Here at Seaside Vacations, we love our fur babies. Many of us can't imagine going anywhere without them and more and more guests feel the same way. As a vacation rental owner, you might be wondering whether allowing pets in your property is a good idea. Like any property management decision, there are pros and cons of becoming a dog-friendly rental. Keep reading for some of the benefits of welcoming pets (dogs, specifically, at Seaside Vacations) into your vacation rental and we'll provide you with some practical tips on how to make the most of your pet-friendly rental.
Why: Expand Your Potential Customer Base
One of the primary advantages of allowing pets in your vacation rental is the ability to attract a wider range of guests. 87 million holdeholds in the US own a pet and many pet owners struggle to find suitable accommodations that welcome their furry companions. By catering to this market segment, you open up your rental property to a whole new pool of potential customers. This increased demand can lead to higher occupancy rates and ultimately generate more revenue for your business.
Why: Guests Will Stay Longer
Leaving to go on vacation without your pet for a week is an unappealing prospect for many. Add to that the cost of pet-sitting or boarding, and there's a good chance people aren't going to want to travel without their pups. When guests are able to bring their pets with them on vacation, they tend to stay for longer. This means that you could reasonably turn that 3-day short stay into a week or two! Pet owners often prefer to spend extended periods in a destination rather than rushing through multiple attractions so by making your property pet-friendly, you can more easily attract guests who are seeking a more leisurely and relaxed vacation experience. Longer stays translate to more booked weeks and increased income as a homeowner!
Why: More Positive Guest Experiences
If a pet owner decides to leave their pup behind on their vacation, there's a good chance that their overall vacation experience will be diminished by missing their pets. Making your home dog-friendly ensures that pet owners will be more satisfied with your property before even arriving because they know they don't have to leave their beloved fur baby behind. Welcoming guests with pets can help make even more memorable experiences for guests while having pets around makes the vacation rental feel more like home. This often translates into increased satisfaction, more positive reviews, and more repeat bookings - all meaning more income for you!
Why: Competitive Edge
With the increasingly competitive nature of Outer Banks vacation rentals, it's important that you stand out from other homes on the ever-expanding market. By making your home pet-friendly, your home will have a unique selling point that sets it apart from other homes. When vacationers are looking for the perfect vacation rental, they can search on our website for pet-friendly options. When you open the option for guests to bring their best, you increase the likelihood that your home will be the one they choose. Once again, this results in increased bookings and income for your business.
How: Seaside Vacations' Pet Policy
By making your home pet-friendly if you are already part of our property management program, you have the benefit of our pre-determined policies already in place. This will make it easier for both you and for your guests to start booking your home. This way you don't have to spend time figuring out how to implement the legalities of making your home pet-friendly and instead, you can work on adding amenities or simply enjoying the hassle-free approach to property management that comes with being a part of the Seaside Vacations family.
Most dog friendly homes allow two (2) mature, house-trained dogs (75-pound limit). Dogs are not allowed in any rental home unless otherwise indicated. Cats and other animals are not permitted. A $160 fee (plus tax) per dog per week is added to the rental amount. Dogs (and any other animal) are not allowed in pools, hot tubs or spas. Tenants are responsible for any damage incurred by their dog, as this type of damage is not covered under our Security Deposit Waiver Fee. Owners of dogs at non-dog homes will be subject to a $200 unauthorized pet fee and may be evicted without a refund.
Please be aware that all of our beaches have leash laws.
How: Add Pet-Friendly Amenities
To make your home even more appealing to guests, consider adding amenities specifically designed for pets. Invest in dog beds or outdoor pet hammocks for added comfort. Keep food bowls in the kitchen or even create a small outdoor area with a fence for potty breaks and exercise. While these may seem like small things to include as part of your Outer Banks vacation rental home, these small touches can really mean the different between a guest booking your home instead of another.
Let Us Help You Increase Your Profits
We love property management on the Outer Banks and it shows. Family-owned and locally managed for over 30 years, Seaside Vacations goes above and beyond to make sure property management is Hassle-Free, meaning that we’ll take care of the details so that you can get back to taking care of the things that matter most to you. We'll help you make your home pet-friendly and update your listing to reflect that you're now pet-friendly!
When you’re ready to find out more about how we support YOU in your rental property business, request your Complimentary Rental Projection today! Simply fill out this form to receive a commitment-free call from Michelle Russell, our Business Development Director at Seaside Vacations, who can answer any questions you may have about how Seaside Vacations can help you make the most of your Outer Banks vacation rental property.
For Outer Banks dog-related information including leash laws, traveling tips, beach rules, dog rules by town, dog-friendly OBX destinations, etc., please view our Comprehensive Guide to Vacationing With Fido here.
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About the Author: Lauren is an Outer Banks local, mom, trained historian, and travel enthusiast. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with her nose in a book or cuddling with her cats.
