If your holiday home is in a rural or coastal area with plenty of walking opportunities, or if you simply want to reach out to a wider market of potential guests, then it is well worth thinking about accepting pets at the property.

However, before you declare your property pet friendly you need to give careful consideration to its suitability. You may be ready to accept pets, but is your holiday home?

The following information should help you make an informed decision:
 
What are the benefits of accepting pets?

You'll be reaching out to a larger market, which could include some people who prefer to holiday out of season.

It is normal practice to charge an extra fee for bringing pets, normally £10-£20 per pet. This will cover any additional cleaning/upkeep costs that result from pets in the property and means you don't need to worry that your decision will leave you out of pocket. Make sure that any extra costs are clear in your advert and booking contract.

Common worries

Odours You may be worried about your property smelling of dogs, which may not be appealing to non pet owning guests. However, if you ensure the property is well aired after each departure, this shouldn't be a problem.

Hair Pets will shed hair in your holiday home, so it is important to vacuum any carpets and furnishings thoroughly during changeovers. You should also ask guests to make sure pets keep out of the bedroom and off any furniture. Leave a powerful vacuum cleaner in the property so guests can hoover up as they go along.

Damage Request that guests never leave dogs alone in the property and that they keep a close eye on them. Make sure that any fragile items are removed beforehand.

Is my holiday home suitable for pets?

Ask yourself the following questions before deciding to accept pets:

Is there enough indoor space? Is there enough room in the kitchen/living room for a dog to lay down and for guests still to walk around easily?

Are the bedrooms and living areas separate? It will be difficult to make sure dogs are kept off beds if yours is a studio property.

Have you considered putting a stair gate in to prevent dogs from going upstairs? Or in case the guests want to restrict pets to certain areas of the house whilst children or babies are playing on the floor elsewhere in the property.

Are you happy to remove any expensive/fragile furnishings?

If your holiday home is in a resort/complex, do the community rules allow pets on site?

Does your property have a secure, enclosed garden? Are there holes in hedges or fences where animals could escape? This is particularly important if the property leads straight out onto a busy road or a field of sheep.

Finishing touches

Some little extras will show consideration:

A doggie welcome pack. You could include some treats, a new hide bone and some tennis balls for a game of fetch.

Separate water and food bowls.

Waste bags for owners to clean up after their dogs. A shovel and a separate bin in the garden will also be appreciated.

Some old towels to protect carpets when dogs come in from a muddy walk.

www.vacaconnect.com