A Host’s Guide to Attracting Pet Owners: Amenities, Pricing, and Marketing

Hook: Turn dog‑loving travelers into repeat guests — without the damage or extra stress

If you manage a holiday let, B&B or short‑term rental you’ve probably seen the missed bookings: pet owners scrolling past because the property looks risky or unfriendly to their dog. At the same time, you worry about stains, chewed furniture and late‑night barking. In 2026, pet travel remains one of the fastest‑growing guest segments — and hosts who get the experience, pricing and marketing right can win higher occupancy and longer stays with minimal friction.

Top takeaways — what to implement this week

• Make small investments that reduce risk: a fenced yard, removable slipcovers and a professionally cleaned dog bed.
• Price transparently: choose a clear pet fee model (flat fee, per night, refundable deposit) and display it in your listing.
• Partner locally: link with a groomer or dog walker for on‑site services and cross‑promotion.
• Use targeted marketing: listing copy and photos that show fenced yards, local walks and pet amenities increase conversion.

The 2026 context: why pet‑friendly pays now

Through late 2024–2025, travel platforms and local hosts reported sustained demand for pet‑friendly stays. Platforms continue to refine pet filters and travellers increasingly book longer stays with dogs. For hosts, that means higher average nightly occupancy for pet‑friendly properties if they can meet three expectations: safe outdoor space, clear rules and useful amenities.

Competitive hosts in the UK—where weekend cottage bookings with dogs are a mainstay—have also blended hospitality with local services (groomers, walkers, vets) to create end‑to‑end experiences. Expect this to be a standard in 2026: pet owners now look for curated, reliable services as much as a comfy bed.

Designing your property for dog owners

1. Prioritise secure outdoor space: the value of a fenced yard

A secure garden is the number‑one conversion driver for dog owners. Fenced yards reduce risk and increase perceived value. Practical tips:

• Fence height: 1.2–1.5m (4–5ft) works for most medium dogs; consider taller or reinforced panels if you host larger breeds.
• Gate security: add self‑latching gates and a secondary latch to prevent escapes.
• Ground cover: gravel paths, artificial turf or worn grass are easiest to keep clean; avoid loose mulch that dogs may eat.
• Separate areas: a small, sheltered corner with shade and a non‑slip surface for water and feeding.

2. Dog‑proofing indoors

• Use durable, washable textiles and slipcovers for sofas and beds.
• Remove or lock away valuables and toxic plants; add clear labels to cabinets with cleaning supplies.
• Install baby gates for staircases and use non‑slip rugs in wet areas.
• Provide a washable dog bed and crate as a calming den for anxious dogs.

3. Amenities that matter (and are inexpensive)

Small touches that show you understand dogs convert browsers into bookers.

• Food and water bowls (stainless steel), a dog towel and a couple of toys.
• Waste bags, designated bin outside and a covered disposal point.
• Pet first‑aid kit and written emergency vet contacts (local practice, 24/7 emergency).
• A laminated guide: local dog‑friendly pubs, leash rules, beaches and quiet walk routes.

Partnering with groomers, walkers and salons: a step‑by‑step plan

Partnering with local businesses does three things: increases your property’s perceived value, provides convenience for guests, and creates cross‑promotion opportunities. Here’s how to set up professional partnerships the right way.

Step 1 — Identify partners and propose a simple pilot

• Target groomers, independent salons, walkers and a local vet within 10–20 minutes of your property.
• Offer a pilot partnership: list them on your welcome book and in exchange ask for a guest discount or priority slot for your guests.

Step 2 — Agree commercial terms

• Keep it simple: a 10–20% guest referral discount, a commission on each booking, or a fixed referral fee.
• Decide logistics: pick‑up/drop‑off options, morning vs. evening service windows, and cancellations.

Step 3 — Create packaged offers

Examples:

• “Pamper & Stay” — discounted groom + late checkout for owners; ideal for city breaks.
• “Walks & Wags” — pre‑booked local walker for the day so guests can enjoy long hikes without worry.

Step 4 — Promote and track

• Feature partners in your listing, welcome guide, and booking confirmation emails.
• Use a simple tracking code or booking link so partners can report back on referrals.

“Convenience is conversion. A guest who can book a groom or dog walker alongside their stay is more likely to choose your property.”

Pricing strategies for pets — maximise revenue without scaring guests off

Transparent pricing builds trust. Offer options so guests feel the fee reflects value rather than a hidden penalty.

Common fee models (pick one, or combine)

• Flat pet fee: one‑off fee per booking (good for short stays). Example range in the UK: £20–£60 total.
• Per‑pet, per‑night: for longer stays or higher‑risk breeds. Example: £5–£20 per pet per night.
• Refundable pet deposit: £100–£300 returned if no damage — reduces disputes when combined with clear check‑in/out photos.
• Added nightly premium: a modest increase on base rate (5–15%) to cover extra cleaning and wear.

How to set the right fee

1. Estimate cleaning time and materials: factor labour and replacement costs.
2. Model occupancy: if pet bookings drive higher occupancy, you can afford lower fees.
3. Test pricing in low season: offer introductory pet rates to build reviews and repeat bookings.

Display fees clearly

Put the pet fee and pet policy in the first paragraph of your listing and in your house rules. Guests are more likely to book when they see full transparency up front.

Pet policies that protect you and your guests

Clear rules reduce conflict. Keep policies short, specific and friendly.

• Maximum number of dogs and size/breed restrictions (if any).
• Requirements: dogs must be microchipped and up to date with vaccinations (UK owners are familiar with microchipping rules).
• Behaviour expectations: no unsupervised dogs in bedrooms, quiet hours, and cleaning up after pets.
• Damage reporting: explain how to report damage and how the deposit is handled.

Marketing copy templates inspired by UK pet‑friendly properties

Use these tested lines and adapt to your property — include concrete details like yard size, number of local walks and partnership perks.

Headline options

• “Fenced garden, coastal walks & dog bed included — pet‑friendly cottage near Dorset”
• “Dog‑friendly city flat with local groomer drop‑off — ideal for downtown breaks”
• “Bring your dog: secure yard + dog towels + vet on call”

Listing description snippets

• “We welcome two well‑behaved dogs: the garden is fully fenced (1.3m) and there’s a secure gate. We provide bowls, a cosy dog bed and waste bags.”
• “Booked a grooming appointment? Our local groomer offers 10% off for guests and can pick up/deliver to the property.”
• “Five minutes to the river path and a number of off‑lead fields. We recommend the Dog‑Friendly Pub on High Street for post‑walk pints.”

Social post templates

• “Weekend alert for dog lovers: cottage + secure garden + local groomer discount. Book Fri–Sun and get 15% off your second night. DM to check dates.”
• “New: we’ve partnered with @LocalGroomer — guests can book a tidy‑up on arrival for £25. Relax, we’ll take care of the towels.”

Operational checklist for a smooth stay

• Pre‑arrival email: remind guests of the pet policy, include local vet and groomer contact and request proof of microchip/vaccination if needed.
• Welcome pack: list of nearby off‑lead areas and emergency instructions.
• Check‑out: request photos of the property and the dog to simplify deposit returns.
• Cleaning SOPs: replace vacuuming with deep cleaning of soft furnishings, steam where needed, and document any damage before/after stay.

Case study (illustrative): A Dorset cottage that increased pet bookings by 40% in 6 months

Background: a two‑bed cottage near walking routes had inconsistent pet bookings. Actions taken:

• Installed a 1.4m fence around the back garden and secure gate.
• Partnered with a village groomer for a guest discount and included the groomer in the welcome book.
• Added a flat £30 pet fee plus a £150 refundable deposit; updated the listing with dog photos and a map of local walks.
• Implemented a rapid cleaning checklist for pet stays and took pre/post photos.

Result: within six months the owner saw higher off‑peak bookings, greater repeat guests and fewer disputes — a net revenue uplift of 28% after costs.

2026 trends and future predictions

Looking ahead, expect these trends to matter:

• Experience bundles: more hosts will sell bundled services (groom, walker, dog sitting) at checkout.
• Certification and trust signals: “verified pet‑friendly” tags from platforms or local councils will influence bookings.
• Sustainability: eco‑friendly pet supplies and low‑waste waste disposal will be a differentiator for eco‑conscious travellers.
• Automation: automated messaging for pet arrivals, microchip/vaccination uploads and deposit handling will reduce host admin.

Risk management and legal notes

Protecting your property and guests is essential. A few points to check:

• Check your insurer and platform policy on pet stays and declare that the property accepts pets.
• In the UK ensure you understand owner responsibilities: microchipping is standard and many owners will expect you to ask for evidence if you request it.
• Keep a damage report process and photographic proof to avoid disputes over deposits.

Final checklist: quick wins you can implement today

• Add two high‑quality photos of the garden and a dog bed to your listing.
• Publish a short, friendly pet policy in your house rules and listing intro.
• Set one transparent pet fee (flat or refundable deposit) and display it.
• Call a local groomer or walker and propose a simple exchange: referrals for exposure.

Closing — Turn pet owners into your best guests

Pet owners are loyal, often book longer stays and appreciate hosts who reduce friction and offer convenience. With relatively small investments — a fenced yard, washable linens, clear rules and a groomer partnership — you can attract this high‑value audience while protecting your home.

Ready to make your property a top choice for dog owners? Start with a visible fenced area, one convenient local partnership, and a transparent pet fee. Then measure bookings and guest feedback — iterate fast and you’ll see repeat visits and higher occupancy.

Call to action

Take action now: Download our one‑page pet‑friendly setup checklist and 6 ready‑to‑use marketing templates tailored to UK hosts. Implement the first two items this week and share your results — we’ll feature the best transformations on our platform.

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