Managing Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Providing for dog owners and their pets

While the majority of dog owners will bring their own bed, towel and supplies, creating a welcoming experience includes offering dog-specific amenities which demonstrate genuine care for your canine guests. If you offer a welcome basket for humans, add waste bags and maybe a small toy or treats for the four-legged visitors. These will be particularly useful for immediate needs upon arrival. Add a water bowl to the inventory, ideally stainless steel rather than plastic, as these are easier to clean and more hygienic. 

Check for gaps in fences where smaller dogs might escape and remove any toxic plants like azaleas or foxgloves. For caravans, ensure outdoor spaces are clearly defined and safe. Small details matter to pet owners who view their dog as one of the family, so the accommodation owner who embraces that will see a return on the investment of a little time and thought into welcoming them as much as their humans. 

Inside the accommodation, provide washable throws for furniture protection and consider hard flooring in main areas rather than fitted carpets. Install hooks near the entrance for leads and coats and ensure there's adequate storage for dog food and equipment.

Setting clear rules and boundaries

Transparent policies protect both your property and future guests' experiences. Establish maximum dog numbers per booking and consider size restrictions if space is limited. Specify any areas which are off-limits, typically bedrooms with white linens or newly renovated spaces, although these can be hard to enforce. 

Include a section covering dogs in your terms of use document covering noise levels, especially barking. Be clear about responsibility for any damage, and emphasise the importance of cleaning up after pets both inside and outside the property. Include local details of dog-friendly pubs, beaches, and walking routes, plus details of the nearest veterinary practice in your information pack. If you are on a site with multiple caravans, then make guests aware of site rules regarding dogs, and make sure your own policies are in line with these. 

Post-visit cleaning protocols

Effective cleaning between dog-owning guests is crucial for maintaining standards and preventing issues with subsequent visitors who may have allergies or simply prefer pet-free accommodation.

Begin with a thorough vacuum using a machine with pet hair attachments, paying particular attention to furniture crevices and skirting boards. Steam clean soft furnishings and wash all bedding, throws, and curtains in a hot wash with pet-safe detergent.

Mop hard floors with an enzymatic cleaner which breaks down pet odours at the molecular level. Regular household cleaners merely mask smells rather than eliminating them. Pay special attention to corners and areas near doors where “accidents” might occur.

Managing bookings to avoid conflicts

Strategic booking management prevents disappointment and negative reviews. Consider designating specific periods as dog-friendly slots, particularly during school holidays when families with pets are most likely to travel. This approach allows for thorough deep cleaning between different guest types.

Alternatively, implement a buffer day between pet and non-pet bookings, providing extra time for comprehensive cleaning and airing. Be upfront about your pet policy in all marketing materials, including photographs showing the outdoor space and any pet amenities.

Screen potential guests during the booking process. Ask about their dogs' temperament, training level, and previous holiday experience. Well-socialised, house-trained dogs from experienced owners typically cause fewer issues than anxious first-time travellers.

Successfully managing dog-friendly accommodation requires ongoing attention to detail and genuine enthusiasm for welcoming pets. Regular maintenance, clear communication, and flexibility in policies will establish your property as a sought-after destination for dog owners.

Build reviews from satisified dog owners

Encourage positive reviews from satisfied dog owners. Word-of-mouth recommendations within the dog-owning community can prove incredibly valuable for sustaining bookings year-round. With proper preparation and management, dog-friendly self-catering accommodation can provide a rewarding and profitable addition to your property portfolio whilst creating memorable experiences for families and their cherished companions.