fee. If a traveler was to board their dog at a reputable kennel or pet care center they would be required to pay from $20 to $40 daily. Most pet owners expect to pay a fee to bring along a small dog. Another safety net for owners considering accepting pets is to increase the security deposit required or a non refundable portion. Perhaps at a minimum you collect a $150 pet fee for a monthly visitor to cover the carpet cleaning costs. Additional questions you may wish to qualify vacation renters with a pet can be simple yet effective – How much does the pet weigh (20 lbs or less), how long is pet unattended and is the pet house trained? Set your standards and convey your expectations of pet owners and you may find several more bookings for your vacation rental!

Most vacation rental directories have pet friendly icons or ways for visitors to distinguish if pets are allowed. Furnishedhomes.com is a website connecting owners and renters that allows for searches that include pets allowed – Yes, No and Inquire filters. This filter allows visitors to eliminate properties that do not allow for pets, include only those that definitely allow pets and those that owners may consider a specific breed or size.