Note: This is an edited transcript of Christine Karpinski's How To Rent Vacation Properties by Owner podcast.

Christine Karpinski: Today's question comes from Patty. She asks:

Q: "I would like to allow pets in my vacation home. However, I'm a little concerned about alienating people who might have allergies to pets."

A: . Patty, this is a great question. I think that a lot of people are concerned about having pets in their homes because of allergens.

First of all, you have to determine if you have allergies yourself, or if any of your family members have allergies. Then perhaps, you don't want to allow pets because of course, you want to be able to go and visit your vacation home comfortably without sneezing and itchy eyes.

If you don't have allergies to pets, I think what you have to realize is there is a significant percentage of the population who have a pet and there is a very low number of vacation home owners who allow pets. Because this is an area where demand exceeds supply, if you allow pets, you will likely increase the number of bookings that you'll be getting. Some owners tell us that they increase the number of bookings they get by as much as 50 to 100% when they start allowing pets.

As far as the allergens are concerned, make sure that you have clearly depicted in your ad that you allow pets. Then, in your vacation rental contract make sure that you are saying that you allow pets, with something like, “If you have allergies please notify the owner immediately to cancel this reservation,” because you never want to allow someone in your home who has allergies to pets.

Now, on the subject of cats, that tends to be a different story. A lot more people have allergies to cats. I personally only allow dogs in my home. Whether or not you want to allow a cat is entirely up to you. But I think if you allow cats, you are decreasing the number of people who can stay in your home.

I hope you enjoyed this episode of "Ask Christine." If you have a question, we would love to hear from you. Please leave a message at (512) 493-4340.

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Do you accept pets at your vacation rental?

The Pros and Cons of Allowing Pets at Your Vacation Home Some considerations when deciding whther to ame your vacation rental pet-friendly   Guidelines for Charging Pet Fees  If you choose to accept pets in your vacation rental, this is a guideline for pet fees   Accepting Pets at Your Vacation Rental The upsides and considerations for advertising your vacation home as pet friendly   How to Market Your Vacation Home to Travelers with Pets Learn how to equip your home and advertise your vacation rental as pet-friendly © Copyright, HomeAway, Inc. 2009. U.090721.AK