If you want to rent out your spare room, but you’re wondering if you can do that when you have furry family members, this blog is for you.
 

One of the most common questions we’ve had over the last decade working with hosts all over Ireland is "Can I host if I have a pet?".

The short answer is YES! Having a pet in your home should not deter you from becoming a host, and in fact, it can even be a great selling point for potential guests.
 

Let’s look at some reasons why having a pet can be a positive thing for hosts who want to rent out their spare room:

Some guests prefer homes with pets: Many guests come from a home that has pets and are therefore used to having them around. This will make them more likely to book a listing where pets are present. Living in a home with pets would give them that familiar or home-away-from-home experience. You can add your pet to your listing description to attract people who would both prefer to live with a pet.

Pets can be good company for guests: While hosts should not expect guests to take care of their pets, there may be times when the host is away and the guest is looking for some companionship. A friendly dog or cat can provide that comfort and make a guest feel more at home while providing peace of mind for the pet owner.

Pets can help break the ice: Pets can be a great way for hosts to connect with their guests. They can provide a shared interest and conversation topic that can help build a relationship between the host and guest.

For guests who are staying in a new place and meeting new people, having a pet around can help break the ice and make the guest feel more comfortable. Pets can be great conversation starters and can help create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. 
 

So as you can see, not only is it not a problem to host in your home as a pet owner, but there are many benefits to it too! 


Making It Clear

If you do decide to become a host as a pet owner the most important thing to do is to make it clear on your listing description that you have a pet. 

By making it clear that there is a pet living in the property, a person suffering from pet allergies or someone who has a fear of your pet won’t book to stay with you. 
Your guest needs to make an informed decision about the place they are booking, declaring your pet upfront will make the whole process easier for both you as the host and your guest. 

On your listing you can add what kind of pet you have, the breed of the pet and a brief description in terms of size and temperament. This will be enough information for any guest to make an informed decision before booking your room. 
It will also help to ensure that any person with a pet allergy or severe fear of animals will not book your room, avoiding any problems later down the line. 
 

In conclusion, if you have a pet and are considering becoming a host, there's no need to worry. In fact, having a pet in your home can be a positive thing that sets your listing apart and attracts guests who love animals. Guests who are happy to live with animals won’t mind living with your pet. Just make sure to be upfront about your pet in your listing and those who can not live harmoniously with your furry family member simply won’t book after reading your detailed listing description.

At Hosting Power, about one-third of our hosts have at least one pet, and we're proud to say it's not just a non-issue, but possibly even an asset!

If you and your pet are interested in becoming Hosts and renting out your spare room you are welcome to apply today. It’s free, as are our services to you!

You can apply to become a host, anywhere in Ireland, today by clicking the button below and filling in this short application.