When I think of pet-friendly hotels, I can’t help but remember how important my pets are to me and how they can affect my personal travel decisions. Years ago, my husband and I were traveling home to Ohio from North Carolina for Christmas with our dog when we hit the aftermath of a blizzard in West Virginia. It was a tough drive, and eventually, we had to throw in the towel and find a hotel to stay in for the night.
Sounds simple, right? It wasn’t.
We were exhausted, frustrated, and desperate to find a place that would let our dog stay with us. The search felt hopeless, one hotel after another wouldn’t allow pets. That frustration has stuck with me to this day.
Fast forward to the present, and thankfully, things have changed. More hotels have opened their doors to four-legged travelers, making it easier than ever to bring pets along for the adventure. However, with more pet-friendly options comes more competition. It’s no longer enough to just allow pets. Now more than ever it is important for hotels to actively market their pet friendly amenities. So how can hotels ensure travelers know they are pet friendly and set themselves apart? Here is a guide to help you position your hotel as a top choice for travelers with pets.
The Basics
Make sure your property’s pet-friendly status is clearly highlighted on your website, as well as on Online Travel Agency sites like Booking.com and Expedia, and local listings such as Google and TripAdvisor. Additionally, regularly audit your information to ensure all pet-friendly amenities and fees are accurate and up to date.
Optimize Your Website for Pet Owners
Your hotel website should showcase your pet-friendly status. Consider creating a dedicated page highlighting your pet policies, available amenities, and nearby pet-friendly attractions.
If a separate page isn’t feasible, ensure details like pet fees and amenities are clearly displayed in relevant sections of your site. To enhance this messaging, include images of pets enjoying your property to visually reinforce your welcoming, pet-friendly environment.
Digital Advertising
Increase your pet-friendly hotel’s visibility through digital advertising. Use social media to highlight your pet-friendly amenities, such as pet beds, locally crafted treats, and outdoor spaces. Target audiences like pet owners, travelers interested in pet-friendly destinations, and those searching for pet travel options.
Leverage Paid Search Ads with keywords like “pet-friendly hotels near me,” “dog-friendly hotels,” and “hotels that allow pets.” Complement these efforts with Display ads to visually showcase your property’s pet-friendly features.
Consider using Google AI’s Performance Max Campaigns. These ads are shown across Search, Display, YouTube, and Gmail, connecting with pet owners actively seeking accommodations.
Pet Friendly Listings
Get your property listed on sites like BringFido and Petswelcome to connect with pet owners actively searching for pet-friendly accommodations. While your property may already be listed on these platforms, it’s important to verify that your information and images are accurate and up to date.
Packages & Promotions
Create a Pets Welcome Package that includes things like a pet welcome kit (bed, bowl, and treats) along with a waived pet fee or consider a Dog Day Out Package that includes transportation to and from a local dog park, dog-friendly snacks and exclusive discounts at pet-friendly local businesses.
Get Creative
Get creative by offering unique experiences and partnerships. Partner with local pet businesses to offer exclusive deals or promotions, such as discounts on pet grooming, doggy daycare or pet supply shopping.
Host events like Pups on the Patio or Pet Adoption Days to bring the community together but also create memorable experiences for guests and their pets.
Highlighting nearby pet-friendly attractions in your area can also provide guests with great ideas for outings, whether it’s a visit to a local dog park, pet-friendly trails, or a local restaurant patio.
Create a pet welcome procedure such as a welcome kit, pre-placed bed and bowls in the guest room, or a pet-friendly amenity such as a treat made in house or a hotel branded toy.
Conclusion
Looking back at that frustrating night in West Virginia reminds me of how much of a difference it can make when a hotel truly welcomes pets. What was once a stressful and exhausting search for a pet-friendly hotel has now become a much easier and more enjoyable experience for pet owners. By thoughtfully marketing your pet-friendly amenities, creating unique packages, and offering a welcoming atmosphere, your hotel can make a lasting impact on travelers like me who never want to leave their furry companions behind. With a little extra effort, you can ensure that your hotel stands out as the go-to destination for both pets and their owners, making traveling with a furry companion less stressful and more memorable.