Have you ever traveled with your pet and seen a rental that promises “pets okay”? Wtf—okay? I’m glad my furry family friend is okay, but personally, I’d rather charge a toddler’s fee than a pet fee. Toddlers cause far more damage than dogs. In my experience, people who travel with pets not only love their animals deeply, but they’re also responsible pet owners.
When I started traveling with my “kids,” I took mental notes for my next stay: no carpet. Ugh—nothing masks the smell of urine where dogs mark their territory. And yet many hosts tack on $50–$100 per pet, per night!
I know I’m supposed to be non‑biased—after all, I’m building this site and want to celebrate every host—but first and foremost, I was a traveler, then a host. These are just observations. You can be a successful host without all these tips, but if you want to go beyond “okay” with dogs and really embrace them, their owners will notice. You’ll not only get more bookings, but when you show respect for dogs, your guests will, too. Guests take cues from their host.
Suggestions to Make Your Home More Dog‑Welcoming
- Waterproof Flooring: Swap carpet for LVP, tile, or sealed concrete. Add washable throw rugs—Ruggable is great, but if that’s pricey, grab colorful, machine‑washable rugs on Amazon. Keep a spare in storage for quick swaps after accidents.
- Food, Water & Waste Stations: Spend a few bucks on a sturdy dog‑food-and‑water station. If you have a fenced yard, set up a waste station stocked with poop bags.
- Washable Blankets & Beds: Offer at least one pet bed or blanket with a removable cover. Even if you ban dogs from sofas or beds, toss down a blanket—guests will feel better, and you’ll avoid fur on upholstery.
- Local Pet Resources: In your home manual (or welcome email), link to nearby dog‑friendly parks, restaurants—and of course to DogsBnB’s curated resources! Include emergency‑vet info (and in my mountain area, a warning about coyotes).
- Fair Cleaning Fees: Instead of surprise pet‑hair surcharges, set one modest cleaning fee for every booking. Non‑pet guests won’t be greeted by dog bowls, and everyone’s expectations are clear. You can not be a success without your team. Give your cleaners whatever they want. Tell them to expect dogs every visit. You never want to alienate a guest without pets. Your cleaners will be happy. If you have two beds and the guest only ues one, do they charge you less? NO! Your hme should always be spotless.
- Welcome Treats & Swag: A cookie jar of dog treats is a small touch with big impact. Better yet, partner with a pet brand for freebies. Greet human guests with a welcome gift—and pups with treats or swag.
Stop charging greedy “pet fees” (or at least lower them) and start showing four‑legged guests some respect. Keep your home in top shape, charge fairly, and treat all guests with care—and you’ll see higher return rates (mine are about 70 percent!). First impressions matter: make every member of the family—tails included—feel at home.
Instead of “Peace Out,” let’s go with: “Paws Up!”
Jen
PS - remember every time you click a link - you are not paying an up charge, but you help keep us running.
- Dog Food Station: https://www.chewy.com/frisco-premium-bone-shape-wood/dp/357752
- Waste Station : https://www.chewy.com/leash-boss-wall-mount-dog-poop-bag/dp/989374
- Poop Bags: https://www.chewy.com/original-poop-bags-usda-certified/dp/200250
- Pet blankstes: https://a.co/d/cRfFSCO
- Dog beds https://www.chewy.com/bedsure-orthopedic-waterproof-dog-cat/dp/1289926
- Property Management Software for automated tasks: https://hospitable.com/?grsf=k0rslp
