When I think of pet-friendly hotels, I can’t help but remember how important my pets are to me and how they can affect my personal travel decisions.
NB: This is an article from Cogwheel Marketing, one of our Expert Partners
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and stay up to date
Years ago, my husband and I were traveling home to Ohio from North Carolina for Christmas with our dog when we hit the aftermath of a blizzard in West Virginia. It was a tough drive, and eventually, we had to throw in the towel and find a hotel to stay in for the night.
Sounds simple, right? It wasn’t.
We were exhausted, frustrated, and desperate to find a place that would let our dog stay with us. The search felt hopeless, one hotel after another wouldn’t allow pets. That frustration has stuck with me to this day.
Fast forward to the present, and thankfully, things have changed. More hotels have opened their doors to four-legged travelers, making it easier than ever to bring pets along for the adventure. However, with more pet-friendly options comes more competition. It’s no longer enough to just allow pets. Now more than ever it is important for hotels to actively market their pet friendly amenities. So how can hotels ensure travelers know they are pet friendly and set themselves apart? Here is a guide to help you position your hotel as a top choice for travelers with pets.
The Basics
Make sure your property’s pet-friendly status is clearly highlighted on your website, as well as on Online Travel Agency sites like Booking.com and Expedia, and local listings such as Google and TripAdvisor. Additionally, regularly audit your information to ensure all pet-friendly amenities and fees are accurate and up to date.
Optimize Your Website for Pet Owners
Your hotel website should showcase your pet-friendly status. Consider creating a dedicated page highlighting your pet policies, available amenities, and nearby pet-friendly attractions.
If a separate page isn’t feasible, ensure details like pet fees and amenities are clearly displayed in relevant sections of your site. To enhance this messaging, include images of pets enjoying your property to visually reinforce your welcoming, pet-friendly environment.
Digital Advertising
Increase your pet-friendly hotel’s visibility through digital advertising. Use social media to highlight your pet-friendly amenities, such as pet beds, locally crafted treats, and outdoor spaces. Target audiences like pet owners, travelers interested in pet-friendly destinations, and those searching for pet travel options.
Leverage Paid Search Ads with keywords like “pet-friendly hotels near me,” “dog-friendly hotels,” and “hotels that allow pets.” Complement these efforts with Display ads to visually showcase your property’s pet-friendly features.
Consider using Google AI’s Performance Max Campaigns. These ads are shown across Search, Display, YouTube, and Gmail, connecting with pet owners actively seeking accommodations.
