A room for Rover – the Benefits of Embracing Pet-Inclusive Stays

By Sarah Davison,

Industry Reporter

Dogs have become more than just companions­ they're integral members of the family. With more travellers wanting to bring their furry friends along for the journey, catering to pets has become a key differentiator for accommodation providers.

Beyond being a welcome bonus, accommodating pets also supports accessibility by ensuring a warm reception for guests with assistance animals. Under the Australian Federal Disability Discrimination Act 1992, assistance animals are legally permitted in most areas, except for spaces such as operating theatres, hospital burns units, commercial kitchens, and certain sections of zoos. For accommodation providers, embracing assistance animals is both a legal responsibility and an opportunity to enhance inclusivity. By creating a welcoming environment for assistance animals and extending that ethos to pets, operators can tap into a growing demand for pet­ friendly travel options.

Pet-friendly travel is on the rise, with many travellers now planning their entire holidays around their pets. This shift has spurred growth in pet-friendly amenities such as cafes, parks, beaches, and accommodations, spanning caravan parks, motels, and hotels across all price ranges. However, for pet owners, the inability to travel with their pets often becomes a barrier to taking holidays. Many report altering their plans or avoiding travel altogether due to limited options that accommodate their pets.

This trend reflects a global movement. In Australia, a significant proportion of dog owners express a strong preference for pet-inclusive travel, with many adjusting their itineraries to suit their pets' needs. Similarly, in countries like the UK, concerns about pet care during holidays contribute to stress and even lead travellers to cancel plans without reliable solutions. By embracing this growing demand, accommodations can cater to a broader audience and create lasting loyalty among pet-owning travellers.

Accessible Accommodation founder Kerry Williams emphasises that catering to pets isn't just about meeting demand-it can also deliver measurable benefits to the bottom line. By embracing pet-friendly practices, accommodation providers can tap into a lucrative and growing market segment, enhancing both occupancy rates and guest satisfaction.

"Pet-friendly accessible accommodation receives a disproportionately higher number of bookings than properties that don't," she explained.

"This is especially true for wheelchair users, who tend to have lap dogs, and for guests with mental health and sensory disabilities. Animals play a big role in managing anxiety and the day-to-day challenges people with disabilities face."

The demand for pet-friendly travel is clear, and the opportunity for accommodation providers is significant.
The key to success lies in thoughtful preparation, clear communication, and tailoring the guest experience for pets with practical offerings.

"The hotel may also provide pet bedding with removable covers, pet bowls for water and food, and pet treats," housekeeping expert Liz Lycette said.

For assistance animals, additional care can include allocating ground-floor rooms or those close to outdoor areas. As Ms Williams suggests:

"The guest will frequently need to take the assistance dog to the toilet outside. Recommend the closest park for them as well."

When opening your doors to pets, it's crucial to have clear policies to maintain harmony between owners and other guests. A comprehensive "doggy code of conduct" can outline expectations around the number, size, and behaviour of pets, ensuring everyone enjoys their stay.

As Ms Lycette advises: "The hotel needs to establish a pet policy. This needs to be made clear to all guests prior to their arrival."

Rules might include keeping pets on leashes in common areas, prohibiting them from being left unattended in rooms, and restricting access to certain areas such as restaurants and bars.

Managing pet-friendly accommodation also requires operational adjustments, particularly for housekeeping. Pet-friendly rooms need a higher standard of care, including specialised cleaning routines and easy­ to-maintain furnishings.

"The rooms require an extra level of cleaning. It is preferable for the rooms to have no carpet and to have hard floors throughout. All areas need to be carefully sanitised and disinfected after check-out," Ms Lycette explained.

Designating specific pet-friendly rooms can simplify operations and maintain cleanliness.

Additionally, laundry services require attention. Ms Lycette said bedding and linens from pet-friendly rooms should be processed separately to manage fur and other residues and ensure guests and staff with allergies aren't adversely affected.

Additional amenities such as dog wash stations, grooming areas, or even pet pools can further enhance the guest experience. These facilities are particularly appealing for dog owners and add another layer of convenience for travellers.

Offering pet-friendly services can be a smart business decision; however, it doesn't come without challenges.

To ensure the offering is both sustainable and beneficial, Ms Lycette suggests charging a premium to cover the additional housekeeping tasks. Transparency around pet policies and amenities can also strengthen guest satisfaction. Ms Williams recommends making these details clear from the outset and including specific information for those travelling with assistance animals.

"I recommend that on your website and in booking terms and conditions, you state that registration papers for registered service animals must be presented on or prior to check-in," she said.

Catering to pet guests and assistance animals isn't just about meeting a trend-it's about understanding the evolving needs of travellers. With the growing prevalence of pet ownership and the critical role of assistance animals, offering pet-friendly accommodation is a meaningful way to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

For accommodation providers, the benefits of welcoming pets extend far beyond compliance. They represent an opportunity to stand out, foster loyalty, and tap into a thriving market. With thoughtful preparation, clear policies, and the right amenities, accommodating pets can be a rewarding move for both guests and businesses alike.

46 AccomNews - Summer 2025