Why Pet-Friendly Rentals See Higher Occupancy Rates and How to Capitalize

Why Pet-Friendly Rentals See Higher Occupancy Rates And How to Capitalize

In a crowded vacation rental market, standing out can be tough. But there’s one unexpected way to gain an edge: go pet-friendly.

In today’s vacation rental market, a surprising competitive advantage has emerged: welcoming four-legged guests. Property owners who open their doors to pets aren’t just being kind to animals, they’re also making a strategic business decision backed by compelling data.

Pet-friendly rentals consistently outperform their no-pets-allowed counterparts in both occupancy rates and revenue, creating an opportunity that savvy property owners can’t afford to ignore.

The Pet-Friendly Advantage: By the Numbers

After combing through Whimstay’s extensive reservation database and cross-referencing with our proprietary market analytics, we’ve uncovered compelling evidence of the pet-friendly advantage in the vacation rental market:

Pet-friendly rentals book 54% more often than properties that don't allow pets, representing a dramatic difference in occupancy rates.
In 2022, pet-friendly rentals commanded an Average Daily Rate (ADR) of $379—9% higher than the $346 ADR for non-pet-friendly rentals.
As of 2022, 45% of U.S. households have at least one dog, creating a substantial market of travelers unwilling to leave their furry family members behind.
Major booking platforms including Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com report significant increases in travelers using the "pet-friendly" filter when searching for accommodations.
Research from the U.S. Travel Association indicates that pet travelers stay 30% longer on average and spend 40% more per trip than travelers without pets.

The Whimstay data reveals not just a trend, but a fundamental shift in how travelers view their pets.

Travelers no longer want to kennel their animals during vacation. They consider their pets to be essential family members who should come along for the journey.

Why Pet Owners Pay More

The premium pricing that pet-friendly rentals command isn’t surprising when you consider the alternatives pet owners face. Traditional options like boarding facilities or pet sitters can add hundreds of dollars to vacation costs, not to mention the emotional toll of separation.

Many pet owners are willing to pay more for accommodations that allow them to bring their pets, viewing it as both a convenience and a necessity.

Additionally, pet owners often show greater appreciation for properties that welcome their animals, understanding that not all rentals offer this option. This appreciation can translate to:

How to Capitalize on the Pet-Friendly Market

If you’re a property owner looking to tap into this lucrative market, here are strategic approaches to maximize the benefits while minimizing potential downsides:

1. Create Pet-Friendly Policies That Protect Your Property

Establish clear guidelines that welcome pets while protecting your investment:

2. Make Pet-Friendly Modifications

Small investments in pet-friendly amenities can justify premium pricing and lead to glowing reviews:

Install durable, easy-to-clean flooring in high-traffic areas.
Provide designated pet waste disposal areas on the property.
Include pet amenities like food and water bowls, pet beds, or toys.
Create a resource guide with local pet services (veterinarians, dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants).
Consider fencing a portion of outdoor space for safe off-leash time.

3. Highlight Pet-Friendly Features in Marketing

Make your pet-friendly status a central part of your property marketing:

Feature pets in property photos (when appropriate).
Create a special section in your listing highlighting pet amenities.
Include testimonials from previous guests who brought pets.
Use "pet-friendly" in your property title and description.
Tag your property appropriately on all booking platforms.

4. Consider a Pet Fee Structure

Rather than absorbing all pet-related costs into your base rate, consider:

This approach allows you to capture additional revenue while offsetting potential additional cleaning or maintenance expenses.

Learn more about listing your property with Whimstay here

Overcoming Property Protection Challenges

Understandably, you may be hesitant to allow pets due to concerns about damage, cleanliness, or noise. However, these issues can be effectively managed:

Property Damage: A combination of pet deposits, thorough screening, and clear policies can minimize risk. Many hosts report that children actually cause more damage than pets.
Allergies: Implementing deep cleaning protocols between guests and using allergen-reducing products can address this concern. Consider designating specific units as pet-friendly if you manage multiple properties.
Noise Complaints: Setting clear expectations with guests about noise management and responding promptly to any issues can prevent problems.

The Future of Pet-Friendly Rentals

The trend toward pet-friendly travel shows no signs of slowing. Millennials and Gen Z, who often consider pets to be family members, represent a growing segment of the travel market. These demographics are willing to spend more on pet-inclusive experiences and are loyal to brands that accommodate their four-legged furbabies.

As competition in the vacation rental market intensifies, pet-friendly status offers a significant differentiator that can boost visibility, occupancy rates, and revenue. If you’re a property owner who thoughtfully implements pet-friendly policies now, you could be positioning yourself to capture this growing market segment for years to come.

Learn more about listing with Whimstay here