Pet-friendly hotel: rules, fees and marketing

Does accepting pets increase bookings?

There's no confirmed statistic, but there is active filtering on booking platforms. People traveling with pets search "pet friendly" on Booking/Airbnb/Decolar and filter by it. The loyalty is real: they travel more often per year, accept higher prices better, and leave positive reviews. Pet owners are loyal guests. Without a clear policy, you get the wrong pets: oversized, behavioral issues, property damage. A defined policy means you choose the guest, not the other way around.

What rules to include in your pet policy (template)?

Here's a copyable template. Adapt size, quantity, and areas to your operation:

PET-FRIENDLY POLICY — [Hotel Name]

1. ACCEPT ONLY:
   - Domestic dogs and cats, vaccinated against rabies (proof at arrival).
   - Maximum 2 animals per room, up to 15 kg each (large breeds negotiable by email).

2. PERMITTED AREAS:
   - Room: yes.
   - Pool: no.
   - Breakfast (dining room): no (we serve on a tray in room or outdoor area).
   - Hallway/reception: allowed on leash — no running or begging.
   - Garden: yes, with owner present at all times.

3. GUEST RESPONSIBILITIES:
   - Don't leave the animal alone in room for more than 4 hours (we call security if continuous barking).
   - Pick up garden waste with your own bag.
   - Pay cleaning fee: R$50 per animal per night (organic compound on mattress/furniture).
   - Guest liable for property damage (glass, upholstery, furniture).

4. ON ARRIVAL:
   - Welcome kit: stainless-steel water bowl, clean blankets, whole-grain treat, hotel contact 24h.
   - Hygiene checklist (litter box, extra towels, disinfectant).

5. RESTRICTIONS:
   - No guard dogs trained for attack.
   - No exotic animals (turtle, snake, parrot).
   - No loose birds — risk of transmission to other guests.

6. CANCELLATION:
   - If the pet shows aggressive behavior or host allergy undeclared, we cancel without refund and suggest a partner hotel.

Publish this template (or your version) in your Cancellation Policy on your website, on Booking/Airbnb, and in booking confirmations.

Charge a pet fee? How much and why?

Yes — R$50–80 per animal per night. The real cost is extra cleaning, damage risk, and monitoring. If you don't charge, guests leave a mess. Explain: "After checkout, professional deep cleaning of mattresses, furniture, and curtains with special organic compound." It's a justified operational cost, not profit. Pet owners pay without hesitation.

What to prepare in rooms and common areas?

1. In room: stainless-steel bowls, extra hygiene blankets, dedicated towels, own trash, painter's tape for curtains.
2. Common areas: hygiene mat, waste-bag holder, "Welcome, pet" sign at reception.
3. Post-checkout: wash with neutral disinfectant, treat mattress with anti-allergen spray, open windows 4 hours.

How to market that you're pet-friendly?

1. OTAs: activate "pet friendly" filter and use real pet photo (with consent).
2. Website: highlight on homepage and each room page.
3. Google/My Business: add "accommodates pets."
4. Instagram/WhatsApp: share pet stories — cat in bed, dog in garden.
5. Confirmation: mention you're pet-friendly; ask breed, size, behavior.

When (and how) to say no?

Say no if: animal above weight/size limit, high occupancy, other guest allergies. Always offer a clear alternative (name and contact of a partner pet-friendly hotel). It's not rejection — it's expectation management.

Clear rules for the owner, peace for other guests: when your pet policy is transparent from the start, there's no conflict. Create yours today — start free with a ready template in ViaHotel. Test 14 days without a card.