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Add A Pet Fee On Airbnb Brief: A How to Guide For Pet Owners And Hosts

Airbnb has become an increasingly popular platform for travelers seeking pet-friendly accommodations. As more hosts open their homes to guests with pets, it’s important to understand Airbnb’s policies around allowing pets and charging additional pet fees.

Airbnb’s stance is that hosts are welcome to decide if they want to host pets or not. Hosts can toggle settings to indicate if their listing is pet-friendly. Airbnb also allows hosts to charge an additional pet fee to cover any costs associated with hosting pets.

As a host, here are some key things you need to know about having a pet-friendly Airbnb:

  • You must disclose in your listing description if pets are allowed. This helps set clear expectations for guests.
  • You can charge a pet fee to cover additional cleaning or damage. However, this fee should be communicated upfront.
  • You can set limits around the type of pets allowed (only dogs or cats, for instance) and restrictions around size or quantity. Be specific in your house rules.
  • Make sure your property can safely accommodate pets by pet-proofing potential hazards. Provide amenities like treats, beds, and water bowls to pets.

As more travelers bring their furry companions along on trips, pet-friendly Airbnb listings provide desirable accommodations. Hosts can feel prepared to welcome four-legged guests by putting some pet policies in place.

Understanding Pet Policies on Airbnb

Airbnb offers resources to educate hosts about pets and service animals. Hosts must understand the key policies around allowing pets to communicate clearly to potential guests.

Here is an overview of Airbnb’s stance on pets:

  • Hosts decide whether or not to accept pets in their own homes. Airbnb does not place restrictions on hosting pets.
  • The only exception is for service dogs, which hosts are required by law to accommodate. Emotional support animals may also qualify for this exception.
  • Hosts must indicate in their listing description if pets are allowed. Travelers with pets rely on this information when searching for pet-friendly stays.
  • Hosts can charge an additional pet fee as part of their house rules. This fee helps cover any extra cleaning, damage, or other costs associated with pets.
  • Pet policies should be communicated to guests before they book. This includes outlining the pet fee amount, size/quantity restrictions, and other pet rules.

By understanding the ins and outs of Airbnb’s pet policies, hosts can properly set up rules and pet fees when allowing pets. Setting clear expectations from the start helps ensure positive experiences for both hosts and traveling pet owners.

Benefits of Adding a Pet Fee on Airbnb

Add A Pet Fee To Boost Bookings And Cover Costs
Add A Pet Fee On Airbnb Brief: A How to Guide For Pet Owners And Hosts 4

For hosts considering opening their homes to pets, adding a pet fee can have major benefits. Not only does a fee help cover additional cleaning and damages, but it also allows hosts to maximize the potential for attracting more bookings. Here are some of the biggest benefits of adding a pet fee to your Airbnb listing:

Covers Extra Cleaning and Damage Costs

Even well-behaved pets still require extra time and effort to clean after. Vacuuming up fur and sanitizing areas pets use is extremely important for preparing for the next guests. By adding a pet fee, hosts can cover these additional cleaning expenses that may cut into your profits.

Deters Irresponsible Pet Owners

Unfortunately, some pet owners fail to clean up after their pets properly or allow them to cause property damage. By charging an upfront pet fee, you can screen for responsible pet owners willing to take accountability for their animals. Think of it like a cleaning deposit for pets.

Attract More Bookings

Research shows that 65% of pet owners struggle to find pet-friendly lodging when traveling. By accepting pets, you can significantly expand your pool of potential guests. Adding a fee ensures you earn extra profit to make hosting pets worthwhile.

As you can see, not only does charging a reasonable pet fee help cover your costs, but it can also result in higher occupancy rates and more total earnings.

How to Set a Fair Pet Fee on Airbnb

When setting your pet fee amount as an Airbnb host, you’ll want to consider key factors: your local rental market, cleaning costs, and Airbnb’s policies. Taking the time to determine a fair pet fee for your listing demonstrates thoughtfulness and care for both pet-owning guests and your own hosting experience.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help hosts set a reasonable pet fee:

Do Market Research on Local Pet Fees

Search Airbnb listings in your area as well as competitive sites like Vrbo. Take notes on the nightly rates for pet-friendly listings and the pet fee amounts they charge. This gives you an idea of the going rate in your locality based on factors like home size, amenities, etc.

Calculate Your Expected Extra Cleaning/Damage Costs

Calculate Your Expected Extra Cleaning Damage Costs
Add A Pet Fee On Airbnb Brief: A How to Guide For Pet Owners And Hosts 5

Make an itemized list of the expected additional cleaning tasks and expenses for pet guests. This may include things like:

  • Extra cleaning time (vacuuming, mopping, sanitizing)
  • Supplies (enzymatic spray, lint rollers, etc)
  • Replacing any damaged items (if pets have accidents)
  • Total these expected costs for having a pet per rental to arrive at a base rate for your pet fee.

Some things to account for in your calculations:

  • Extra cleaning time and supplies = Higher cleaning fee
  • Damage costs like replacing ruined furniture/items = Expense for the host
  • List everything out. If certain bedroom carpets tend to get dirty with pets, make a note. Unexpected accidents in the home? It’s okay; just factor in potential replacement costs.

Tally, all these line items, estimating additional pet expenses throughout a guest’s stay. This helps justify the pet fee you charge on the Airbnb platform. Unsure about setting the rates? Consult with other Airbnb hosts in your area.

Communicating these expected cleaning and damage costs allows you to add your pet policy to listings with confidence. In rare cases, issues arise, and you have documentation showing the resolution center for reimbursement. Setting realistic projections for hosting pets provides peace of mind!

Consider Airbnb’s Pet Fee Recommendations

Airbnb suggests keeping your pet fee around $25 – $100 extra per pet. Determine what fee amount makes the most sense based on your costs and expected effort to host pets.

Set Your Pet Fee

Based on your market research, projected costs, and Airbnb’s fee guidance, land on your pet fee amount. Airbnb pet fees typically range from a flat rate of $10 – $100. As a general rule of thumb, set the fee high enough to be worthwhile but not so high as to price yourself out of the market.

By following this process, Airbnb hosts can feel confident setting a pet fee that works for their unique situation and strikes the balance of covering additional effort while maintaining competitiveness.

Communicating Pet Fee Policies to Potential Guests

Clear communication is essential when setting expectations around pet policies and fees. To attract the right pet-owning guests to your listing, you must proactively provide details on your own specific Airbnb pet fee and rules.

Here are some best practices to effectively convey pet fee policies to guests:

Specify Pet Rules in Your Listing Description

In the Overview, House Rules, and House Manual sections of your listing, be extremely detailed regarding your pet policy. Clearly state fee amounts and explain what the charges cover. Outline restrictions like pet sizes, types, quantities, and requirements.

Include Pet Fee Details in Listing Photos

Add captions or text overlays in your listing photos indicating key details like “$25 pet fee per pet per night” or “Maximum 2 medium-sized dogs”. Photos drive interest, so call out your pet policy here.

Provide a Pet Welcome Guide

Create a document to share more nuanced pet policies for booking guests. Give recommendations on local parks, trails, pet stores, and rules that support a positive pet experience. Set service expectations and reiterate fee details.

Proactively Communicate With Inquiries

During initial messaging with potential guests, immediately reiterate your listing’s pet policy if they ask about bringing an animal. Provide all rules and additional fees upfront before they request to book.

Covering pet policies thoroughly in multiple places defuses any confusion. Setting clear expectations for your pet fees leads to positive experiences for superhosts and pet-owning guests. 

Check the Airbnb community or help center if you need further support setting the pet fee. With clear communication, there should be no surprises or frustrations regarding the total price at checkout! Pets—they’re part of the family, after all.

Ensuring a Positive Experience for Pet Owners on Airbnb

As more pet owners seek pet-friendly rentals, Airbnb hosts have an opportunity to provide great experiences catered to four-legged guests. Taking the extra effort to accommodate pets can lead to more 5-star reviews, repeat visits, and guest referrals.

Pet Friendly Airbnb Tips For 5 Star Stays
Add A Pet Fee On Airbnb Brief: A How to Guide For Pet Owners And Hosts 6

Here are some tips to ensure pet owners—and their pets—feel comfortable, relaxed and cared for:

Pet Proof Your Property

Walk through your home from a pet’s perspective. Address any issues or hazards like exposed wires, poisonous houseplants, or fragile items within reach. Provide pet beds in designated areas. Fence off rooms if needed.

Offer Amenities for Pets

Supply pet bowls, treats, poop bags, paw wipes, collapsible food/water dishes, and toys to borrow. Consider providing crates if guests are traveling from afar. These thoughtful touches give pets a warm welcome.

Regularly Communicate with Guests

Check-in with pet-owning guests to see if they have any questions or issues that arise during their stay. An open communication line lets you promptly address concerns and take preventative action if needed.

Be Flexible and Understanding

No matter how responsible pet owners are, accidents sometimes happen when animals are in unfamiliar environments. Respond with patience, empathy, and positivity in these situations. Putting guest relations first reduces stress for all parties.

Send a Feedback Survey Post Stay

Solicit open and honest feedback about improving the pet experience in your Airbnb. Implement reasonable suggestions to show guests and their pets they are valued and appreciated.

Providing five-star pet-friendly accommodations requires effort and care from hosts. Going above and beyond to welcome furry guests leads to better reviews, repeat guests, and a thriving, pet-loving rental.

Tips for Hosts: Managing Pet-Friendly Listings on Airbnb

For hosts new to pet-friendly home-sharing, welcoming dogs, cats, and other animals can seem daunting. However, with proper preparation and management tactics, hosting pets can be extremely rewarding.

Here are some pro tips from expert Airbnb hosts on effectively managing pet-friendly listings:

Block Off Areas You Want to Keep Pet-Free

Determine rooms, spaces, or furniture you want to remain completely dog/cat-hair free. Use baby gates or closed doors to block access. Designate separate clean zones for guests traveling without pets to enjoy if required.

Use a Deep Cleaning Service Between Pet Stays

Arrange for professional cleaners specializing in pet mess and odor removal. Use enzyme-based cleaners like Nature’s Miracle to break down pet dander and saliva that can linger. Maintain strict cleaning protocols to limit pet allergens building up.

Ask Previous Hosts for References

Contact info is required for past pet-friendly Airbnb hosts when evaluating new guest booking requests. Speaking host-to-host provides transparent insight into how responsible pet owners are for cleaning up their animals.

Purchase Supplies in Bulk

Order pet waste bags, cleaning sprays, lint rollers, etc., in large quantities. Having ample supplies ensures you thoroughly clean and restock between all pet stays. Buy durable, pet-friendly items that withstand teeth, claws, and accidents.

Effectively jugging pet-friendly and non-pet-friendly stays requires diligent home maintenance and preparation by the host. However, pet-loving guests tend to be extremely conscientious when setting rules and expectations. Implementing firm cleaning processes leads to positive reviews and minimal headaches in hosting four-legged guests.

Conclusion: How to Add a Pet Fee on Airbnb Brief

For hosts on the fence about allowing pets, a well-managed, pet-friendly Airbnb enables you to open your listing to a wider audience of animal lovers. Not only does catering to traveling pet owners allow you to drive more total bookings, but the additional pet fee also lets you earn extra profit from the same property with minimal incremental effort.

As pet ownership grows worldwide, so does demand for pet-friendly rentals. By proactively marketing your home as welcoming to dogs, cats, and other pets, you expand your visibility tremendously in an ever-more competitive marketplace. With the right protections and preparation outlined here, hosts can feel confident they can reap the significant upside of pet-friendly Airbnb listings.

The effort to accommodate beloved pets is widely appreciated by one of the most loyal, conscientious guest demographics. As the old saying goes, “Any house is a home when graced with the pitter-patter of puppy feet,”…and with a reasonable pet fee in place, too! Opening your space to pet owners enables more memorable travel experiences all around.

Picture of Michael F

Michael F

Owner, Elevated Cleaning Services

Michael started Elevated Cleaning Services to help fill a gap in the Florida cleaning market. With a focus on quality, and a passion for giving back to the community, Elevated Cleaning Services continues to serve hundreds of happy homeowners each month.

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Picture of Michael F.

Michael F.

Owner, Elevated Cleaning Services

Michael started Elevated Cleaning Services to help fill a gap in the Florida cleaning market. With a focus on quality, and a passion for giving back to the community, Elevated Cleaning Services continues to serve hundreds of happy homeowners each month.

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