If you choose to accept pets at your vacation home,  it is absolutely appropriate to charge a pet fee.  Think of it this way: pet owners know and accept the fact that when they go away they have to pay for boarding for their pets.

When you accept pets at your vacation home, you're adding convenience to your guests and you're boosting your bottom line.  Just as the convenience items in the grocery store are more per ounce, you too should charge more.  Our recommended pet fee is anywhere from $10-$25 per day because the cost to board dogs is similar. You can also check out other rentals in your area to determine what they are charging to accept pets.  You should also give some consideration to any increased cleaning costs that your housekeeper might charge.

At the same time, though, you may not want to ENCOURAGE that guests bring their pets.  You don't want to open up the door for this scenario: “We want to board Spot because he's such a pain, but it's way cheaper if we just take him with us.” Accepting pets does pose a risk of damage, though typically a very small risk, to your second home.  When you screen your renters you look for red flags to make sure they're right for your home.  This isn't that much different - just pay attention to how they talk about their dog!

When deciding whether or not to accept pets, you'll have to weigh the pros and cons.  You might be attracting a new set of renters and adding to your bottom line, but you could also be opening the doors for more wear and tear and the risk of damage.  Perhaps give it a try in your slow season to see how it works out!

A quick note: Here are some links to the Humane Society's web site. They have suggested pet policies and other useful information for property owners who accept pets.

Advice about accepting renters with pets

How to create a pets-welcome policy 

What are your policies for accepting pets at your vacation rental?

Should You Accept Pets in Your Vacation Home What you need to consider when determining a pet policy for your vacation rental. Raising Your Rates: When and How Much? When and how much should you raise the rates of your vacation rental property for next year?   How to Set Your Rental Rates for Your Vacation Home Tips for  pricing, including assessing the competition and picking your peak season.   Operation Off-Season: 12 Tips for Attracting & Accommodating Guests Quick tips and advice for keeping your vacation rental home booked during the off-season.

© Copyright, Christine Karpinski 2006, Updated 9/9/08