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Your Hotel Should Be Pet-Friendly: 3 Ways to Entice Pet Owners

Nearly 70 percent of American households have a furry friend, and 65.1 million Americans own a dog, Forbes reports. Most of them consider pets to be true members of the family. It’s no surprise that more people hope to bring their pets with them on vacation. Hotels are already starting to accommodate them, so you don’t want to be far behind.

Seventy-eight percent of pet owners have acquired new family members recently, so Hilton wrote that hotels must be more welcoming towards pets. Those pet owners travel with their furry friends, a major demographic you don’t want to exclude.

“Over the last nearly two years, our brands have had to adapt and grow with travelers to meet their evolving needs – whether it was innovating the booking and check-in experience, enhancing on-property wellness elements, or better accommodating pets,” said Matt Schuyler, Hilton’s chief brand officer.

Not only should hotels tolerate pets, but guests will be much more enticed by those who offer real pet accommodations.

Write your policy

Establish clear guidelines to ensure things are consistent and run smoothly. These guidelines may include specifying designated pet-friendly rooms, reasonable fees or deposits, and outlining rules to ensure the comfort and safety of all guests.

Well-defined policies help avoid potential issues like noise disturbances or damages. Detail what the consequences might be for excessive barking or other potential issues.

Be sure to clearly outline any size and breed restrictions for pets you’d like to implement, specify leash requirements in common areas, and communicate any pet-related amenities and services within your policy. You should also detail your cleaning protocols for pet-friendly rooms to reassure guests with allergies if you don’t create designated rooms.

Pet-inclusive amenities

As mentioned earlier, travelers don’t just want a place to tolerate their pests; they want one that celebrates their pets as the hotel celebrates them. Providing designated pet-friendly rooms with amenities like cozy pet beds, food and water bowls, and even welcome kits with treats can be exceptionally welcoming.

Outdoor spaces or pet-friendly courtyards also allow guests to get their pets some exercise. You could also offer concierge services that provide information on nearby pet-friendly parks, veterinary clinics, and grooming services. You can incorporate environmentally conscious practices in pet amenities, like providing biodegradable waste bags that appeal to eco-conscious travelers.

Special packages

Packages are important to cost-conscious travelers, and pet owners aren’t excluded. Create special packages that cater to pet owners, including perks like discounted pet fees, complimentary pet amenities, or exclusive offers on pet-related services like dog talking – you can even partner up with a local group to do this. You can partner with local pet-centric businesses to offer exclusive discounts or promotions for guests with pets. These kinds of packages also add value to the stay with you going forward.