Are Restaurants and Hotels Now Becoming More Pet Friendly?

People love their pets. This is news to no one. What is news is that pet owners are increasingly unwilling to leave their pets at home when they travel or dine. People will actively seek out accommodations that are pet friendly when they are traveling, and look for restaurants that permit dogs to join their owners. There are even sites devoted to finding hotels where pets are welcomed, like bringfido.com which currently has more than 100,000 listings.

What should you consider if you allow pets in your establishment?

Sanitation

Dogs don’t always have the best training. They can disturb other diners with sniffing, begging, and even licking. Their potty skills may not be up-to-par – which is both distasteful and can be a health department nightmare.

Not everyone loves animals

Dogs can shed, drool, and trigger allergy attacks. Some guests may consider them as much of a nuisance as smokers. Is turning off some customers worth attracting others?

Will you charge a pet fee?

Cleaning a room where a pet has stayed can cost you more in time and money. Frightened or ill-behaved pets can cause damage by scratching, chewing, and having accidents. Not to mention shedding and tracking in dirt! But if you don’t charge, you may engender goodwill and additional bookings from pet-loving guests.

Will you limit the size, number or variety of pet?

Whatever your policy, make sure you establish one – unless you are willing to take on a pony, a loud dog or six cats at a time. Rules prevent surprises and misunderstandings.

If you want to attract pet owners to your establishment, be sure that you understand their needs, and what lengths you are willing to go to in order to accommodate them. Are you just going to tolerate pets or are you going to go out of the way to make the experience special for dogs and their owners?

Allowing pets in your restaurant or hotel can attract new and repeat business, but there is much to consider to please all of your customers, conform to health regulations and avoid unnecessary expenses. Contact the hotel and restaurant executive search specialists at Horizon Hospitality for ideas about how you can attract and retain customers and top industry professionals. Our hotel and restaurant recruiters are eager to help your business succeed.

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