Ever dreamed of welcoming furry guests without fur everywhere? Here’s how to keep your vacation rental pet-friendly—and your sanity intact.

Before we dig in, don’t forget to subscribe and tap that bell so you don’t miss any future episodes brimming with rental wisdom, humour, and the occasional pet hair mishap!

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So you’re thinking of welcoming pets to your vacation rental? Or maybe you’ve already flung open the doors to furry guests… only to find your sofa’s become Fluffy’s personal scratching post.

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Here’s the thing: guests love travelling with their pets. It’s one of the biggest trends in hospitality right now. But let’s be honest—nobody wants to spend every turnover chasing fur bunnies or scrubbing out suspicious stains.

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Good news: you can absolutely have a pet-friendly rental without feeling like you’re hosting an animal shelter.

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And trust me, this isn’t guesswork—I’ve seen countless owners in the “Launch Your First Vacation Rental” course transform their properties into pet-welcoming paradises that still earn stellar reviews.

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Let’s dig in.

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Choose Durable, Pet-Proof Materials

Here’s your golden rule: if it can be clawed, chewed, or peed on—it will be.

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Skip delicate linens and plush velvet. Instead:

• Opt for stain-resistant fabrics. Think performance upholstery or leather you can wipe clean.

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• Go for hard-surface floors like tile, luxury vinyl, or sealed concrete. Carpets? About as wise as a cream sofa at a toddler birthday party.

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• Pick rugs you can toss in the wash. Or skip them altogether in pet zones.

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One host in our course shared that switching to outdoor-rated rugs inside saved her thousands. Genius, right?

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Set Clear Pet Policies (And Make Guests Sign Off!)

Remember: good fences make good neighbours…and good pet policies make good rentals.

Spell out:

• How many pets you allow

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• Size or breed restrictions (if any)

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• Areas pets are not allowed (beds, furniture, hot tubs)

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• Rules for cleaning up pet waste

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Put your policy in writing. Have guests confirm in advance. It’s not just about avoiding mess—it’s about avoiding awkward conversations later.

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And yes, mention your pet fee. Because Fluffy might be cute…but cleaning pet hair from the curtains is definitely billable.

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Add Pet Perks That Guests—and Pets—Love

Want your pet-friendly listing to shine? Add thoughtful extras:

• A welcome basket with dog treats, a collapsible water bowl, and waste bags

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• A spare leash or tie-out stake

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• A small dog bed or blanket

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• A list of local dog parks, pet stores, and emergency vets

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A host in the “Launch Your First Vacation Rental” community includes a frisbee with her rental’s logo. Guests love it—and it’s free marketing when they post pics of Fido catching it at the beach.

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Designate a “Pet Zone” for Easy Clean-Up

Instead of letting pets roam the entire property, create a pet-friendly zone:

• A specific room with easy-to-clean floors

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• A doggy gate to block off carpeted areas

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• A designated outdoor spot for potty breaks

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One owner I know added a gravel pet relief area outside. Guests rave about it—and so does the lawn, which no longer suffers “yellow polka dots.”

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Stay Honest in Your Listings

Your listing must be crystal clear:

• Yes, pets are welcome

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• Yes, there’s a pet fee

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• No, you can’t bring a Great Dane into a tiny studio

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Being upfront avoids surprises—and helps you attract responsible pet owners who respect your space. As the “Launch Your First Vacation Rental” course reminds us, clarity prevents chaos.

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Embrace the Marketing Power of Pet-Friendliness

Here’s a juicy stat: Nearly 70% of U.S. households own a pet. Pet owners search specifically for pet-friendly stays—and often book longer stays.

So flaunt it! Use keywords like:

• “Pet-friendly vacation rental”

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• “Dog-friendly beach house”

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• “Vacation rental with fenced yard”

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And post adorable photos of your property’s pet perks. Fluffy might just become your best marketing assistant.

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If your rental plan is ‘just wing it’—this is your wake-up call.

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Download the “The 7-Day Vacation Rental Jumpstart”
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Vision, money, guests—sorted.

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Get your copy now! You can find a link in the show notes.

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Do you already accept pets at your rental—or are you still on the fence?

Drop a comment.

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Here are Your Key Takeaways

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In Conclusion

Making your rental pet-friendly doesn’t have to mean endless fur clean-up or shredded furniture. With smart choices and clear communication, you’ll attract happy guests—and their well-behaved pets—without sacrificing your sanity or your security deposit.

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And hey—creating a pet-friendly stay is just one of countless ways to boost your business and guest satisfaction. Want to learn how to thrive as a vacation rental owner? Check out the “Launch Your First Vacation Rental” course. It’s like obedience school…but for vacation rentals.

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Until next time, hit subscribe so you won’t miss future episodes. Because nobody wants to be left in the doghouse… especially not vacation rental owners!

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(P.S. If your pet guests leave more hair than your last guest had on their entire head…maybe invest in a good lint roller. You’ll thank me later.)