Should You Allow Pets? The Real ROI of Pet-Friendly Rentals in Mexico

For many property owners, the question comes up sooner or later:
“Should I allow pets in my rental property?”

Whether you’re renting long-term or running a short-term vacation property, going pet-friendly can feel risky. You may worry about damage, odors, allergies, or the hassle of enforcing rules. But in today’s rental market—especially in places like Playa del Carmen—the answer isn’t always straightforward.

Here’s a breakdown of the real return on investment (ROI) of allowing pets, plus the pros, cons, and strategies to protect your property while increasing revenue.

The Demand for Pet-Friendly Rentals Has Skyrocketed

More people travel with pets than ever. Airlines, hotels, and resorts have all adjusted, and so have renters.

What’s driving the trend?

Millennials and Gen Z treat pets as family members.
Remote workers are traveling long-term with their animals.
Families vacationing in Playa don’t want to board pets back home.
Pet-friendly listings stand out in crowded rental markets.

In many cities (and especially coastal destinations), pet-friendly listings receive more inquiries and fill vacancies faster.

The Real ROI: How Allowing Pets Can Increase Revenue

Allowing pets isn’t just about being accommodating—there’s a measurable financial upside.

1. Higher Occupancy Rates

Pet owners often have fewer rental options. That means:

Longer stays
Faster bookings
Fewer gaps between reservations

For long-term rentals, pet-friendly units fill weeks faster on average.

2. Ability to Charge Premiums

Pet-friendly properties can justify:

Pet fees (one-time or per stay)
Pet rent (for long-term tenants)
Higher nightly rates for short-term stays

Many owners easily generate $300–$1,000 more per year per pet.

3. Longer Tenant Retention

In long-term rentals, pet owners stay put because it’s hard to relocate with animals. Stable tenants mean:

Fewer turnovers
Less wear from move-in/move-out
Lower management costs

The Risks: What Owners Worry About (And How to Mitigate)

Every smart investor weighs the downsides. Here are the common concerns—and realistic solutions.

1. Damage to Furniture or Property

Scratches, chewing, staining, and odors are the top worries.

How we protect against it:

Require pet deposit or fee
Use washable, durable materials (no fabric couches!)
Provide extra cleaning after pet stays
Conduct closer inspections during checkouts

2. Noise Issues (Especially Barking Dogs)

Noise complaints can affect guest satisfaction.

Solutions:

Limit breeds, sizes, or number of pets
Pre-screen pet owners
Include a strict noise clause in the rental agreement

3. Allergies for Future Guests

Not all guests want a pet-friendly environment.

Solutions:

Keep one unit pet-free, others pet-friendly
Implement deep cleaning protocol
Use hypoallergenic surfaces and materials

4. Insurance Concerns

Some insurance policies have pet restrictions.
(We review these upfront so owners are never exposed.)

Pet-Friendly vs. No-Pet Policies: Which Wins?

Here’s the simple truth based on rental data:

Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb / Vacation Stays)

Pet-friendly homes usually see 10%–20% higher occupancy and better search visibility.
ROI is often high if you charge appropriate pet fees.

Long-Term Rentals

Pet-friendly rentals attract better-paying tenants and reduce vacancy.
ROI is medium to high, especially if you use pet rent.

Luxury Properties

Allowing pets can work, but rules must be strict and cleaning higher-end.

How We Protect Your Property While Staying Pet-Friendly

We’ve developed a system that allows owners to benefit from pet-friendly policies without extra stress:

✔ Pet addendums in rental contracts
✔ Vetting of pets and owners
✔ Professional deep-cleaning protocols
✔ Photos and inspection reports pre- and post-stay
✔ Damage protection and deposits
✔ Clear rules: no pets on furniture, no unattended dogs, quiet hours enforced

This structure allows you to maximize ROI while minimizing risk.

So… Should You Allow Pets?

In most cases, yes—if you want to increase income and stay competitive.
A well-managed pet-friendly policy almost always improves the property’s financial performance.

However, if your property is ultra-luxury, filled with delicate materials, or part of a strict HOA, a no-pet policy might still make sense.

The key is finding the right balance between revenue potential, property protection, and market demand—and putting the right systems in place.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.

From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.

Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.

North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
🌐 www.nasplaya.com 🔑 Rentals: rentals@nasplaya.com
📊 Sales: buy@nasplaya.com 🏘 Property Management: bookings@nasplaya.com