No, you don’t need to keep a hoard of bones in the reception area; just follow these five simple steps to being a pet friendly hotel. They’ll help you to become one of a growing number of pet friendly hosts who give their dog travelers and pet parents an authentic welcome and a fantastic stay.

You will undoubtedly already have a set of rules in place for guests without pets. It makes perfect sense to have additional rules for guests coming to stay with their dog. Be clear about your pet rules, and make sure they’re readily available. Post your pet policy on your website, your Facebook page, your Instagram account, and any booking platform you use. You can also send clients a copy of your pet policy with their booking confirmation.  

Dogs can’t read, so it’s not down to your canine visitors but down to the owners to make sure they understand and abide by them. To reaffirm your pet policy and remind guests of the rules, leave a welcoming pet policy card in the room too.

Before you sit down to write the pet policy for your property, ask yourself these questions.

Are my rooms large enough to accommodate big dogs? You don’t want guests to arrive with a German Shepherd when there’s only sufficient space for a Chihuahua. If you’re considering applying size, weight, age, or even breed restriction to the canine guests you can accommodate, make sure you state that at the top of your pet policy.

Am I going to charge a refundable security deposit for damages? Asking for a deposit against damages a dog might cause on your property is a reasonable thing to do. Most pet owners will understand this and not worry about getting their money back if they have a well-behaved pup. But let’s be honest, if your rooms or apartments are full of priceless antiques or expensive furniture, you might want to think twice about admitting pets. Charging guests an exorbitant security deposit to cover any damages to valuables isn’t the right way to go about being pet friendly. Downgrade your interior design, and you’ll be able to welcome pups without asking for a security deposit or having a nervous breakdown.

Are there places in my hotel or rental property where I don’t want dogs to be? If there are certain areas of your property where you don’t want dogs to go, mention them in your pet policy. It prevents awkward situations when your guests are on-site. You might also want to consider using visible signage on your premises so your guests can see clearly the areas where their dogs are welcome and also where they’re not.

Should I provide amenities for dog travelers? To be a truly pet friendly accommodation that makes your clients with dogs feel welcome, yes, you should. It makes all the difference.

Placing even the most basic pet equipment at your dog traveler’s disposal tells their owners that you care about their pet’s comfort.

The minimum pet amenities you should provide are:

• Dog bed
• Food bowl
• Water bowl
• Poop bags
• Bag of treats as a welcome gesture

Being able to inform your guests about local places where they can visit with their dog is a huge plus. It saves them time and the disappointment of arriving somewhere only to find dogs are not allowed. If you can, keep a collection of relevant brochures in the reception area or your apartment. Pet owners will appreciate it.

The best pet friendly activities to look for are:

1. Parks where pups can go off-leash
2. Walks or hiking routes where dogs are permitted
3. Safe swimming areas on your local river
4. Beaches nearby where dogs are allowed
5. Restaurants, pubs, and cafeterias with outdoor terraces that are happy to receive doggy clients

If your accommodation is close to the coast or by a river, be a super pet friendly host and provide a dog towel for your guests to dry their pooch after swimming. It’ll pay you dividends in the long run as you’ll have no soggy dogs making the room or apartment smelly.

Having a dog is akin to having kids. Accidents happen, and they can easily get in a mess. Pet parents sometimes want a night out too but won’t want to leave their furbaby home alone. An important part of being pet friendly is being able to recommend suitable services should your guests need them.

The most important services local to you to know about are:

1. 24-hour emergency vet’s office
2. Dog grooming salon
3. A reliable dog sitter/walker
4. The nearest pet shop or supermarket that sells food and pet accessories

If possible, get to know each of your canine visitors personally. Make a big fuss when they arrive, and every time you see them. This demonstrates to the owners that you really are pleased they’re staying with you. 

Tip: To promote your accommodation’s pet friendly experience, take photos of your canine guests with you, and post them on your website or to your social media accounts. That lets prospective clients know you really are as pet friendly as you say you are.