As it turns out, having a pet-friendly rental is a major selling point for some guests. So much so that those promoting listings on the Airbnb platform might see a rise in bookings after choosing to accommodate pets in their home. Many people who travel with their pets so it stands to reason that they want to rent a place where they can enjoy the company of their furry friend while they’re away from home.
But is it something that all Airbnb hosts should do? It all boils down to personal preference as to whether there are pets allowed. If you’re asking yourself, “Should I allow pets in my Airbnb?”, let’s take a closer look at some of the considerations you should weigh to come to the right decision and some tips for making sure that your pet-friendly Airbnb is a listing that people will want to book!
Pros of Allowing Pets
A vacation rental that chooses to accept pets will often do so for one primary advantage: more bookings. According to one article published in Airbnb Newsroom in October 2022, more than three million pets traveled with them between November 2021 and the date of publication. That’s a lot of Airbnb guests who may not have access to many Airbnb listings that make traveling with pets possible, be it a service animal, emotional support animal, or a regular pet. If you’re looking to bolster the success of your short-term rental, allowing pets in your Airbnb may be one way to get the job done.
Cons of Allowing Pets
There aren’t many hosts that may be willing to start hosting pets, and there are plenty of reasons for this. Some of the cons of allowing pets include:
- The potential for property damage caused by untrained or anxious animals.
- Having to clean up pet waste inside or outside your short-term rental each time a guest stays.
- Pet hair that gets stuck to everything.
- Neighbors complaining about noise levels.
- And so on…
If you’re thinking about becoming one of the pet-friendly Airbnbs, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and to make sure that your property is suitable for pets.
Setting Pet Policies
The first thing to do if you decide that pets are allowed on your property is to start setting pet policies. It’s important to know upfront that there are some things you can’t do. For example, Airbnb’s accessibility policy outlines that hosts cannot turn someone away with a service animal, even if the rules say no pets are allowed. In some states like New York and California, hosts are also not allowed to turn away guests with pets that are emotional support animals.
Beyond that, you’ll want to focus on figuring out what a fair pet fee will be, what the house rules are for guests with pets, and whether or not you’ll tag on a cleaning fee for guests with animals due to the nature of the stay. When you update your house rules, be transparent so guests know exactly what to expect when they bring their pets.
Pet-Friendly Amenities
Pet-friendly Airbnbs aren’t just vacation rentals that allow pets; they’re often listings with ample pet amenities and things to do that will keep pet owners happy and occupied. Is your property near dog parks or other spots where pets can hang out and play? Are there plenty of places where animals and their owners can run around and have fun? Do you offer a wide range of pet toys and beds for pets to get comfortable on? List everything that your Airbnb has to offer to draw pet owners in.
Communicating with Pet Owners
One of the top tips for hosts looking to make their Airbnb pet-friendly is to be as communicative as possible with potential guests. If they have any questions about your property, answer them as soon and as comprehensively as possible. Make sure to ask them more about their pets to gauge whether or not their pet is the type of animal you want on your property. The more both parties know about the arrangement, the more confident and comfortable everyone will be moving forward with the booking.
Cleaning and Maintenance Considerations
When you begin to make your Airbnb a welcoming space for pets, it’s important to think about how you clean. Most hosts are focused solely on how pets will impact their environment, but they aren’t focused on how their environment can impact pets. The wrong cleaning products can cause harm to animals, which is not something you want to deal with if you make the transition. Use only pet-safe cleaning products or hire a professional cleaning service that can manage cleaning your pet-friendly rental for you.
Handling Pet Complaints
Not everyone is going to be happy with pets, regardless of whether it’s new guests or your neighbors. In both situations, being transparent is the first measure you can take. Communicate with all parties (future guests and neighbors included) that animals will be on the property and to prepare for what that may entail (pet hair, noises, etc.). If you do receive a pet complaint, seek to remedy it as soon as possible. If it’s a neighbor, communicate the issue at hand with your guests and work to resolve the problem with your neighbor promptly and amicably. If the issue is with a new guest staying on the property who may not be happy with how clean it is, for example, remedy the situation and provide stellar guest service that will help them salvage their experience.
Marketing Your Pet-Friendly Airbnb
Once you decide that guests can bring a pet with them, it’s time to market! Making sure that this feature is in your title, in your listing description, and elsewhere throughout your listing will guarantee that guests notice this feature should they wish to take advantage of it. It’s one of your major selling points, so it should be front and center!
Should I Allow Pets in My Airbnb? It’s All up to You!
Except for service animals and, in some cases, emotional support animals, whether you allow pets in your Airbnb is entirely up to you. If you are considering allowing guests to book your property while bringing along their pets, carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages listed above. If you decide that it’s the right move for you, use the rest of the tips in this guide to make sure that you’re prepared for your first pet guests.
