Tips for Pet-owning Innkeepers

* Make sure your prospective guests are aware that you have resident pets in case they aren’t pet lovers and/or have allergies to pets. Include it in your promotional materials, website, voice mail message and even e-mail address. Inform them at the time they make the inquiry or reservation.

* In deference to non-pet lovers and/or those with allergies, keep pets out of the guestrooms and keep some common rooms pet-free.

* If resident cats haven’t been declawed, inform guests so they’re aware before the cats get playful.

* Clean/vacuum as frequently as necessary so there are no telltale signs of the pets.

* For those stray cat or dog hairs that might land on a guest, have a clothes brush available for guest use.

* Feed pets before guests’ meals, so they aren’t as likely to look for a handout.

* To avoid pets’ getting too many treats, have a special treat bowl that guests can replenish. Usually guests are respectful about giving treats only after asking permission since it’s important that pets stick to their regular diet.

Copyright © 2000 by Susan Bard Hall. All rights reserved.

This article first ran in the November-December 2000 issue of Yellow Brick Road.