Dogs at Airbnbs

[whatdoyourdoggoswant]

We have recently changed our settings to welcome dogs at our airbnb. What would you expect if you took your dog to an airbnb? Bowls I guess? What about a basket?

We are pretty rural and we have outbuildings so would a warm water hose to wash them down after a walk be useful?

All suggestions welcome. We don’t have dogs so a bit clueless.

Obviously different areas and different clientele, but I would say that about 70% of my guests bring dogs.

I ran an Airbnb that was dog friendly. I have 2 dogs myself so already had plenty of doggy things. If I go anywhere with my dogs I always take all their own stuff, bowls etc. However it would probably be a good idea to
hsve a couple of spare bowls and some poo bags available. A nice touch is to have some doggy treats to make your 4 legged guests welcome!

A dog blanket. Even if you say no dogs on furniture…. They will be! Also a dog towel to protect your white ones?

Nothing really, but you could do bowls/vet number/places to walk nearby.

Is it possible that instead of driving new bookings, you actually deter potential clients? I can only speak for myself, of course, but a dog friendly place would be straight off my list. The lingering odour of dogs is horrible, and I certainly don't want to sleep in beds that dogs have been on. Yick.

Ditto. I avoid dog friendly places. I don't want my holiday spilppoiled by dogs jumping up at me; nor do I want the stink of dogs in self-catering accommodation.

If it says dogs friendly I scroll on by .....

Recently home from a dog friendly cottage .

They provided throws ( but they were stinky, so I used my own) , treats, poo bags, bowls, info such as vet numbers, walks , dog friendly pubs.; the fluffiest towel ( nicer than my own at home and certainly nicer than she is used to )
Plus there was a vacuum cleaner and brush/ dust pan, so I could keep the place clean.

A warm shower would be wonderful!

My dog sleeps on the floor, in her own bed, by our bed , so if she was not allowed into the bedroom, I would not book, but this cottage had laid out all the rules before booking; so that was appreciated.

Thanks for thinking of us!

I think it’s a tricky decision if you are doing it to drive business. Yes, you will potentially get more bookings from dog owners; however I am allergic to dogs so would 100% avoid your place now, and would not return if I had been before.
I guess you can try it for a season and see how it goes compared to previous seasons?

As a non dog person I’d want to know what cleaning protocols you had in place, especially around beds and furniture. If not I wouldn’t book.

A secure garden is a must. It wouldn’t even occur to me that a dog friendly place could have a garden that is not secure. If you really can’t make a part of it secure then please make it clear in the listing as it would be a deal breaker for me and many other dog owners.

If you say no dogs upstairs, a stair gate. I am in a tiny cottage atm. Dogs are not allowed upstairs but my dog doesn't know that. There is nothing to stop him. I don't want him going up - he isn't allowed at home.

Just got to a dog friendly cottage, dogs allowed on sofas if we bring our own throws. They have a out door dog shower, enclosed patio with light, enclosed paddock and woodland. Dog treats, toy and poo bags in cottage. Stair gate but allowed upstairs, hard flooring throughout . Lording dog friendly day out info. All good so far

Concise instructions as to any areas
dog can’t go. Secure fenced area there is nothing worse than having to go out with your dog for late night wee. Agree throws, poo bags in case one forgets them. I bring my own bowls and bed. Dog hose would be good with towels. Cleaning products just in case of any accidents.

Unfortunately you will not be there 24 hours a day to see what people actually do with their dogs! - never mind the rules ......

Please make it clear before booking whether you are genuinely dog friendly or just dog tolerant. The worst thing is when you book somewhere that claims to be dog friendly but when you arrive you get presented with a list of rules that make it clear that the owners want your money, but really didn’t want the dog. If you don’t want dogs upstairs or on furniture (or in one case, on the rugs, no problem, my dog knows how to levitate!), make it clear in advance.

In a properly dog friendly Airbnb, I’d want to see lots of fleece throws for the furniture (more than one per sofa, so that they can be changed over the week). A stack of old towels for muddy paws (just one would be soggy in no time in the winter and that would end up smelling nasty). A couple of bowls because if someone forgets theirs, they would probably just grab some from the kitchen cupboards which is a bit grim. A roll of poo bags (if only as a hint that you expect people to not leave dog poo in the garden). A warm outdoor dog wash area would be absolutely amazing and my dog would love you for it. Plenty of rugs - hard flooring can be slippy and carpet can hold on to smells, rugs can be taken out to air or just replaced much more easily. No reed diffusers or plug in air freshener things, many are toxic to dogs, and they just layer smell on top (I’d be wondering what you were hiding). And a small securely fenced area just outside the back door, with a light and maybe a bench, would be essential. A washing machine and dryer would be a huge plus, as would a decent hoover.

Personally, I try to avoid properties that are merely dog tolerant. They feel much less welcoming and relaxing. If the bare minimum is provided in terms of throws and towels etc, there’s more likely to be a lingering doggy smell, so it’s really the worst of both worlds.

I think whether allowing dogs will lead to more bookings will be largely dependent on location. If you’re somewhere with good walks and dog friendly local businesses, it will be well worth it. Most people holidaying in the uk want o take their dogs with them. If you’re in the middle of a big city though, you’ll probably do better by guaranteeing dog free accommodation.