How to design a pet policy for your vacation rental

Being pet-friendly means more than simply opening your doors to guests' pets; it also means going above and beyond in preparation for their stay. That includes having a well thought out pet policy to ensure everyone is on the same page during a stay.

1. Set clear pet rules

This is one of the most important parts of a pet policy because it’s your opportunity to set clear rules on what is and isn’t allowed on your property regarding pets. We’ve included some of the top considerations when drafting your rules:

• Types of pets. Identify what species of pets are allowed on your property. Dogs and cats are typically a given, but are you open to reptiles, birds, or other small mammals?
• Behavior requirements. This can be where you stipulate certain restrictions, like aggressive animals or those with behavioral issues. You can also require dogs to be potty trained and cats to be litter box trained.
• Number and size limitations. It’s well within your right to limit the number and size of pets that can be in the space at one time.
• Health requirements. You can say that pets that don’t have a clean bill of health aren’t welcome, especially since some illnesses can live on surfaces for days. All pets should be up to date on their vaccines.
• Breed restrictions. If you or your neighborhood or locale has breed restrictions, a pet policy is where you can share those.

As with everything else involved in setting up a rental, be sure your policies align with local and state legislation and the policies outlined on the rental site you use to promote your property.

A note about breeds and liability

Regardless of our feelings, some breeds have a negative connotation. That applies to some insurance companies as well. Be sure to know what your homeowners and short-term rental insurance stipulations are for breeds because some may not cover any damages caused by excluded breeds like Akitas, German Shepherds, or Mastiffs.

2. Responsible owner oath

Just as there will be expectations on you as the property owner, so too should there be expectations on the pet owner renting from you. You can include an oath for owners to sign that include their promise to:

• Ensure their pet isn’t left unattended for long periods
• Be responsible for their pet’s behavior, hygiene, and well-being
• Clean up after their pet
• Let their pet use the bathroom in appropriate areas
• Be legally and financially responsible for any and all damages caused by their pet
• Maintain liability insurance for their pet in the event of an accident or incident

3. Charge a pet fee

Pet fees can help ensure that you have the proper financial support in the event of needing to replace items damaged by a pet. A refundable pet fee is a great option to instill trust in your renters and can be a benefit to those pet owners that are diligent in their management of their pets. On the other hand, non refundable pet fees can be a lifesaver in situations where pets caused damage.

➡️ As with any policy involving additional fees, check with the platform you’re using as well as local and state rules to ensure you’re in compliance.

4. Check-out duties and pets

At the end of a vacation, most people want to do as little work as possible but that doesn’t mean your renters can’t help kickstart the turnover process for you. Beyond the typical asks, like stripping the beds, here are some pet-specific asks you can include:

• Rinse and put pet bowls in the dishwasher
• Remove pet hair from furniture
• Tidy up toys
• Place pet blankets and washable bed in washing machine

5. Fines and consequences for unauthorized pets

Violations of pet-policies should be taken very seriously, especially in the case of breeds that are prohibited. If a renter brings an excluded breed to a rental, that renter may be held liable for any damages or injuries incurred since the property’s insurance doesn’t cover their dog.

Stipulate that there will be a fee or fine tacked onto the bill should a renter break your pet policy. This can include the cost of pest control, floor cleaning, furniture cleaning, etc. You may also be within your right to terminate the rest of their stay should they break these rules.

Frequently asked questions

Should you allow pets in your vacation rental?

Yes! There are plenty of benefits when it comes to welcoming pets in your vacation rental.

What are some features of hotel pet policies?

Hotel pet-policies are as diverse as hotels themselves. Many have weight restrictions, breed restrictions, species restrictions, as well as rules stating pets can’t be left alone for long periods of time and policies against any loud noises or damages caused by pets.

How risky are short-term rentals?

Rentals in general carry inherent risk like potential for damages, but the choice on renting is a personal one.