Should I Allow Pets in my Airbnb Listing?

 

Should I make my listing pet friendly to get more bookings?

You are watching gaps open on your calendar and wondering if saying yes to pets will fill them. It feels tempting, because pet owners book more often and stay longer in many markets, but welcoming pets is not just a checkbox you flip. It changes cleaning, screening, guest expectations, wear and tear, and liability.

Let’s cut through the noise and get practical. Below we explain the tradeoffs, how to set up a pet policy that protects your property and your sanity, pricing tactics that actually work, and the operational systems you need before you say yes. Read this, run the mini audit, and decide with confidence.

Why hosts consider allowing pets, and when it truly pays

Pet-friendly listings attract a larger pool of travelers, especially repeat guests and people moving cross-country. In many cities a solid portion of demand comes from travelers who will only book pet-friendly places. That can mean higher occupancy and more stable revenue.

But pet-friendly does not automatically equal more profit. It becomes profitable when you approach it as a product change, not a marketing trick. That means accounting for extra cleaning time, pet-specific supplies, stricter damage deposits or insurance, and a clear house policy. If you skip these steps, the extra bookings turn into extra headaches and costs.

When to lean in, yes:

• Your market shows visible pet demand, like listings tagged pet friendly with good occupancy.

• You have durable furnishings or are willing to add pet-specific protections.

• You can charge a realistic pet fee and still remain competitive.

• You want longer stays and repeat business, for example guests relocating or families on multi-night trips.
  
  

  
  
  

When to hold off, no:

• Your unit is small and fragile, for example antiques, light carpets, or soft white upholstery.

• You lack a reliable cleaner who can handle pet hair and odor remediation.

• Local regulations, building rules, or your insurance make pet stays risky or expensive.

The real costs to calculate before you say yes

Think beyond the one-off pet fee. Build a checklist of recurring and hidden costs, then price accordingly.

1. Cleaning and turnovers, real cost:
   Expect longer turnovers and deeper cleaning after pet stays. If you hire cleaners who charge for pet hair and odor removal, make sure you build that into your pricing.

2. Accelerated wear and tear:
   Soft furnishings, rugs, and mattress protectors wear faster. Budget for faster replacement cycles and quality pet-proof upgrades.

3. Insurance and liability:
   Regular home insurance often excludes short term rentals, and pet-related claims can be expensive. Check your commercial or short term rental insurance, and require guests to carry travel insurance where appropriate.

4. Guest screening and damage control systems:
   Security deposits alone do not prevent damage. Use clear pet rules, photo check-ins, and identity verification to reduce risk. Consider a third-party damage protection plan, not just deposits.

5. Supplies and onboarding:
   Pet bowls, a washable pet bed, a small welcome pack, and clear instructions for pet behavior make the stay smoother and reduce complaints. These are small costs but huge for guest satisfaction.

6. Neighbor and building rules:
   If your building has strict pet rules or shared spaces that are sensitive to noise, consider whether you can realistically maintain good neighbor relations.

 How to write a pet policy that actually works

A good policy is short, strict, and visible. Put it in three places: listing description, booking house rules, and the pre-arrival message.

What to include:

• Allowed pets: specify dog or cat, and size or breed if you must.

• Maximum number: usually one or two pets, depending on space.

• Pet fee or cleaning fee: fixed amount per stay, not a percentage.

• Damage deposit or third-party protection: explain expectations plainly.

• Behavior expectations: no furniture, crate if unsupervised, leash in common areas.

• Sanitation rules: where to dispose of waste, vacuuming tips, emergency vet contacts.

• Noise policy: how many complaints before booking is cancelled or deposit is forfeited.

• Cleaning expectations: you may require a deep clean fee if the place needs more than normal cleaning.

Tone matters. Don’t sound defensive. Say yes to pets, with rules that protect your space.

Example short policy text for your listing:

Pet friendly for one dog under 50 kg, pet fee $50 per stay, crate required if left alone, please clean up after your dog. Neighbors are sensitive to noise, repeated complaints may lead to extra charges.

Pricing: how to charge so pet bookings are worth it

Charge a pet fee that covers cleaning and expected wear. Typical formulas:

• Small pet fee: a fixed fee, for example $30 to $60 per stay. Use your actual cleaning quote to set this.

• Extra nightly premium: add $5 to $15 per night for stays longer than a week, compensating for wear.

• Minimum stay rules: require two nights on weekends, or three nights around busy periods, to ensure cleaning remains profitable.

Be transparent. If you charge a $50 pet fee and also require a refundable damage deposit, state both clearly. Guests prefer clarity, and clear fees attract responsible guests.

Screening, tech, and operations that reduce risk

1. You may ask for pet photos during booking, and confirm size and age.

2. Use identity verified bookings only, or require ID before check-in.

3. Implement a simple photo check-in and check-out process, so you can document condition.

4. Use a cleaning checklist with pet-specific items, and require the cleaner to report any issues within 24 hours.

5. Share a vetted local vet contact and emergency instructions in your guidebook, that builds trust and reduces panic calls.

These systems are what turn pet stays from a gamble into a repeatable product.

Common objections and how to handle them

Objection: Guests who travel with pets are messy.
Answer: Some are, but many are careful and returning guests. Screening and clear rules filter out the risky ones.

Objection: Insurance is costly.
Answer: Insurance is part of the cost of doing this properly. Compare specialized STR insurance options, and either absorb it or pass a portion to the guest in the pet fee.

Objection: Neighbors will complain.
Answer: Set expectations early, require leashing in common areas, and give neighbors a direct contact for quick resolution. A small deposit fund for neighbor issues often prevents escalation.

Quick decision checklist, do this before you say yes

• Do you have a cleaner who handles pet hair and deeper cleaning?

• Can you add durable, washable linens and furniture protectors?

• Have you checked insurance and building rules?

• Can you add a pet fee that covers extra costs and still keeps you competitive?

• Do you have a short, visible pet policy ready to paste into your listing and messages?

If you can answer yes to most of these, running a pet-friendly product test for a month can be smart. If not, work on the gaps first.

Final thought, and how Host & Flow helps

Allowing pets is not morally right or wrong, it is a product decision. Done well, it opens demand and loyalty. Done poorly, it erodes margins and adds stress.

If you want help building the operational systems, setting fees that reflect real costs, or writing the exact listing copy that sells your pet-friendly offering to the right guests, Host & Flow helps hosts worldwide create profitable, low-drama listings. Visit hostandflowstr.com or email host.flow.str@gmail.com to talk about how we set prices, write policies, and set up cleaners and damage controls that work globally.

Are you leaning towards yes or no on pets for your listing? Tell us why, and include your city and one concern. We will reply with a practical action you can take this week.

- Written by Chinenye, Host & Flow Team