Taking Pets On HOLIDAY

Great holiday locations are where you can take the whole "family"

Is your property truly pet-friendly? Customers or potential customers ask this question all the time.

More and more people are choosing to take their pets away with them, and this growing and discerning market is demanding more than just a dog bowl and kennel to make Fido happy.

Several web sites survey visitors every month, and are receiving an increasing number of comments relating to properties and their 'pet-friendly' status. I have included a couple of quotes to highlight the concerns of people who wish to travel with their pets.

Motor bike and pet friendly now that's a cool place to stay...Fido had his own sunglasses,head scarf, and seat and harness to keep him safe and comfortable. He was satisfied to sleep outside on the verandah and go for a walk when nature called!

"Are dogs allowed inside, or only outside; restrictions on dog size; things like that. In this instance I had to make specific enquiries with the property owner. All was well, but additional information could have been provided on the listing to help me decide whether it was worth making further enquiries or not."
"People travelling with dogs need much more information about what is provided. 'Pet-friendly' is not sufficient. We need to know: are they welcome inside? Is the property fenced? Fenced balcony? Whole yard? Size of yard? An information pack about local dog by-laws such as which beaches allow dogs would be really useful, along with recommended walks for people with dogs. This is the information dog people want. I would prefer this information to be on the listing, so I don't have to disclose all of my contact details just to find out if the property meets my needs."

This is clearly an issue that needs to be addressed and those who best meet the needs of people travelling with pets will be the ones to capitalise on a increasing market. Therefore if you are an accommodation provider, and really want to be pet friendly, take note and provide your potential customer with more information on the websites you are listed.

Pet Friendly Tips:

1. Fence a section of the property where pets can roam/exercise freely.


2. Provide feeding bowls.


3. Provide shelter for both good and bad weather.


4. Provide furniture covers for those pets who demand to sit on the lounge with the owner.


5. Take a pet bond to cover any damage.


6. Provide plastic bags and receptical for the "pet doings"
7. Ask that the pet is vaccinated and has had a bath before arrival.

Hope this helps both providers and guests to understand some of the issues of taking pets on holiday.