Experiences, memories, and travel are the aspirations of many people; and these are usually provided by the numerous businesses within the hospitality industry. Yet in recent years, there has been a shift in expectations and values, one being the rise of pet-friendly establishments.
With 36 million pets in the UK and 95% of pet owners viewing their pets as part of the family, more people are seeing family vacations as an opportunity to include their pets. As a result, the hospitality market has adapted, with pet-friendly stays, experiences, and even dishes becoming increasingly popular.
With this new way of travel expected to stay, and consumers looking for the best experience with their pets, is it time for the hospitality industry to strategise pet-friendly stays?
Putting the “stay” in staycations
Over the last five years, various socio-economic changes have had a profound effect on what the public wants and needs when going out. Since lockdown, more people have found comfort in pets, resulting in 53% of global pet owners wanting to take their pets on holiday.
However, Brexit has made it expensive and difficult for UK families to take a dog to Europe, leading to an increase in staycations for many UK residents. This market shift is further reinforced by the cost-of-living crisis, post-Covid revenge travel, and rising kennel costs, resulting in 67% of pet owners now strategising their breaks around their pets.
Business Benefits of Pet-Friendly Establishments
The shift towards pet-friendly hospitality brings numerous benefits for businesses:
- Increased Length of Stay: Travellers with pets often feel guilty about leaving their furry family members behind. Accommodations that welcome pets see an increase in the length of stay as patrons feel more at ease.
- Convenience and Loyalty: Pet owners are more likely to return to a place where their pets are welcome, reducing the need to shop around for other options.
- Enhanced Guest Experience: Just as parents appreciate added touches for children, pet owners like establishments that add that additional value and experience for their pets. Amenities like pet beds, bowls, and designated play areas enhance the overall guest experience.
- Positive Digital Footprint: Social media trends often involve pets, and in a world of influencers and reviews, showcasing pet-friendly establishments can attract other pet owners and boost online visibility.
As the demand for pet-friendly experiences continues to be a vital factor in the decision process for many pet owners in the UK, there is a clear market opportunity for those in the hospitality market to stand out in their ever-growing competitive market.
But for this new pet-friendly policy to work, there is a clear need from those within the hospitality industry to achieve the expectations of their traditional clientele and the safety of their new four-legged family guests; to overall get the best guest experience whilst remaining operationally efficient.
Protecting the Health of All Your Guests
As with any valued family member, promoting long-term health and well-being is a priority for many pet owners. 59% of pet owners care more about their pets' health and well-being than their own. Just as cleaning chemicals can pose risks to human health, they can also be hazardous to our companions.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that household chemicals, including traditional cleaning products, were the sixth leading cause of pet poisoning in 2019. Since the rise of pet-friendly establishments and many hospitality businesses using harsh cleaning chemicals, it's crucial to consider the health and safety of these new guests. Here are some examples of how traditional chemicals can pose risks to both pets and businesses positioning themselves as pet-friendly:
Ammonia: This alkaline chemical, composed of one part nitrogen and three parts hydrogen, is a common cleaning agent used to dissolve dirt, grime, and stains. Industrial cleaning products containing ammonia can make up 25% of their ingredients and are found in glass cleaners, surface cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, and carpet cleaners. Ammonia's fumes and highly corrosive nature pose health risks to humans and pets. Pets, being closer to the applied areas, are at higher risk. Ammonia exposure can cause skin irritation, burns, throat problems, stomach issues, and respiratory tract damage in pets.
Alkaline Cleaners: Often used to break down fat and oil deposits, alkaline products are prominent in laundry and dishwasher detergents, oven cleaners, and drain cleaners. Overexposure or ingestion of alkaline products can irritate pets' eyes and skin, cause stomach issues (vomiting and diarrhoea), and affect their breathing.
Glycol Ethers: Known for their cleaning properties, glycol ethers are solvents used in products like hard surface cleaners, floor waxes, carpet cleaners, and disinfectants. The EPA reported that animals orally exposed to glycol ethers experienced negative effects on their thymus, spleen, bone marrow, liver, and kidneys.
Hydrofluoric Acid: A strong mineral acid used in industrial cleaning to treat and clean metals, hydrofluoric acid is found in rust removers and other metal cleaning solutions. Contact with pet skin can cause painful injuries and burns, and inhalation can affect the lungs, liver, and kidneys.
Bleach: Commonly found in toilet cleaners, mildew removers, all-purpose cleaners, and laundry detergents, bleach can negatively affect pets' health. Ingesting bleach, which pets may do by drinking from toilets, can cause vomiting, internal burns, and seizures. High bleach fumes can also harm pets' respiratory health.
Phthalates: Used to promote the long-lasting fragrance of cleaning products, phthalates are found in softeners, all-purpose cleaners, and air fresheners. Overexposure to phthalates can disrupt pets' liver and hormonal systems and lead to testicular or pancreatic tumours.
What should the Hospitality industry do?
These harsh cleaning chemicals can result in various health issues for pets, such as vomiting, skin and eye irritation, organ damage, asthma, and even cancer. Although severe effects usually result from long-term exposure, many pet owners wouldn't want to take that risk. Viewing health and safety from a pet's perspective is essential to creating a safer environment for all guests.
However, this shouldn't deter hospitality businesses from promoting pet-friendly policies. Maintaining cleanliness and enhancing guest experience can be achieved by adopting better cleaning technologies. Sustainable cleaning solutions like Biotech and Ecotech products avoid harsh chemicals, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for both human and furry guests.
Discover BioHygiene
Click below to find out more about how biotech cleaning can elevate your business for your guests:
