Any American household with one or more canine companions will testify that these furry beings are not just animals. In the blink of an eye, they become a part of the family and are treated as any other member.
It is natural for pet parents to want to spend quality time with their pets, even while on vacation. The New York Times published that customers are willing to spend more on pet-friendly hotels. To keep up, hotels are introducing new packages that would cater to the needs of different pets.
Are you planning to do the same? If yes, this article will be your definitive guide. Read on to know what it takes to become a hotel that greets guests and their cuddly pals.
Know the Local Laws and Regulations
The first step in making your lodging pet-friendly is to be aware of all the local zoning laws, insurance mandates, and other regulations. It is important to comply with these laws before you start making other arrangements or changes.
You may need to acquire certain certifications or licenses that allow you to welcome pets like cats and dogs. For instance – certain states may have strict rules regarding pet waste disposal. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ineffective pet waste management can cause stormwater to sweep the waste into nearby lakes and streams.
What’s so alarming about this is that pet waste often contains harmful parasites and bacteria that can get transferred to humans. According to Scoop Soldiers, microbes like salmonella and E.coli are often found lurking in pet waste. So, regardless of the local laws, proper hygiene and cleanliness are non-negotiable.
For this, you can look for reliable pet waste and sanitization services in the area. Regular waste scooping and sanitization will keep your hotel premises pristine and prevent the spread of any possible diseases. Similarly, check with your insurer to see whether your current policy covers pets on the property.
Take your time and go through every mandatory regulation to ensure compliance. This way, you can rest assured that your establishment is safe for guests and their pets.
Develop a Clear Pet Policy
The next step to becoming a pet-friendly hotel is to develop a straightforward and clear pet policy your guests can follow. The policy should outline the number of pets allowed, size or weight restrictions, along with any additional deposits or charges that may be levied.
Moreover, the pet policy should mention which areas pets are allowed to explore. These could include common rooms, pet-designated rooms, as well as garden areas. As you lay down the ground rules on bringing pets, do mention what the consequences of violating the policy would be.
In other words, your pet policy should talk about what the management plans on doing if property damage is incurred due to a pet. The policy will act as a boundary designed to keep guests and their pets safe. As a result, everybody within the perimeter of the hotel can enjoy a positive experience and stay.
Designate Pet-Friendly Rooms
We have briefly touched upon this point in our previous section. However, it’s important to expand on this because of how quickly things may go south. Keep in mind that your hotel will entertain guests who do not bring any pets along.
These may include those who do not feel comfortable being around pets. This is especially true in the case of certain pet breeds that may not have a reputation for being social or friendly. As the hotelier, you must cater to every guest’s needs in the matter.
By designating pet-friendly rooms, you can ensure that uncomfortable guests do not have to share a space with dogs or cats. Keep these rooms separate from the area where regular guest rooms are. A better option is to designate guest rooms in a manner that all those with pets stay in the same area as opposed to those without.
The pet-friendly rooms should ideally have tile or hardwood flooring for easy maintenance. Plus, include extra towels and linens in case there may be any accidents. Designated pet-friendly rooms will offer a pleasant stay for all, regardless of whether they’ve arrived without any pets.
Make Provisions for Pet Amenities
Once you have had the clearance you need in terms of the legal formalities and documentation, you can start working on pet-friendly amenities. They will make your hotel appear a lot more attractive than your competition and make guests/pets feel at home.
A few examples of amenities for pets would include pet water/food bowls, waste disposal bags, and pet beds, among others. Additionally, you can welcome your four-legged guests with kits that include treats and toys.
Other than that, organize provisions for pet walking or sitting services. Numerous pet parents may not be comfortable with the idea of leaving their pets alone while they’re gone for extended periods. When a hotel staff member or third party looks after the pet, owners can go about their day assured that their furry companion will remain safe and comfortable.
Conduct Staff Training Sessions
Since you’re just planning to switch to a pet-friendly hotel, your staff may not be aware of the implications of such a change. This is what makes training sessions imperative so that everyone is prepared to welcome and interact with guests and their pets.
With proper training, your staff will be aware of proper pet etiquette, including avoidance of loud music and making inquiries before petting a dog or cat. Moreover, the staff must be completely conversant with the pet policy so they can better serve guests with pet amenities. This way, they will also be able to guide guests to pet-designated areas.
Finally, the training must educate the hotel staff on how to handle accidents or damages caused by a pet. Efficient and professional handling of all matters, including any mishaps, will enhance your guests’ experience.
Offer Dog Walking Maps
This one is a bonus but will undoubtedly help you attract more pet owners. A lot of your guests may be tourists who have arrived from different states or even countries. They may be in the city for some sightseeing, exploration, and adventure.
Though your guests may have conducted independent research on the nearby areas, they would still appreciate your help. In other words, you can include maps with definitive routes for pet-friendly restaurants, parks, hiking trails, and other places of interest.
This would become a great resource for those interested in exploring tourist spots with their canine friends. Guests can plan their activities better and make the most of the time they get to enjoy with their pets.
In conclusion, we would only like to highlight the fact that now is the best time to become pet-friendly. Studies have found that the pet-friendly hotel market had a value of $4.3 billion in 2023. It is growing at the rate of 9% annually until 2030.
With the tips mentioned in this article, you can use this statistic to your advantage. Expand as a pet-friendly hotel, market yourself to the relevant audience, and witness exponential growth.
