The latest data suggest that around 97% of American pet owners say their pets are part of their family. And around 78% of them travel with their loyal furry companions yearly. This growing trend has led to a surge in the popularity of hotels and accommodations offering services and amenities for two—and four-legged tourists.
Pet friendly hotels are not just a trend that may pass in the future. Data suggests that they are here to stay and are the future of the hospitality industry. From offering convenience to pet travelers to opening up a broader customer base for owners, they are a win-win opportunity.
In this article, we will discuss why and how you can hop on the bandwagon.
The Rise of Pet-Friendly Hotels
The numbers speak for themselves. The pet-friendly hotel market is expected to grow to approximately $10 billion by the end of 2030. This statistic confirms that owning a pet-friendly hotel is not just a passing fad but a significant shift in the travel industry.
According to the latest data, 82 million U.S. households own a pet and we know that most of them consider their pets a family. This means most American families want to include their pets in all aspects of their lives, including vacations.Moreover, there has been a massive uptick in the demand for pet-inclusive experiences.
Americans search “pet travel” on Google more than 19 million times every year, so you can tell there’s a growing demand for accommodations offering amenities like dedicated pet space, bedding, and more. Another piece of data suggests that 33% of owners alter their travel plans because of their pets.
This is a huge missed opportunity, and the hotel industry is waking up to it. Being pet-friendly opens up financial potential through pet fees, increased occupancy rates, and the potential of repeat business from pet parents.
How to Create a Welcoming Pet-Friendly Environment?
To become a pet-friendly hotel and create a truly pet-friendly environment, you must go beyond just allowing pets on the premises. Here are three important criteria for becoming a truly pet-friendly accommodation.
Transparent Policies
The hotel must have a transparent and fair pet policy. Based on your capacity and premise type, specify the number of pets allowed, the size and breed permitted, pet fees, and acceptable behavior guidelines. Clearly communicate these rules on the websites and platforms on which your business is listed.
Pet Amenities
Good amenities separate a good pet-friendly hotel from one that just allows furry babies. Think beyond the basics like play areas and grooming facilities.
According to Scoop Soldiers, pet waste can cause a world of harm because of dangerous microbes like E. Coli and Salmonella and may even cause diseases like parvo. You must think about protecting the health of both two- and four-legged guests at your hotel.
To maintain a hygienic premise, designated pet relief areas with robust pet waste services and sanitization are a must. Additional services like providing pet beds, bowls, treats, pet sitting, and walking can be a major selling point. Lastly, partner with local vets and groomers to offer any last-minute service to your patrons.
Staff Training
Having a pet policy and offering amenities will only be helpful if your staff is trained to handle pets. To begin with, hire staff who are pet lovers and have pets of their own. This will foster a genuinely welcoming and pet-friendly environment.
Additionally, you must partner with local vets and groomers to conduct training and workshops. These workshops can revolve around pet handling, breed-specific behavior, and emergency procedures.
Following these steps will separate your hotel from those that just accommodate animals. Your focus should be on providing complete pet care to create a memorable experience for the entire family.
We already know that pet parents form a majority of the country’s population. And welcoming their furry family members fosters loyalty. Pet parents who have a positive experience are more likely to return and recommend your hotel to others. Therefore, the focus should be on creating a comforting and familiar environment for pets. This translates into repeat business and a good reputation in the pet-loving community.
The steps outlined in this article can become the key differentiator between you and other hotels in this competitive market. By actively marketing on pet forums and communities and showcasing pet-friendly amenities, you can race past your rivals and attract a loyal clientele. With proper planning and execution, you will increase occupancy rates and build a brand image associated with pet hospitality.