18/06/2026
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In recent years, โ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐-๐ณ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐น๐ ๐ต๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐น๐โ have sparked widespread discussion around the world. In Malaysia, while this trend is still at an early stage, it has already become a key topic of interest within the industry: is it a sustainable new blue ocean, or a high-risk market experiment?
During an interview with Nanyang Siang Pau reporter Yan Yan, I pointed out that in Malaysiaโs multicultural environment, hotels must strike a balance between being pet-friendly and ensuring a comfortable experience for other guests. I believe that with proper management, a win-win outcome is achievable.
โ From the consumerโs perspective, many young people regard their pets as โfamily membersโ or even as their โchildren.โ As a result, they are often reluctant to be separated from their pets when travelling, and are willing to pay extra for peace of mind and a more complete travel experience.
โ From the hotelโs perspective, pet-themed travel photography, as well as pets taking part in special occasions such as birthdays, proposals, or weddings, can more easily inspire User Generated Content.
I explained that โUser Generated Contentโ refers to authentic experience-based content voluntarily shared by users on social media. Such content is often more influential than traditional advertising, while also bringing hotels free social media exposure and wider word-of-mouth publicity.
Industry players generally recognise the potential of pet-friendly hospitality, but the overall market is still in the observation stage. This is more of a gradual long-term trend, but it is unlikely to develop to the point where โevery hotel will adopt it.โ
I predict that within the next five years, such services will become more common in major cities and tourism hotspots, especially among self-drive-friendly, long-stay, or resort-style hotels.
โHowever, considering local customs, religious sensitivities, and the highly shared nature of public spaces, hotels must be more cautious when implementing pet policies. A more practical approach would be to develop localised rules, such as opening only certain floors or designated room types as โpet-friendly rooms,โ allowing hotels to test market response while keeping risks under control.โ
I stated that from an operational perspective, pet-friendly services are more suitable for high-end or resort-style hotels. Operators can package them as an โexperience upgradeโ to enhance room rates and differentiation value, rather than positioning them merely as a basic accommodation option.
I also pointed out that hygiene, insurance, complaints, and religious and cultural sensitivities are the four key issues currently of greatest concern to the industry:
First, hardware modification and allergy management.
Carpets often need to be replaced with tiles or vinyl flooring to facilitate cleaning, although this may increase noise levels. Room soundproofing may also need to be enhanced to prevent petsโ barking or noises from disturbing other guests. Air-conditioning and ventilation systems must take into account odour control and allergen management. Furniture materials should also be more scratch-resistant, waterproof, and able to withstand repeated treatment with strong cleaning agents.
Second, the risk of guest complaints.
For guests who are afraid of animals, allergic to animals, or do not wish to stay in the same accommodation environment as pets, hotels must safeguard their overall guest experience.
Third, liability and insurance issues.
If incidents such as bites, scratches, damage to facilities, or accidents in public areas occur, would these be covered under public liability or property insurance? This must be clarified in advance.
Fourth, cultural and religious sensitivities.
In Malaysiaโs multi-religious society, especially where sensitivities toward contact with dogs may differ, hotels must clearly separate areas and provide proper notification. For example, hotels may designate โpet-friendly floors,โ create dedicated movement routes, or impose restrictions in public areas to avoid creating a sense of conflict among guests.
From a regulatory perspective, hotel operations are still primarily governed by existing accommodation, hygiene, and local government approval requirements. However, โallowing petsโ would involve local government by-laws on animal management, public health requirements, as well as the hotelโs own insurance terms.
Taking Kuala Lumpur as an example, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has clear regulations on the management and ownership of dogs, and requirements may vary from one locality to another. Therefore, before implementing such a policy, hotels should verify the relevant requirements with their respective local authorities.
I emphasised: โThis is not about applying for an additional pet hotel licence, but about establishing a complete compliance and liability framework. At present, the industry lacks a unified standard operating procedure (SOP). It is recommended that hotels at least standardise the definition of pets, vaccination and health certificate requirements, deposit and compensation clauses, movement arrangements within public areas, and cleaning procedures, while adhering to the professional standard of โclean first, disinfect later.โโ
For hotels intending to explore the โpet-friendlyโ concept, a gradual approach would be a more prudent strategy.
I suggested that hotels begin by designating specific floors or room types, and start with smaller-sized pets under clearer rules. Hotels should first establish proper SOPs, cleaning standards, deposit mechanisms, and insurance arrangements before promoting the service to the public.
I also noted that most hotels would adopt a โthree-layer mechanismโ to manage risks, including pre-arrival declarations and deposit systems, on-site response SOPs, as well as training on insurance and claims procedures.
โIf done well, it can become a point of competitive differentiation; if done poorly, it may instead damage the hotelโs reputation.โ
Pet-friendly services are by no means a simple decision of merely โallowing pets in.โ Rather, they are a systematic operation that requires strong professional management capabilities.
I pointed out that demand for pet-friendly services is rising, reflecting changes in emotional consumption and family values. However, in a multicultural environment, hotels must adopt zoning management, clear regulations, and higher hygiene standards to accommodate guests travelling with pets while also ensuring the comfort and peace of mind of other guests.
โThe key question is not whether hotels should do it, but whether they can manage it well. Hotels that are able to establish proper standards, zoning, disinfection procedures, liability arrangements, and complaint-handling mechanisms will have the opportunity to turn risks into positive reputation and repeat business.โ
Jarod Chia
MyBHA National Deputy President
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