The Homeowner Collection
Issue No. 02
How welcoming responsible pet owners can broaden your property’s appeal, strengthen guest experiences, and support stronger long-term performance.
By EMR Vacation Rentals
If you’ve ever wondered whether making your vacation rental pet friendly is worth it, you’re certainly not alone. It’s one of the questions we hear most often from homeowners. More travellers than ever are looking specifically for accommodations where their pets are welcome, often before they compare location, amenities, or even price. In our more than 20 years of managing vacation rentals across Vancouver Island, we’ve seen how welcoming pets can open a home to a broader group of travellers while still protecting what matters most: your investment. Like any decision you make about your property, it’s about weighing the benefits, understanding the responsibilities, and deciding whether it’s the right fit for your home. We put this guide together to help you do exactly that.Thinking About Making Your Home Pet Friendly?
Every property is different, and becoming pet friendly isn’t the right choice for every home. If you’re considering it but aren’t sure where to start, we’d be happy to share what we’ve learned from managing pet-friendly vacation rentals across Vancouver Island.
In This Article
Pet-Friendly Homes Reach More Travellers
Every guest has a checklist when they’re searching for a vacation rental. For many travellers, “pet friendly” is one of the very first boxes they tick.
Travelling with pets has become increasingly common, and for many families, leaving the dog behind simply isn’t an option anymore. If your property doesn’t allow pets, there’s a good chance those guests won’t even see your listing because it never appears in their search results.
We see this all the time on Vancouver Island. Many of our guests arrive by car via BC Ferries or drive from elsewhere in British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, and beyond, making it easy to travel with their pets. We also welcome guests staying for relocations, insurance claims, home renovations, work assignments, and extended stays. In many of these situations, bringing the family dog isn’t just something they’d like to do. It’s part of the move.
While every property performs differently, industry research continues to show that pet-friendly vacation rentals often experience stronger booking demand than comparable homes that don’t allow pets. The reason makes sense. When more travellers are able to consider your property, you naturally create more opportunities for bookings. It’s less about promising higher revenue and more about making sure your home is visible to guests who are already looking for exactly what you offer.
From Our Property Managers
We’ve found that guests travelling with pets tend to be very intentional about the homes they choose. They aren’t just looking for somewhere that allows dogs. They’re looking for a home that’s genuinely prepared to welcome them. That’s especially true for many of our longer-stay guests who are relocating, renovating, or travelling for work. For them, bringing the family dog isn’t a luxury. It’s simply part of everyday life.
Ask Yourself…
- Could your home comfortably accommodate responsible pet owners?
- Are you unintentionally missing out on guests who never even see your property?
- Would allowing pets fit with your long-term goals for your vacation rental?
Pet Friendly Doesn’t Mean Giving Up Control
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that allowing pets means giving up control over how your home is used. In reality, the most successful pet-friendly vacation rentals are the ones with the clearest expectations.
As the homeowner, you decide what works for your property. You might choose to limit the number of pets, set size restrictions, ask that pets stay off the furniture, or require that they never be left unattended. The goal isn’t to create a long list of rules. It’s simply to help guests understand what’s expected before they arrive.
In our experience, responsible pet owners appreciate clear guidelines. They’re travelling with an important member of their family and want to know they’re staying somewhere that’s thoughtfully managed.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We’ve helped many homeowners create practical pet policies that protect their homes while making guests feel welcome.
Another concern we hear from homeowners is whether pets will cause more damage. That’s why we take guest screening seriously, provide guidance on clear pet policies, and work with homeowners to set expectations before every stay. On the rare occasion that an issue does arise, we’re here to help resolve it quickly. Our homeowners are also backed by EMR’s Peace of Mind Coverage, which provides up to $10,000 in additional guest damage protection, giving you another layer of confidence when welcoming guests into your home.
From Our Property Managers
One thing we’ve learned over the years is that clear communication solves most problems before they ever happen. When guests know what’s expected, they’re usually more than happy to respect your home.
Keep in Mind
One of the biggest advantages of working with EMR is that you’re never managing these decisions on your own. We’ll help you establish practical guidelines, communicate them clearly with guests, and support you from booking through departure.
Small Upgrades Can Make a Big Difference
Turning your vacation rental into a pet-friendly home doesn’t mean taking on an expensive renovation. In fact, some of the improvements guests appreciate most are also some of the easiest to add.
A basket with dog towels by the door, food and water bowls, waste bags, an extra leash, or even a few locally made dog treats can make guests feel immediately at home. If your property has an outdoor tap or hose, creating a simple spot to rinse muddy paws after a walk can also be a welcome addition. We also recommend sharing a few local favourites, whether it’s a nearby off-leash park, a dog-friendly beach, a scenic walking trail, or the closest veterinarian.
If you’re already planning renovations, durable flooring may be worth considering. Otherwise, don’t feel like you need to change perfectly good finishes just to welcome pets. We’ve found that thoughtful, practical touches often have a much bigger impact than expensive upgrades.
From Our Property Managers
The homes that work best for pets aren’t the ones with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones where homeowners have thought about the little things that make life easier, whether that’s somewhere to wipe muddy paws after the beach or a safe place to store a leash before heading out for the day.
Guests Appreciate…
- Somewhere to wipe muddy paws.
- Easy access to outdoor spaces.
- Food and water bowls.
- A few thoughtful touches that make travelling with a pet feel just a little easier.
A Better Experience for Guests and Their Pets
One of the nicest things about travelling with a dog is that they get to be part of the adventure. One of the hardest parts is finding a place where everyone feels comfortable from the moment they arrive.
For many guests, bringing their dog means they can truly relax. They don’t have to worry about arranging pet sitters, boarding kennels, or leaving an important member of the family behind. Instead, they can focus on enjoying their holiday together.
That peace of mind starts before they even arrive. Choosing a home that welcomes pets often gives guests confidence that they’ll feel comfortable during their stay. When they arrive and discover a home that’s been thoughtfully prepared, it simply reinforces that they’ve made the right choice.
As homeowners, it’s easy to focus on the house itself. Guests, however, remember how staying there made them feel. Making life a little easier for someone travelling with their pet is one of those small gestures that often becomes part of the story they take home with them.
From Our Property Managers
For many travellers we’ve spoken to, a dog isn’t just a pet, they’re part of the family. The best pet-friendly vacation rentals don’t simply allow dogs. They make travelling together feel easy. Thoughtful touches, clear expectations, and a home that’s genuinely prepared to welcome pets can make all the difference!
Not Every Home Should Be Pet Friendly
We know not every vacation rental should allow pets, and that’s perfectly okay. Some homes simply aren’t the right fit. Strata bylaws may prohibit pets, your property may be in a wildlife-sensitive area, or you may have delicate landscaping or furnishings that you’d rather not risk. Sometimes it simply comes down to your own comfort level as a homeowner. The important thing is to make the decision intentionally. Rather than following trends, think about your property’s strengths, the type of guests you’d like to attract, and your long-term goals for your investment. For some homes, becoming pet friendly is a natural fit. For others, it isn’t.From Our Property Managers
A pet-friendly policy doesn’t have to be permanent. If you’re curious about how it might work for your property, consider trying it for a season or a defined period of time. That gives you the opportunity to evaluate the experience and decide whether it’s the right long-term fit.
Worth Considering
Think about the type of guests your home naturally attracts. If you regularly welcome families, longer-stay guests, or travellers exploring Vancouver Island by car, becoming pet friendly may be a natural fit. With clear expectations and the right support, many homeowners find it’s a much smaller operational change than they first imagined.
One Last Thought
One thing we’ve learned over the years is that successful vacation rentals don’t stand still. They evolve as guest expectations change. If your home is a good fit for pets, becoming pet friendly may be one of those changes that’s worth considering. It’s a simple way to welcome a broader range of travellers while staying true to what makes your property unique.Let’s Talk About Your Home
If you’ve been thinking about making your vacation rental pet friendly, we’d love to help you explore whether it’s the right fit. We can talk through practical considerations, share what’s worked well in similar homes, and help you decide what makes the most sense for your property and your goals.Frequently Asked Questions
Does allowing pets guarantee more bookings?
No. There are never guarantees when it comes to vacation rental performance. That said, the industry data is remarkably consistent. Pet-friendly vacation rentals generally experience stronger booking demand than comparable homes that don’t allow pets because they’re visible to a larger pool of travellers. While results vary from property to property, becoming pet friendly has repeatedly been shown to improve occupancy potential and overall booking opportunities.
Will allowing pets lead to more damage?
It’s one of the first questions we hear from homeowners, and it’s a fair one. While no one can guarantee that accidents won’t happen, most guests travelling with pets are responsible owners who respect the homes they stay in. We carefully screen our guests, help homeowners establish clear pet policies, and support you throughout every booking. In addition, EMR’s Peace of Mind Coverage provides up to $10,000 in additional guest damage protection, giving homeowners extra confidence when welcoming guests with pets.
How do I know if becoming pet friendly makes sense for my property?
That’s exactly the conversation we like to have with homeowners. We’ll look at your property’s layout, location, guest profile, and any practical considerations to help you decide whether welcoming pets is a good fit. Sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes it’s no, but we’ll always give you honest advice based on what we’ve seen work over the years.
