Are you a vacation rental owner looking to attract more guests and stand out from the competition? Do you adore dogs and want to extend a warm welcome to them in your space? In this blog post, we'll delve into why allowing dogs in your vacation rental can be a game-changer and how you can go above and beyond to cater to travelers who bring their furry friends along. As passionate dog lovers ourselves at Book Our Place, we'll share insider tips, recommendations, and heartwarming stories to inspire you to transform your rental into a haven for dog lovers.

Why Welcome Dogs?

Before we get into the specifics, let's explore why welcoming dogs into your vacation rental can be a fantastic decision:

???? Expanded Market

Opening your doors to dogs broadens your rental's appeal to a wider audience of travelers who prefer to vacation with their canine companions.

???? Increased Bookings

Dog-friendly accommodations are in high demand, especially among pet owners who often struggle to find suitable places to stay.

???? Enhanced Guest Experience

Many dog owners consider their pets to be part of the family. By accommodating their furry friends, you're not only providing a place to stay but also creating memorable experiences for both humans and their beloved pets. Guests who travel with their dogs are more likely to book longer stays. Dogs can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort for travelers, making them more inclined to extend their vacation and explore the area further.

???? Positive Reviews

Happy dogs mean happy guests, and happy guests are more likely to leave glowing reviews of their stay. By providing a dog-friendly experience that exceeds expectations, you'll give your guests good reason to want to let others know how accommodating you are to pets.

???? Repeat Business

Dog owners tend to be loyal customers once they find accommodations that meet their needs. By establishing your vacation rental as a dog-friendly destination, you'll likely see an increase in repeat bookings and referrals from satisfied guests.

???? Awesome Guests

We find that people who love dogs are the type of guests we enjoy hosting. And well, we love dogs as guests too! So by creating dog friendly hosting opportunities, we find ourselves hosting the type of guests we enjoy the most. People and their beloved furry friends. We're firm believers that all dogs, not just service animals, deserve a warm welcome. So why not roll out the red carpet for every furry guest that crosses your threshold? Regardless of their role, every canine guest deserves a special reception in your rental space. After all, why limit the joy of pet-friendly hospitality to only a select few? Make your space that celebrates the unique bond between humans and dogs.

Going Above and Beyond:

Now that you're convinced of the benefits, let's explore how you can take your dog-friendly vacation rental to the next level.

???? Comprehensive Information

Offer guests an array of detailed resources on nearby amenities and services catering to their canine companions, such as local dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants and attractions, and emergency vet clinics. This thoughtful approach not only anticipates their needs but also enhances their overall experience. Go above and beyond by continually updating pet resources and discounts for your guests. By networking with other dog-loving establishments, your referral can include exclusive discounts and offers for your guests.

???? Thoughtful Amenities

Stock your vacation rental with a range of dog-friendly amenities and let your guests know what will be provided. This may include pet beds, blankets, towels, bowls, leashes, potty pads and bags and toys. Many travelers fly to their destination and knowing that the host will provide pet amenities helps guests travel light. When providing these amenities, Go above and beyond by learning the size and breed of the pet and provide amenities that will fit the guest dog. We find that including a pet cleaning catty in the vacation rental is often much appreciated. The catty can include items such as fragrance free dog shampoo, pet wipes, lint rollers, carpet spot spray and poop bags.

???? Personal Touches

Add personalized touches to make both humans and dogs feel welcome. A handwritten note welcoming the guests and their furry friend can go a long way in making them feel welcome. Go above and beyond by learning the dog’s name so you can put a welcome note personalized to them.

???? Safety Measures

Ensure that your vacation rental is safe and secure for dogs. This may involve installing baby gates or cupboard locks to restrict access to certain areas, securing trash cans to prevent scavenging, and checking for any potential hazards both indoors and outdoors. Remove poisonous plants, refrain from using toxic baits, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides. Be clear with guests on what they can expect from the yard and nearby neighborhood. Publishing fence heights and outdoor access can help guests quickly provide for their pet’s immediate needs upon arrival. Dog friendly vacation rentals that go “above and beyond” have fenced yards where dogs can roam safely or access to pet friendly hiking trails within walking distance. They have immediate and obvious access to “pet potty” areas that are inviting and accessible. Test It Out! We recommend inviting your best furry companions over to try out your vacation rental. If you get their pawsitive review, you’re on the right trail to success. If there is anything lacking, you can usually quickly satisfy these forgiving guests with an ear-scratch.

Stories from the Heart:

At Book Our Place, we're passionate about creating memorable experiences for our guests. We've had the pleasure of hosting dog-loving travelers and their furry companions. Here are just a couple of our favorite stories:

???? Sammy's Emergency:

Sammy, a cherished Muttadoodle vacationing with his owners, fell ill one evening. Remembering the vet information in our guidebook, Sammy’s humans quickly wrapped him up in one of the doggie blankets and rushed him to the recommended clinic. This quick action and our helpful resources ensured Sammy received prompt care. It turns out that Sammy ate too many plums at the local winery and needed his humans reassured he’d be just fine the next day. And he was!

???? Breezy’s Adventure:

Meet Breezy, the adventurous Corgi who joined her human companions on their vacation. Her owners appreciated the dog-friendly restaurant recommendations we provided, allowing them to enjoy delicious meals together without leaving Breezy behind. And of course, she had a blast frolicking at the local dog-friendly park, making new furry friends and creating cherished memories.

Giving Back

At Book Our Place, we believe in giving back to our furry friends in need. That's why we donate used towels and linens to local animal shelters, including the Humane Society of Sonoma County and Concern For Animals in Olympia, WA In a world where dogs are family, not just pets, welcoming them into our vacation rental is a personal decision, and one that we've made and haven't regretted. By going above and beyond for your furry guests, you'll create unforgettable experiences and foster lasting connections with your human visitors too. So why wait? Embrace the opportunity to become a haven for dog lovers and watch your vacation rental business thrive– one wagging tail at a time! Explore our website to learn more vacation rental hospitality tips!