Design

Pet-Friendly STR Design That Guests (and Their Pets) Will Love

August 18, 2025

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In Florida, where sunshine, beaches, and outdoor living are part of the vacation experience, travelers increasingly want to bring their pets along for the ride. Welcoming furry guests doesn’t mean sacrificing style or cleanliness—it’s about thoughtful design choices that keep your property beautiful, functional, and safe for everyone.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or retrofitting an existing space, these expert tips will help you create a pet-friendly short-term rental that looks great, holds up to paw traffic, and earns rave reviews from pet owners.

Designing Pet-Friendly Interiors

Durable, Washable, Stylish

Flooring: Choose tile, sealed concrete, or luxury vinyl plank for scratch resistance and easy cleaning. Skip wall-to-wall carpet in favor of machine-washable rugs that hide hair and paw prints.

Furniture: Use performance fabrics like microfiber, twill, or even velvet for claw resistance. Leather is easy to wipe but may scratch—slipcovers in washable cotton or canvas are a safe bet.

Pet Zones: Integrate built-in feeding stations, storage for toys, and cozy sleeping nooks. These keep the space organized and protect your furniture from overuse.

Pet-Safe Décor & Layout

  • Avoid toxic plants like oleander and sago palm—opt for pet-safe greenery or faux plants.
  • Anchor tall furniture and conceal cords to prevent accidents.
  • Use baby or pet gates that blend with décor to help guests manage their pets’ access.

Outdoor Spaces Pets Will Love

Safe & Functional

  • Install a secure fence (4–6 feet high) with self-closing gates to keep pets in and wildlife out.
  • Create a designated “relief area” with grass, artificial turf, or pea gravel, plus a waste station stocked with bags and a covered bin.

Cooling & Comfort

  • Offer shaded lounging spots with pergolas, umbrellas, or shade trees.
  • Provide fresh water outdoors—bonus points for a pet-safe fountain.
  • Add a paw-washing station or hose near entrances to rinse off sand and mud after beach trips.

Safety First

  • Store cleaning supplies, food, and breakables out of pet reach.
  • Install sturdy window screens and secure balcony railings.
  • Avoid pest control products that are harmful to pets—use pet-safe alternatives.
  • Keep an emergency pet first-aid kit and local vet contacts in your welcome guide.

Cleaning Made Simple

  • Design for easy turnover with washable slipcovers, waterproof mattress protectors, and pet blankets for furniture.
  • Equip cleaning crews with pet-specific vacuums, enzyme cleaners, and lint rollers.
  • Control odors with air purifiers, dehumidifiers, and proper ventilation—never heavy fragrances.

Thoughtful Touches That Win Guests Over

  • Stock a pet welcome kit with treats, a toy, waste bags, and a local pet-friendly guide.
  • Provide essentials: non-slip bowls, pet beds with washable covers, and extra towels for muddy paws.
  • Include convenience items like baby gates, extra leashes, and grooming brushes.
  • Showcase local dog parks, pet-friendly cafés, and nearby beaches in your welcome book.

Florida-Specific Considerations

  • Plan for heat and humidity with cool indoor climates, shaded outdoor spaces, and reminders to avoid hot pavement during midday walks.
  • Address sand and saltwater with durable flooring, outdoor rinse stations, and corrosion-resistant materials.
  • Follow local laws—Florida no longer allows breed bans, but leash rules and HOA pet policies may apply.
  • Be wildlife-aware: near water, fence off access to prevent encounters with alligators.

A pet-friendly short-term rental in Florida is more than just “allowing pets.” It’s about designing a space that’s durable, stylish, and safe—inside and out—while adding thoughtful amenities that make pets (and their people) feel truly welcome. By blending smart design with Southern hospitality, you’ll earn loyal guests who return year after year, tails wagging.

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