Should You Allow Pets in Your Vacation Rental
by Robin Fowler

People love their pets – and often travel with them. Should you allow your renters to bring their dogs or cats into your vacation rental?

There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to pets and vacation rentals. Simply put, it’s your property, so it’s up to you. While it is true that some dogs or cats might cause damage to your property, it is also true that by saying no to pets, you are eliminating an entire group of potential customers. So, weigh the pros and cons, and make the best decision for you.

If you do decide to allow renters to bring their pets, you should do everything you can to protect yourself and your property. Require the following before booking to a pet owner:

1. Proof of up-to-date rabies vaccinations. Things can happen, and you don’t want to have to deal with the consequences of your renter’s pet passing along this dangerous disease to other pets in the area – or humans.
2. Flea and tick treatment for all cats and dogs who will be accompanying your renters. The last thing you need to deal with is an infestation of fleas in your vacation rental!
3. A daily pet fee, per pet. Charge in the ballpark of what a typical kennel would charge your renters, somewhere between - per night.
4. Written documentation of how many pets will be staying with your renters at the vacation rental, what types of pets they are (breed specific), and their sizes and weights. You might even consider putting a weight limit on the animals that you allow.
5. Make a bold note in the renter’s agreement that all renters must clean up after their pets before they checkout – indoors and out. Inform them that any extra cleanup will result in forfeiture of a portion of the deposit, the amount determined by the extent of the damage.

When renting to guests with pets, there is always the chance for damage to occur. Dogs, and even cats, can chew furniture or rugs, scratch walls and furniture, soil and stain carpeting, furniture, and rugs, and cause outside damage by digging up the lawn or landscaping. Let’s face it, we’d all like to think that our renters will be diligent in supervising their pets, but that’s just not always the case! However, more often than not, you will find that pet owners who rent your vacation home are as courteous and responsible as the next renter.

Renting to pet owners is up to you. Cover all your bases in the rental agreement, and the chances of too many problems will be unlikely. Besides, you can always change your mind!