Help with Dog Friendly property

[Anne-Marie78]

Hi Everyone - am new to this & a bit nervous about asking a question, I have an Airbnb that is dog friendly but rarely get bookings from dog owners - any tips on how I can up my dog friendly profile please? I have two rascals myself & never go anywhere without them (not even to the bathroom - not my choice lol)

[Lawrene0 · Accepted solution]

This is a nice change from the usual post about guests and dogs, @Anne-Marie78 . I guess a good answer would be keep doing what you are doing and you will have guests sneaking in pets in no time. 😉

Seriously, though, looks like you are doing a good job of attracting travelling pets. I am dog friendly, and have to admit to being thankful for the dog-less stays and the lack of extra cleaning, so I have no real advice for getting more dogs in the place. You have "pets" right in the one listing title, which is good. Maybe get in an interesting-looking dog dish, and have it in the photographs? Do up a google map of great dog-walking routes in Portrush? 

Best of luck!

[Anne-Marie78]

Thanks @Lawrene0,

love the idea of the dog dish & the google map dog walking routes,

I'll get on that right now 🙂

[Anne-Marie78]

@Lawrene0 just wanted to update you - I got the most lovely ‘Beach Dog’ dog dish & the photo takes pride of place in my listing photos - I’m sending this from my phone but will send you a pic when I’m at my laptop - thanks again for the top tip!

hiping all is well with you,

best wishes,

Anne-Marie

[Lawrene0]

It is very nice, @Anne-Marie78 !  Hope it does the trick! Only advice would be to add a caption to that photo that is something like, "We love dogs!" maybe?

Just said goodbye to two sweet dog guests here. Because I specify "laid-back, well-trained dogs", every guest tells me in the messaging that their dog is laid-back and well-trained. Then they drive up, open the door, and Rover knocks me down and tears off into the woods. 🙂

However, these last two, a german shepherd and a rottweiler, looked a bit intimidating through the car window, but got out and were good as gold. 

They restored my faith in caninity. 

Here's to all the good dogs who will drink from that pretty dish of yours!

[Mary996]

Hi @Lawrene0  Lawrence thanks for your tips. We have been asked if we'd consider a family with a dog. I'm thinking.... maybe this once. In my daughter's room where she had a visiting dog  before. And asking for a deposit and a separate additional charge. Is this all of the considerations? Any other pointers? And would you possibly be kind enough to direct me to the 'warning stories'.... just so I'm prepared xxxxx Thank you so much. Loved your suggestions to Anne-Marie.

[Lawrene0]

I don't know about extra charges, @Mary996 . I don't charge anything. I would if there were a pet fee option to tick, but going through the resolution centre is more fuss than I want. You cannot ask for a deposit outside of the system, so do keep that in mind.  

In my case, I allow pets, at no extra charge, at the treehouse listing, which is separated by many acres from the house, but not for love nor money in our bedroom-in-the-house listing. I have been very stern with people who want to bring pets into our house, since I do have deathly allergic extended family. I like my family, and like having them visit, so guests don't get to break that rule. 

I am worried about your "maybe this once". We've all been there. Flexibility is good. But best advice is that you make your rules for a reason, so think hard about what you want, and remember that it is your house. If all you need to break your own rules is an extra fee, then go for it.

As to the warnings, take a look around this forum. Key words are "pets", "pet fees", things like that. For sure look up "emotional support animals" and "service animals". That's its own topic, of course.

Hope that helps a little. I'm no expert, but I am doing one pet-friendly and one no-pets listing, so I do have some experience. The cool thing is that I have no horror stories to tell. Even the guest and his pet rabbit who stayed in our woods made it out alive! 🙂

[Mary996]

Haha! They survived. Funnily enough I took a rabbit walking with me. Pet seemed to like it. Cuddled inside a baby sling! Thanks so much for your tips. Actually they really guided me. And to revert to you on the matter. No I'm not having dogs in the house. You really helped me to clear that up in my mind... Many Thanks Lawrene. @Lawrene0  xxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Stevie14]

Maybe add "Dog Friendly" to your listings title so it stands out. When my husband and I travel with our dogs that's the first thing that catches our eye. Also, make sure the box is checked for pet friendly in your settings so your listing shows when people are using the search filters.

[Anne-Marie78]

Thanks @Stevie14 I’ll Take on board all your tips 🙂

[Anne-Marie78]

Hi Mary,

lovely to connect with you!

I can honestly say that my guests that bring their dogs are the best - they have all left everything in spotless condition - floors washed, hoovered etc absolutely no issues whatsoever.

I suppose that anyone who loves their animals that that much that they want to bring them with them are very responsible pet owners.

I know when I was lucky enough to be able to rescue my second one, she had been so badly treated that I wouldn’t have been able to take her to stay in somebody else’s home, happily - a year down the line she is so well behaved that I will proudly take her anywhere.

In return - as a responsible host (at least I hope so!) I make sure that the property is geared up for pets - I have one with no outside space and close to a busy road so I make that clear & ask guests to discuss their pet’s needs with me before booking.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do,

kind regards,

Anne-Marie