How making your holiday rental dog-friendly can increase bookings
Making your holiday rental pet-friendly can help attract more guests, increase bookings throughout the year and improve your property's visibility. As more travellers choose to holiday with their dogs, offering a pet-friendly holiday rental presents an opportunity for holiday homeowners to appeal to this growing market.
Key benefits of making your holiday home dog-friendly
- Reach more potential guests
- Improve visibility in search results
- Increase off-season bookings
- Encourage repeat visits
- Differentiate your property
- Create additional revenue through pet fees
More Europeans than ever own a pet, and for many, a dog is considered part of the family. According to the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF)*, almost half of all European households have at least one pet, with pet ownership continuing to grow across the continent. As a result, demand for holiday accommodation where dogs are welcome is also increasing.
For holiday home owners, this represents a valuable opportunity. Welcoming dogs can help attract a broader audience, improve occupancy during quieter travel periods and create additional revenue opportunities through pet-related fees. Combined with thoughtful property features and clear communication, a dog-friendly holiday home can maximise both guest appeal and long-term rental income.
Why welcoming dogs can benefit holiday home owners
Reach a wider audience
Many dog owners actively search for accommodation where pets are welcome. By allowing dogs, you can appeal to a growing group of travellers who may never find your property if it is not listed as pet-friendly.
Increase your property's visibility:
Pet owners often use search filters before they even begin comparing accommodation. A clearly labelled dog-friendly holiday home is easier to find, gains greater visibility and helps potential guests quickly identify whether it meets their needs.
Appeal to different types of travellers
Dog owners are a diverse group. They include families, couples, solo travellers, retirees and outdoor enthusiasts.
Making a holiday home dog-friendly broadens its appeal without changing its overall positioning.
Create booking opportunities throughout the year
Many dog owners enjoy travelling outside the peak summer season, particularly for walking holidays, hiking trips or short breaks in nature.
This can help attract guests during spring, autumn and even winter, extending booking opportunities beyond the traditional holiday periods.
Encourage repeat bookings
Travellers who find a holiday home that suits both them and their dog are often happy to return. Positive experiences can also lead to recommendations among friends, family and fellow dog owners.
Why a fenced garden matters to dog owners
For many dog owners, simply allowing pets is not enough. One of the most sought-after features is a securely fenced outdoor area. An enclosed garden allows dogs to spend time outside more safely and gives owners greater peace of mind while relaxing on holiday.
Owners should clearly indicate:
- whether the entire garden is enclosed,
- whether there are any open access points,
- whether the outdoor space is private or shared,
- whether gates can be securely closed.
Providing accurate information helps guests choose the right dog-friendly accommodation and builds trust before arrival.
Simple ways to make your holiday rental more dog-friendly
Making a property attractive to dog owners does not necessarily require major investment. Often, a few practical improvements can make a noticeable difference.
Useful features include:
- a securely fenced garden or terrace
- durable, easy-to-clean flooring
- food and water bowls
- towels for muddy paws
- tips for nearby walking trails or parks
- information about dog-friendly beaches, restaurants and attractions
- details of local veterinary services
Many guests will bring everything their dog needs. However, thoughtful extras can enhance the overall experience and help create positive reviews. Alongside these additions, it's also worth preparing your holiday home for guests before each arrival.
Set clear expectations when welcoming dogs
Create a clear pet policy
Welcoming dogs does not mean accepting every situation without conditions. A clear pet policy helps protect both owners and guests.
Owners may wish to specify:
- how many dogs are permitted
- whether an additional fee applies
- whether dogs may be left alone in the property
- whether they are allowed on furniture
- any additional house rules
Communicating these conditions before booking helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures guests know what to expect before they book a pet-friendly holiday rental apartment or house. This information can also be included in the rental agreement that both you and your guests will sign. Read our guide on how to create a rental agreement for holiday guests.
Address common concerns about pets
Some owners worry about additional cleaning or potential damage.
These concerns are understandable, but they can often be managed through clear communication, suitable house rules and practical property management.
Owners should make it clear that guests are responsible for any damage caused by their dog during their stay, in accordance with the applicable rental agreement and local legislation. To provide additional reassurance, owners may choose to require guests travelling with dogs to have valid personal liability insurance that covers damage caused by their pet, where this is common practice or permitted under local regulations.
Setting clear expectations before the booking is confirmed helps avoid misunderstandings and contributes to a positive experience for both owners and guests.
Why partner with Interhome?
Interhome helps holiday home owners reach guests across Europe through professional marketing, international distribution and more than 60 years of experience in holiday rentals.
Dog-friendly accommodation are clearly identified on the Interhome website, making them easier for travellers with pets to find. Guests can also use dedicated search filters to look specifically for pet-friendly accommodation and properties with fenced grounds, two features that are particularly important for many people travelling with a dog.
By highlighting these features, Interhome helps owners increase their property's visibility among a growing audience of pet owners searching for the right holiday home.
Frequently asked questions: How making your holiday rental dog-friendly
Is making a pet friendly holiday rental worthwhile?
For many properties, yes. Welcoming dogs allows owners to appeal to a growing group of travellers who actively search for dog-friendly accommodation.
What do dog owners look for when booking a holiday home?
Many travellers look for secure outdoor space, nearby walking routes, practical interiors and clear information about the property's pet policy.
Is a fenced garden important?
Yes. A fenced garden is one of the most valued features for guests travelling with a dog because it provides greater safety and convenience during their stay.
Do I need to provide dog equipment?
No. Most guests bring their own essentials. However, small touches such as bowls or information about local walking routes can improve the guest experience.
Can guests search specifically for dog-friendly holiday homes on Interhome?
Yes. Interhome allows guests to filter for pet-friendly holiday rentals as well as properties with fenced grounds, making it easier for travellers to find accommodation that meets their needs.
Does allowing dogs increase holiday rental bookings?
It can. Many travellers actively look for dog-friendly holiday homes, and properties that welcome pets often appeal to a wider audience. By making your holiday home suitable for guests with dogs, you may increase its visibility in relevant searches and attract bookings from families and couples who prefer to travel with their pets. A well-presented, pet-friendly property can also encourage repeat visits from guests who value finding accommodation where their dog is welcome.
Can I charge guests a pet fee?
Yes, many holiday home owners choose to charge an additional pet fee to help cover the extra cleaning or wear that may result from a stay with a dog. The amount and structure of any fee should be transparent and clearly communicated before booking, so guests know exactly what to expect. A fair, clearly explained pet fee can help offset additional costs while maintaining a positive guest experience.
How can I protect my holiday rental from pet-related damage?
Preparing your property for guests with dogs helps minimize the risk of damage. Durable flooring, washable furnishings and clear house rules can all make a difference. Providing practical items such as a dog towel or designated feeding area can also encourage responsible use of the property. Regular inspections and prompt maintenance help keep your holiday home in excellent condition for every guest.
Should guests have liability insurance for their pets?
Requirements vary by country, so owners should always check local regulations before setting any booking conditions. In destinations where pet liability insurance is common, it may be reasonable to ask guests to confirm they have appropriate cover. Whatever your policy, it should be communicated clearly before the booking is confirmed to help avoid misunderstandings.
What are the most important dog-friendly features?
The best dog-friendly holiday homes combine comfort for guests with practical features for their pets. Popular amenities include a secure outdoor space, easy-to-clean floors, nearby walking routes and enough room for dogs to relax after a day outdoors. Small touches such as water bowls, waste bags or information about local dog-friendly beaches, parks and cafés can also improve the guest experience and encourage positive reviews.
Sources
* FEDIAF – Facts & Figures 2025: European Overview
https://europeanpetfood.org/about/statistics/
