To cater to the traveler out there who never leaves home without their furry friend, you’ll find that many hosts that allow pets in their rental. That being said, those new to the platform may run into some issues trying to find Airbnb listings where pet policies are friendly. Does this apply to you? If so, this step-by-step guide will help you add the pet-friendly filter on Airbnb, find Airbnb hosts that cater to pet owners, and give you a full selection of Airbnbs where there are pets allowed. Let’s get started!
1. Setting Up Your Airbnb Profile
To start booking a pet-friendly Airbnb, you need to set up your Airbnb profile first. Fortunately, this process isn’t too difficult. You’ll just need to:
- Create an account using an email address and phone number. You can also streamline the process by signing in with Facebook, Google, or your Apple ID.
- Provide Airbnb with your full name, payment information, your government-issued ID, and a photo that shows what you look like.
- Customize your profile to represent you. This may include fun little details like languages you speak or other facts about yourself. Being personable on Airbnb is never a bad idea!
2. Navigating The Pet-Friendly Filter
If you’ve considered using Airbnb before and you went over to the website just to see whether you could find pet-friendly Airbnb listings, you likely noticed that there was a pet filter. However, that pet filter has since disappeared. So how exactly do you find a pet-friendly Airbnb? There are now two ways that you can go about this.
The first and the easiest way is to go to Airbnb’s dedicated pet-friendly rental page. If you search for Airbnb on Google, one of the first things that will pop up are pet-friendly rentals. Navigating this part of the website will help you find pet-friendly listings for vacation rentals without having to deal with the guesswork of whether or not the house rules allow for pets.
Of course, there’s another way that’s quite simple as well. If you go to the main portion of the website, you’ll notice a bar on top that asks you to input information such as where you want to stay, when you want to check in, when you want to check out, and how many guests will be staying. In the guest section of this bar, you can add a pet. This will automatically show you listings on Airbnb that allow pets on the property.
The most important thing to note is that if you have a service animal, Airbnb hosts are not allowed to turn you away. Airbnb hosts are legally required to allow those with service animals to book a property. Moreover, they cannot charge a host of extra pet fees due to Airbnb’s pet policy regarding service animals. However, hosts may turn away those who have emotional support animals as not every state requires Airbnb to make these accommodations. The difference between a service animal and an emotional support animal can be new information for some, so make sure you’re aware of what Airbnb allows and what hosts allow as well as what your rights are.
3. Selecting Pet-Friendly Listings
Now that you’ve set up your profile and know how to find a dog-friendly Airbnb or properties that allow for other pets, it’s time to peruse the available short-term rentals to find the right one for you! There are ample considerations that you should have in mind when you’re looking for the best Airbnb for you and your pet, so here are a few tips for booking a pet-friendly Airbnb to ensure both you and your furry friend have the best possible stay.
- Pet Deposit and Other Airbnb Pet Fees: Many Airbnb hosts have to charge a pet fee because of all of the extra cleaning that goes into making sure Airbnb rentals are clean for all Airbnb guests with pets and even those without. Moreover, damage caused by animals or even regular wear and tear will cost money over time. Look to see how much the related pet fees are before booking so that you don’t get blindsided by the costs and end up going over budget.
- Onsite Amenities: When you have a pet at an Airbnb, you want to make sure that there are plenty of things to keep them occupied. Is there a big backyard where they can run around? If there’s a pool area, is there a gate that makes it impossible for animals to get in without their owners? Are there special play areas where pets can have fun? Look into the amenities offered so you and your pet can have a great vacation!
- Pet Supplies: Responsible pet owners can still forget essentials from time to time. The good news? Some Airbnb rentals that allow pets may also have pet supplies on-site like pet food, toys, beds, and water bowls. Look more closely at the listing to see if these things are available. If it’s not clear, you can always ask the host.
- Offsite Activities: While you’re going on a vacation when you book an Airbnb, you’re still going to want to leave the house and bring your pets with you. Don’t just look at the listing description. Do some personal research on the surrounding area to see what you and your pet can do outside the property. These amenities matter as well.
- Accessibility: Every pet is different, which is why every pet needs an Airbnb that works for them. If you have a senior pet, for example, a multi-story home won’t likely be the best choice because they may not be able to move around as easily. Consider what your pet needs as well as what you need to make your Airbnb stay fully enjoyable.
4. Communicating with Hosts
Communication is such an integral part of a positive Airbnb experience, but it often goes overlooked when pet owners are trying to find a pet-friendly Airbnb. Even if you find listings that allow pets, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the host to let them know more about your pet and any questions you may have. This helps you establish a rapport with them that gives you a better sense of what you can expect when you bring pets onto their property, any problems that you should be made aware of ahead of time, and whether or not this is a host whose property you wish to stay on.
When finding pet-friendly hosts, you should always hold them to the same standard as any other host on the platform. If they’re not a prompt communicator, friendly, and helpful, you should look for another pet-friendly listing.
5. Preparing for Your Pet-Friendly Stay
Traveling with pets can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re going over to another state far away from where you live. This is why it’s crucial to prepare for your stay ahead of time. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your travels.
- Make sure that you have a crate prepared for your animal or another space where they can feel safe while you get to your destination.
- Moving in any capacity can be stressful. Pets don’t understand vacations, and an entirely new environment can be stressful for them. Plan to carve out a space in your Airbnb where they’re surrounded by common comforts so they can go there if they get too anxious.
- Create a packing list of everything you’ll need for your pet. This will ensure you don’t forget anything once it’s time to head off for your Airbnb.
- Come up with some fun ideas of things you and your pet could do together. Much like you’d create an itinerary for a personal trip, it can be helpful to come up with plans for a trip with your pet.
6. Enjoying Your Pet-Friendly Airbnb Experience
Once you get to your Airbnb, it’s time to kick back and relax! Check-in with your host to see what the instructions are for accessing the property, then look around to get familiar with your property. Make sure there aren’t any potential pet hazards lying around before you get settled in. After you’ve gone through the basic steps of getting on the property and getting your pet settled, you’re ready to enjoy the rest of your stay.
Learning How to Add a Pet-Friendly Filter on Airbnb Will Open You Up to a World of Possibilities
Finding an Airbnb is easy, but finding a pet-friendly Airbnb is a bit more focused. The comprehensive guide here gives you everything you need to get started on Airbnb, filter through available pet-friendly properties, and learn how to make sure that you’re selecting the right Airbnb rental for you and your pet’s needs. It requires more research on your end, but it’s well worth it once you’re settled into a place where you and your pet are both having the time of your lives.
