Allow Pets in your STR/Vacation Rental? Yes or No?

[Bob Mueller Jr.]

Did a search for this and couldn't find a lot of discussion about pets in STR, only LTR. I am trying to rent my "winter" home in St. Pete, FL for 6 months while I'm gone (in 30-day minimum increments thanks to my HOA). I have gotten a couple inquires in two weeks on the market but not much. The lack of interest has me wondering if allowing pets would open things up for me? We have an older Golden Retriever and are dog people, but I just keep thinking about younger dogs or dogs that aren't trained well being at the property and destroying things. Do you folks generally allow pets in your STR's or not? I am open to the idea of collecting additional revenue via the NR pet deposits/pet fees and rolling the dice, but I don't want my house totally destroyed either, thanks!

[Wendy Schultz]

I let people who I know bring their pets but haven't allowed the general public renting our vacation rentals to bring theirs. We manage a couple of cottages side by side and all else being equal, the one that allows dogs is rented out far more. There is risk but there is also reward in the form of additional revenues and additional bookings. I would recommend marketing your property to realtors. They have people looking for places to stay short term all the time!