Embracing Pet-Friendly Travel
Tell Your Guests to Bring Fido Along
For some travelers, bringing their pets along for the ride is essential. According to Booking.com, 39% of travelers would bring their pets on vacation to cut the cost of pet sitting. That means that equipping your operation for pet-friendly travel could help you stand out from the crowd.
Foodbuy Hospitality has several tips for making your property the perfect place for travelers with pets.
1. Customize Pet-Friendly Rooms
If your guests are bringing pets, they’ll need a place to stay. That’s why you’ll want to designate pet-friendly rooms and equip them with all the amenities a canine or feline companion might need. If you know a pet is coming to stay, you can add things like water and food bowls, pet beds, and anti-slip bathmats. Maybe you’ll even want to throw in a welcome kit with treats and toys.
Your four-legged guests will feel right at home in your hotel or resort.
2. Put Safety First
The key to accommodating pet-friendly travel is making sure that your property is safe for both pets and humans. To create a safe and secure space, you’ll want to implement a few guidelines for visitors in an official pet policy.
This policy can include any weight or breed restrictions, as well as outline which facilities are pet-friendly, and which are off-limits to furry friends. You may also want to include any rules around using leashes and carriers. Boundaries like these not only protect your other guests who may not be as comfortable with animals, they also keep your animal guests safe by delineating which amenities are ideal for them to use.
Additionally, you can ensure pet safety in case of emergency by equipping your front desk staff with emergency vet phone numbers and pet emergency protocols. That way, your staff will be prepared in case of issues.
3. Plan Pet-Focused Events
Catering to pets and their owners goes beyond simple amenities and accommodations. If you want to be the top-choice for pet-friendly travel, you’ll want to add pet-centered activities and events to your operation’s calendar.
Consider hosting:
Pet owner social hours or meet and greets
Pet-friendly outings like local hikes or park visits
Unique pet events like cat yoga or dog cocktail hour
You may even attract local pet owners to your hotel or resort, improving your reputation in the area.
Prepare for a Pet-Focused Summer
Pets are part of the family for some travelers. If you want to stand out to travelers who prioritize their animals, these tips can help.
Looking for other ways to boost your hospitality venue’s success? Work with an account manager from Foodbuy Hospitality today.