The Rise of Pet-Friendly Accommodation in the UK: Why You Should Consider Entering This Market
The UK has seen a significant shift in travel trends over the last decade, with pet-friendly accommodation becoming an increasingly sought-after option. As pet ownership continues to rise and attitudes towards travelling with pets change, more hospitality businesses are recognising the opportunity to tap into this lucrative market. For serviced accommodation operators, allowing pets can be both a revenue booster and a competitive advantage. However, it also comes with unique operational challenges.
In this article, we’ll explore why pet-friendly accommodation is on the rise, the pros and cons of entering this market, how to prepare and protect your property, and how to manage guest expectations—both for those bringing pets and those who prefer a pet-free stay.
The Growing Demand for Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Pet ownership in the UK is at an all-time high, with an estimated 57% of UK households owning a pet. The pandemic further accelerated this trend, as many people adopted pets during lockdowns. As a result, pet-friendly accommodation has become a major deciding factor for travellers.
According to a recent survey:
70% of pet owners consider their pets part of the family and want to bring them on holiday.
More than 50% of UK travellers say they actively search for pet-friendly stays.
The demand for pet-friendly accommodation has increased by 30% in the last five years.
With these statistics in mind, opening your doors to pets could significantly broaden your target market and increase occupancy rates.
Why You Should Consider Entering the Pet-Friendly Market
1. Higher Occupancy Rates and More Bookings
By catering to pet owners, you’re tapping into a growing market segment. Pet-friendly properties often experience higher occupancy rates compared to non-pet-friendly ones. Many pet owners are willing to pay a premium for the convenience of bringing their furry friends along.
2. Premium Pricing Potential
Travellers with pets often expect to pay extra for the privilege. You can introduce pet fees, deposits, or special pet packages, increasing your revenue per booking. Pet-friendly accommodation can command 10-20% higher rates than standard listings.
3. Longer Stays
Pet owners tend to book longer stays, as travelling with pets often means opting for staycations or extended trips. This reduces turnover costs and helps you maximise revenue.
4. Competitive Advantage
Many serviced accommodations still do not allow pets, making pet-friendly properties stand out. If your competitors are not offering this, you can attract a unique customer base that struggles to find suitable accommodation.
5. Encourages Guest Loyalty and Repeat Bookings
Pet owners often become repeat customers, as they prefer to return to a place where their pet is welcome. This builds strong customer loyalty and word-of-mouth recommendations.|
Challenges of Running a Pet-Friendly Accommodation
While there are clear benefits, allowing pets also comes with challenges that need careful consideration.
1. Increased Cleaning and Maintenance Costs
Pets can shed hair, bring in dirt, or cause odours. Properties allowing pets require more thorough cleaning, which increases turnover time and costs. You may need to invest in pet-friendly cleaning products, extra vacuuming, and odour control measures.
2. Potential Damage Risks
Scratched furniture, chewed carpets, and accidents on upholstery are all possibilities. While deposits can help cover damages, you may still need to replace furnishings more often than in a pet-free property.
3. Allergy Concerns for Other Guests
Guests without pets may have allergies or simply prefer a pet-free environment. If your property accommodates both pet owners and non-pet owners, you’ll need designated pet-free areas and stringent cleaning procedures.
4. Noise Complaints and Behavioural Issues
Dogs barking or pets being left alone in an unfamiliar space can lead to noise complaints from neighbours or other guests. Establishing clear pet rules and policies is essential to mitigate disturbances.
How to Prepare and Protect Your Accommodation
Successfully running a pet-friendly serviced accommodation requires preparation and the right safeguards.
1. Set Clear Pet Policies
Having well-defined policies ensures guests understand their responsibilities and reduces the risk of issues. Consider policies such as:
A maximum pet limit per stay (e.g., one or two pets per unit).
Restrictions on certain breeds or pet sizes.
Rules on leaving pets unattended.
Designated pet-friendly areas and pet-free zones.
A pet agreement requiring owners to accept responsibility for damage and noise complaints.
2. Charge Pet Fees and Deposits
Introduce a non-refundable pet fee to cover additional cleaning costs and a refundable pet deposit for potential damages. Many guests are happy to pay for the convenience of bringing their pets along.
3. Choose Pet-Friendly Furnishings and Materials
To minimise damage and make cleaning easier, consider:
Hardwood or tile flooring instead of carpets.
Stain-resistant and washable fabrics for sofas and bedding.
Pet-friendly rugs that are durable and easy to clean.
Leather or faux-leather furniture, which is easier to wipe clean than fabric upholstery.
4. Provide Pet Amenities to Enhance the Guest Experience
Going the extra mile with pet-friendly amenities can make your property more appealing. Consider offering:
Pet beds and blankets to protect furniture.
Food and water bowls to save guests from bringing their own.
Poop bags and waste disposal stations for convenience.
A pet-friendly welcome pack with treats and local pet-friendly recommendations.
5. Ensure Insurance Covers Pet-Related Issues
Check that your landlord or property insurance covers pet-related damages and liability. Some insurers require additional coverage for pet-friendly properties, so it’s important to review your policy.
Managing Guest Expectations: With and Without Pets
Successfully offering pet-friendly accommodation means managing the expectations of both pet-owning guests and those who prefer a pet-free stay.
1. For Guests Bringing Pets
Communicate pet policies clearly before booking.
Request a pet introduction form to understand the pet’s behaviour and vaccination status.
Provide a pet-friendly guide to local dog parks, vets, and pet-friendly cafes.
Encourage guests to keep pets off furniture or use the provided pet bedding.
2. For Guests Without Pets
Offer a thorough pet-free clean for allergy-sensitive guests.
Have designated pet-free rooms or floors where possible.
Ensure stringent cleaning procedures are in place to remove pet hair and odours between stays.
By clearly communicating what guests can expect, you can minimise complaints and ensure a positive experience for all.
Is the Pet-Friendly Market Right for You and Your Property?
Opening your serviced accommodation to pets is a great way to increase bookings, attract loyal guests, and charge premium rates. However, it requires careful preparation, from setting clear policies to choosing pet-friendly materials and ensuring proper cleaning protocols.
If you’re ready to embrace the pet-friendly trend, it can be a profitable and rewarding niche—especially as demand continues to grow in the UK. By balancing the needs of pet owners with those of other guests, you can create an inclusive and well-managed accommodation that appeals to a broader audience.
Would you consider allowing pets in your serviced accommodation? If you’re interested in tailoring your property to this growing market, Hostizoo can offer expert guidance on setting up and managing pet-friendly stays. Get in touch today to learn how to maximise your revenue while maintaining high-quality standards.
