Why Vacation Rental Owners Should Consider Going Pet-Friendly

As more people take their pets with them on vacations, the demand for pet-friendly vacation rentals has surged. In fact, a significant number of travelers consider their pets an essential part of their vacation plans. If you’re a vacation rental owner, you may want to consider making your property pet-friendly. It’s not just about making your guests happy—it’s also about increasing your bookings and staying competitive in an ever-growing market.

Here’s why opening your doors to pets can be a game-changer for your vacation rental business:

1. Pet Owners Are Traveling More Than Ever

According to recent surveys, over 70% of pet owners consider their pets as family, and many are unwilling to travel without them. More and more people are choosing to take their pets on vacation, whether it's for a weekend getaway or a week-long retreat. By making your vacation rental pet-friendly, you are opening the door to a larger market of travelers who might otherwise pass on your property.

2. Increase Your Bookings and Revenue

The growing demand for pet-friendly accommodations means there’s an opportunity for vacation rental owners to capture a wider range of guests. Many pet owners are willing to pay extra for accommodations that allow them to bring their furry companions along. By adding pet-friendly amenities, such as dog beds, pet bowls, and secure outdoor spaces, you can justify higher rates for pet stays and tap into this lucrative market.

3. More Flexibility for Guests

For many travelers, finding a pet-friendly vacation rental is a major hurdle. A recent study found that nearly 50% of pet owners have had to change their travel plans or opt for less desirable accommodations simply because their pets weren’t welcome. By offering a pet-friendly option, you provide your guests with a greater sense of freedom and flexibility. This can lead to higher satisfaction, better reviews, and increased loyalty.

4. Appeal to the Millennial Traveler

Millennials are increasingly becoming the dominant group of vacation rental guests, and this demographic is known for their love of pets. According to studies, over 60% of millennials are pet owners, and they are particularly keen on traveling with their animals. If your vacation rental can accommodate them and their pets, it’s likely to lead to more frequent bookings, as they’ll appreciate the added convenience of traveling with their furry companions.

5. Stand Out in a Crowded Market

With the rise of vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, the market has become saturated with options. To stand out from the competition, you need to offer something special. Being a pet-friendly property can set you apart, making your listing more attractive to pet owners who don’t want to leave their pets behind. The more unique your property is, the higher your chances of securing a booking.

6. Positive Word-of-Mouth and Repeat Guests

When you create a welcoming, pet-friendly environment, guests who travel with their pets will appreciate your hospitality and are likely to return. In fact, pet owners often share their experiences with friends, family, and social media, leading to positive word-of-mouth and more visibility for your property. Many pet owners are repeat customers when they find a place that makes their pets feel at home.

7. Boost Your Property’s Rating and Reviews

Guests with pets are likely to leave positive reviews when they find a vacation rental that meets their needs. Features such as a fenced yard, pet waste disposal stations, and nearby dog-friendly parks can contribute to a better overall experience. Happy guests translate to better reviews, which can increase your property’s visibility and reputation on booking platforms.

8. What You Can Do to Make Your Vacation Rental Pet-Friendly

Becoming a pet-friendly vacation rental doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your property. Here are a few simple steps you can take to make your space more welcoming to pets:

Final Thoughts

In a competitive vacation rental market, the benefits of becoming pet-friendly are undeniable. By opening your property to pets, you not only make life easier for pet owners but also increase your chances of higher occupancy, more revenue, and long-term success. Plus, you’ll likely have happier, repeat guests who will appreciate your pet-welcoming approach.

So, why not make your vacation rental a place where pets and their owners can truly feel at home? It’s a win-win for everyone!

Top St. Augustine beach houses

Are you looking for the perfect beach house for your summer vacation? Let us break down our top 10 beach houses and why they might be perfect for your vacation!

Book Turtle Dunes now


Turtle Dunes: Pool coming soon! Enjoy luxurious accommodations in this newly renovated, oceanfront home on expansive, and family-friendly Crescent Beach! The premiere feature of the beautifully appointed Turtle Dunes Beachfront Retreat is the VIEW of the Atlantic Ocean which can be enjoyed all day long from the living spaces, most bedrooms, deck, and balcony! Enjoy a morning cup of coffee while watching the sunrise over the ocean, or an evening sunset over the intracoastal from the west-facing balcony. Best of all, take an easy stroll across a private boardwalk right onto the gorgeous white sands of Crescent beach to relish the natural dunes, wildlife, surf, and wide spaces to walk, play, or just relax in the sun with family and friends. The open-concept primary living areas and outdoor spaces offer plenty of room for the whole group to gather during meal prep and dining, and to relax while watching a movie, playing a board game, or listening to music on the WiFi sound system all while enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean. Downstairs there is a game room and back patio, perfect for coming in from the beach for a quick snack, game of ping-pong, or vintage arcade!

Book Vilano Sunrise now

Vilano Sunrise Retreat: Oceanfront sunrises await you at this brand new, custom beachfront home, lovingly designed and professionally furnished to maximize guest enjoyment! An abundance of luxurious spaces provides plenty of opportunities for quality time with family and friends. The primary living area is located on the third floor, and thankfully the home is equipped with an elevator to make it a breeze getting there! Here you will find a beautiful gathering space equipped with a large smart TV, a spacious kitchen, and dining space for your entire group. Step out onto the balcony for breathtaking panoramic views of the Inlet. An additional living area, with a coffee wet-bar, and waterfront balcony are on the second floor, along with the game room. Practice your putting with the kids on the putting green in the backyard or enjoy board and arcade games in the game room. Best of all, step out to the sand and waves to enjoy fishing, surfing, sunning, and watching dolphins splash by. Need a bigger space? You can rent our two house complex (Good Vibes Villa and Vilano Sunrise Retreat), so there is plenty of room for everyone! 

To book both houses, click here

Book Atlantic Vista now

Atlantic Vista:

Enjoy gorgeous beach views all day at Atlantic Vista Beach House, a fantastic retreat perfect for families or multiple couples, all a few steps from the sand. There is also a brand new luxury pool and hot tub you can enjoy with your entire family out back! The living areas located on the third floor maximize the enjoyment of the water vistas throughout the day from sunrise to sunset. Four bedrooms, two of them king suites, on the second floor are thoughtfully designed to accommodate your family or group comfortably. The downstairs den is a perfect spot to hang out and watch a movie. The entire home has been tastefully decorated with soft and pleasing furnishings and beautiful beach and local art. Whether you prefer to relax inside or out, this home is sure to have the place for you!

Book Sweetwater Sunrise now

Sweetwater Sunrise: Brand new construction and furnishings with plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to relax and share down-time with family and friends. The pool and ocean views are sure to start and end your day off right, with gorgeous sunrises over the ocean! Enjoy a family beach house just a few steps from the gorgeous beachfront, and short walks to numerous restaurants, coffee shops, miniature golf and the St. Johns County Ocean Pier. Spread out and relax in this brand new three-story custom home with a private heated pool, and multiple balconies and living spaces. A special feature of this home is the large, fully-fenced, private, salt-water heated pool with two tables for dining or sipping some lemonade, and loungers for soaking in some Florida rays. A double garage houses a ping-pong table, and opens from the front of the home and also at the back to the pool deck, creating more breezes and space for the kids to play.  Rinse off in an outdoor shower provided outside the house. In the evenings, hang out around the fire pit by the pool deck to star-gaze and talk about the adventures of the day.

Book Barefoot Hideaway now

Barefoot Hideaway: Book your large family or group getaway at Barefoot Hideaway! Enjoy this secluded Beachfront Retreat for the perfect Family or Group Vacation! Enjoy gorgeous sunrises with the ocean views from the deck! Large patios and large living and kitchen areas provide plenty of comfortable hang-out space and incredible views. Stroll along the private boardwalk through the dunes to one of the most gorgeous beaches in Florida located just south of St. Augustine Beach.  Or spend a day exploring the Old City of St. Augustine just a 10-15 minute drive away.  This property has a spectacular new pool that is sure to provide entertainment for your whole group! There is even a tanning ledge where you can sit back and enjoy the sun.

Book Almost Heaven now

Almost Heaven:

Soak in the endless ocean views at Almost Heaven Beach house, an oceanfront home with sweeping views of the Atlantic, situated directly on the sands of South Ponte Vedra Beach! The wall of windows across the rear of the home displays the beauty of the ocean from every angle. Step outside onto the two level deck to optimize your enjoyment of beachfront living. Your group will love spending time together inside, but the fresh ocean air and the sound of the waves are sure to draw you outside. Enjoy your morning coffee with the sunrise, lounge in the afternoon with your favorite book, or dine "al fresco." Spend the day watching the kids from the deck as they play in the sand or join them for a swim. Strolls along the beach in the mornings and evenings are sure to become a favorite memory. As you walk, be on the lookout for treasures such as shark teeth, sand dollars, and sea glass.

Book Seascape Family Beach Retreat now

Seascape Family Beach Retreat: Enjoy premiere accommodations just a few steps from the gorgeous beachfront and short walks to numerous restaurants, coffee shops, miniature golf and the St. Johns County Ocean Pier. This 4 bedroom, 4 bath house boasts a large pool and seating area, so your whole family can hang out and enjoy the refreshing water! There are front porches on both levels to enjoy the sea breeze and watching passers-by, and is freshly refinished inside with beach colors and pleasing decor. Fully rinse off in an enclosed outdoor shower provided outside the house. Whether you are wanting to surf, fish, swim, enjoy family time, or take in the night life, Seascape is the perfect location!

Book Good Vibes Villa now

Good Vibes Villa: Your family-fun beach vacation starts here! Grab your supplied beach gear and head to the beach, which is just steps away. Grill and dine outside; then gather the group around the firepit. You’ll also find the gas grill – with host-provided propane – at ground level. While outside, enjoy a friendly ping pong competition in the garage, practice your putting on the putting green, and in the evening, laugh, tell stories, and make memories around the firepit with Adirondack chairs. You’ll be blown away by super-convenient double laundry facilities – a laundry room on the second floor and additional laundry closet on the third floor, both with washers and dryers. Best of all, there is an elevator which makes it convenient to get to each floor of the home for the whole family!

Book ParadiSea now

ParadiSea: If you are looking for a relaxing little bit of paradise where you can enjoy boating, surfing, and swimming, you have found the perfect vacation spot! Spend lazy days around the private pool while watching the wildlife or boats on the river.  Bring your own boat and dock it right at the home and enjoy daily outings fishing, swimming at the nearby Matanzas Inlet, or cruising down to the Old City. Spend the afternoon at the beach, just one mile to a neighborhood private access point, or a one mile ride to drive on access.  Spend fun family-time at the house playing ping-pong, corn hole, having a cookout, and enjoying movie-time curled up on the large sectional in the family room. Your whole family is sure to enjoy it! 

Book Flamingo Hideaway now

Flamingo Hideaway: Enjoy ocean breezes and partial views all day at Flamingo Beach House, a fantastic retreat perfect for families or multiple couples, all a few steps from the sand. This home has an amazing beach access to one of the best beaches in the area! The living areas located on the third floor maximize the enjoyment of the water vistas throughout the day from sunrise to sunset, and the private, screened pool in the backyard, surrounded by a lush landscaped and fenced yard, is perfect for cooling down and relaxing in the afternoon and evening hours. 

Whether you are looking for a pool, something right on the water, or just something cozy for your entire family, we have the right place for you!

To see all of our listings, click here!

The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for St. Augustine, Florida

Planning a trip to St. Augustine, Florida? As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine offers a unique blend of history, scenic beauty, and delicious food. Whether you're a history buff, beach lover, or foodie, this 3-day itinerary will help you make the most of your visit.

Looking for a place to stay? Booking direct can save you over 10% on booking fees! Check out our listings here!

Day 1: Exploring Historic St. Augustine

Morning: Castillo de San Marcos & St. George Street

Start your trip with a visit to the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the U.S. Explore its impressive stone walls, watch a historical reenactment, and take in the stunning views of Matanzas Bay.

Afterward, take a stroll down St. George Street, a pedestrian-friendly avenue lined with quaint shops, historic sites, and local eateries.

Afternoon: Lunch at The Floridian & Lightner Museum

For lunch, dine at The Floridian, known for its Southern-inspired dishes like shrimp and grits and fresh farm-to-table options.

Stop by the Lightner Museum, a museum of antiquities, mostly American Gilded Age pieces, housed within the historic Hotel Alcazar building in downtown St. Augustine. This 1887 Spanish Renaissance Revival style building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a must see!

Evening: Dinner at Columbia Restaurant & Ghost Tour

Start your evening with dinner at the Columbia Restaurant, a St. Augustine staple serving authentic Spanish cuisine. Their 1905 Salad and Boliche "Criollo" are must-tries.

As night falls, embark on a ghost tour, exploring the city's haunted history with chilling tales of the supernatural.Take advantage of our free tickets we offer for this!

Finish the day off walking around the historic town and checking out some of the best places to have drinks! Check out The Ice Plant, Tini Martini bar, or Prohibition Kitchen for some of the best craft cocktails around town!

Day 2: Nature & Coastal Adventures

Morning: St. Augustine Lighthouse & Anastasia State Park

Start your second day by climbing to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and coastline. While climbing up the stairs of the lighthouse you can learn all about its history!

Next, head to Anastasia State Park, a beautiful natural retreat perfect for beachcombing, kayaking, or simply relaxing in the sun.

Afternoon: Lunch at Sunset Grille & Alligator Farm Visit

Enjoy a casual seafood lunch at Sunset Grille, where the fish tacos and conch fritters are local favorites.

After lunch, visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park to see a wide range of reptiles, including the rare albino alligator.

Evening: Dinner at Salt Life & Dessert at Mayday

For dinner try out Salt Life, a surf-themed hangout with an eclectic seafood menu including sushi, tacos, and burgers. It’s a local favorite!

End the night with a tasty treat from Mayday Ice Cream! They even offer gluten free and dairy free options for those with food allergies! Take advantage of the free ice cream coupon we leave in your welcome packet.

Day 3: Relaxation & Local Culture

Morning: Fountain of Youth & Mission Nombre de Dios

Start your final day with a visit to the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where you can drink from the legendary spring and learn about Ponce de León’s quest for eternal youth.

Next, stop by the Mission Nombre de Dios, home to the Great Cross and one of the oldest Catholic missions in the U.S.

Afternoon: Lunch at The Blue Hen Café & Flagler College Tour

Enjoy a delicious brunch at The Blue Hen Café, known for its hearty Southern breakfast options like biscuits and gravy and sweet potato home fries.

After lunch, take a guided tour of Flagler College, housed in the former Ponce de Leon Hotel, a stunning architectural masterpiece built by Henry Flagler.

Evening: Eco boat tour & Dinner at Raintree Restaurant

Wrap up your trip with an Eco boat tour, where you can learn about the local wildlife and history, and take in the picturesque views of the city skyline and lighthouse. Don’t forget to take advantage of the free ticket we offer for this through Xplorie!

For your final dinner, indulge at Raintree Restaurant, a charming spot offering a mix of steak, seafood, and decadent desserts in a cozy setting.

Final Thoughts

With its blend of history, nature, and fantastic dining, St. Augustine is a perfect destination for a memorable getaway. This 3-day itinerary covers some of the best experiences the city has to offer, ensuring you make the most of your visit.