Pet-friendly guest guide: Welcome furry guests properly
Pet-friendly properties need special considerations. Create a guide that welcomes pets while setting clear expectations for pet owners about rules, areas, and local pet services.
Key takeaways
- •Clearly state pet policies: allowed pets, fees, rules, and restrictions.
- •Include pet-friendly local recommendations: parks, vets, pet stores.
- •Set expectations about pet areas and off-limit spaces in the property.
Use your pet-friendly guest guide with Booking.com automation
Whether you are building a pet-friendly guest guide or refining an existing one, you can connect it to Booking.com and use the same guide link in automated messages. Guests get consistent answers and you get fewer repeat questions, no matter which channel they booked on.
Common problems hosts face
- •Unclear pet policies lead to misunderstandings
- •Pet owners don't know local pet-friendly spots
- •No guidance on pet behavior expectations
- •Missing information about pet fees or restrictions
What good solutions should include
- •Clear pet policy section with fees, rules, and restrictions
- •Pet-friendly local recommendations: parks, beaches, vets, pet stores
- •Guidelines on pet behavior and off-limit areas
- •Emergency vet contact information
Practical tips from experienced hosts
- List allowed pets clearly: dogs only, cats, or all pets? Size restrictions?
- Include pet fees and policies upfront to avoid surprises.
- Recommend nearby dog parks, pet-friendly beaches, and walking trails.
- List emergency vet contacts in case of pet emergencies.
Action step: Pick one practice from this guide to implement this week. Test it with your next booking and measure the impact on guest questions and reviews.
Options compared
Choose the approach that fits your needs.| Option | Best for | Why it works / doesn't |
|---|---|---|
| No pet guidance | Incomplete | Pet owners unsure of rules, may violate policies or damage property. |
| Brief mention | Partial | Not enough information, guests still have questions. |
| Comprehensive pet guide | Complete | Clear policies and recommendations help pets and owners have a great stay. |
Where Host Pilot fits
- •Create a dedicated pet policy section in your guest guide.
- •Include pet-friendly local recommendations and emergency vet contacts.
- •Update pet policies easily if rules or local recommendations change.
FAQ
What should I include in a pet-friendly guest guide?+
Pet policies (allowed pets, fees, rules), pet-friendly areas and restrictions, local pet recommendations (parks, vets, stores), and emergency vet contacts.
How strict should my pet policies be?+
Be clear about rules that protect your property (no pets on furniture, cleanup requirements) but flexible where possible. Clear policies prevent misunderstandings.
Should I include pet fees in the guest guide?+
Yes, list pet fees clearly so guests aren't surprised. Include this in both your listing and guest guide for transparency.
Related guides
Ready to create your guest guide?
Use this guide to build an effective guest guide for your property. When you're ready, Host Pilot can help you create mobile-friendly guides with QR codes, local recommendations, and easy updates.
