Picture this: a family is planning a week-long escape to the Coromandel. Annual leave is all booked in, the itinerary is set, and then comes the scramble for somewhere to stay that’ll take the dog. After trawling through listings, most say the same thing: no pets. So, they either cancel the trip, fork out for kennels (that adds up fast), or cut the holiday short out of guilt. The dog, meanwhile, stares mournfully from the window.
It’s a scenario that plays out constantly across New Zealand — a country where nearly two-thirds (63%) of households share their home with a pet, according to the latest findings from Companion Animals New Zealand.
Yet, of the 2701 short-term rental listings tracked in the New Zealand market by Keydata, only 209 are listed as pet-friendly. That’s less than 8% of supply in a country that is, by almost every measure, completely pet-obsessed.
For holiday homeowners sitting on the fence about whether to open their doors to four-legged guests, here’s what you need to know.
Why are there so few pet-friendly homes in NZ?
The honest answer? Fear. Most homeowners imagine muddy paw prints, scratched couches, and a lingering smell they can’t get rid of. While it’s an understandable instinct, the market tells a different story.
At Bachcare, we found that pet-friendly homes incur 10% fewer damage claims than properties that don’t allow pets. Why? Because pet owners tend to be responsible, the kind of people who travel with a lint roller packed in their bags and the ones who clean up after themselves. So, while the fear of damage is legit, it’s costing short-term rental owners some real money.
How much can pet-friendly rentals earn in NZ?
Here’s where the numbers get interesting.
According to Keydata, in 2026, pet-friendly listings in New Zealand are achieving an ADR (average daily rate) of $656 compared to $522 for non-pet-friendly properties. That’s an additional $134. Add to that the $20 + GST fee charged for pets (if you list with Bachcare), and you’re stacking up additional revenue. It’s not a small uplift. It’s a meaningful shift in your annual earnings.
Pet-friendly guests booking patterns
Keydata also points to a lower cancellation rate seen among families travelling with pets — 4% compared to 8% for non-pet-friendly properties. The real reason behind this is if a guest travelling with a pet has gone through the trouble of actually finding a holiday home they like and one that invites their furry companions, they are likely committed to their booking. They aren’t booking on a whim. They’ve planned their trip and chosen their bach, keeping their pet in mind, which means they will show up.
Why now is the time to be a pet-friendly listing?
Supply is thin, and the demand is real. Pet-friendly accommodations are difficult to find, at least one that ticks all the boxes. On the other hand, this audience segment is growing. According to the recent Companion Animals survey, more than half (60%) of the households in New Zealand that don’t currently have a companion animal would like to have one. The pawprint economy is here, and now is the best time for short-term rental homeowners to lean into it.
Read to open your holiday homes to the whole family, paws and all?
What do guests want from a short-term rental property?
It’s always about the small, thoughtful gestures. Like any guest, pet-owning travellers notice the details, and a few low-cost touches go a long way.
A water bowl: while this sounds obvious, guests appreciate it
A designated dog bed or sleeping area: best to set out expectations before the guests arrive
A list of pet-friendly walks and activities: valuable information that guests will genuinely be thankful for
Dog treats: a small gesture that can earn a five-star review
How to make your NZ holiday home safe for pets?
Set clear house rules: Upfront rules reduce ambiguity for guests and also help owners protect their space
Protect your furniture: Invest in couch covers for your furniture that can be easily washed, or consider having areas where pets are not allowed. Having a comfortable dog bed also provides pets with their own space.
Lock your cabinets: Curious pets can get into cleaning products and chemicals. Child-free locks on lower cabinet doors are an inexpensive fix and a genuine safety measure.
Secure the garden: A small gate to protect your prized plants will save headaches and lets your guests (and their pets) enjoy the outdoor space.
Disclaimer: Figures cited in this article are drawn from Keydata’s short-term rental dataset (2026), which tracks participating listings across the New Zealand market. Data is indicative and may not represent the market in its entirety.