Airbnb pet policy: how to host pets the right way

The pet-loving world is booming, and for many people, their furry, scaly, or feathered friends are a core part of the family. This means they’re not leaving them behind when they travel. As an Airbnb host, this trend is a massive opportunity to boost your bookings and revenue. But opening your doors to pets isn't just about ticking a box. To do it right, you need a clear, thoughtful, and comprehensive Airbnb pet policy. Read on to discover:

• What is Airbnb’s pet policy?
• Why create a pet policy
• Pros and cons of allowing pets in your Airbnb
• Key elements of a strong Airbnb pet policy
• Preparing your rental for pet guests
• Communicating your pet policy effectively
• Examples of Airbnb pet rules that work
• Best practices for hosts
• FAQs

Communicate your Airbnb pet policy easily with a Touch Stay digital guidebook.

What is Airbnb’s pet policy?

Airbnb's official guidance on pets is designed to give you, the host, full control. It's not a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, it puts the power in your hands to decide if you want to allow pets and, if so, what your specific Airbnb pet rules will be. This flexibility lets you create a policy that’s perfect for your property, your neighbours and your own personal situation.

Legal requirements for service and emotional support animals

This is a really important distinction to understand in your Airbnb dog policy. In the UK, a service animal (like a guide dog) isn't legally considered a pet. These animals are highly trained and are essential for people with disabilities. This means you must legally accommodate a service animal, even if you have a strict 'no pets' rule, and you can't charge a pet fee for them.

Emotional support animals (ESAs), however, don't have the same legal protection in the UK. They offer comfort but aren't typically trained to perform specific tasks. Because of this, you’re not legally required to make an exception to your pet policy for them. It’s always a good idea to be transparent in your listing about how you handle both service and emotional support animals to avoid any mix-ups.

Why create a pet policy?

Having a detailed Airbnb pet policy isn't just about protecting your stuff; it's a smart business move. A good policy is your secret weapon for managing expectations, attracting the right kind of guests, and keeping your home in top shape.

Protect your property and avoid misunderstandings

Without clear Airbnb pet rules examples in place, you’re leaving your property vulnerable to potential damage and yourself open to stressful guest disputes. A policy acts as a shield, outlining exactly what’s expected of pet owners. It covers crucial points like keeping pets off furniture, cleaning up waste, and making sure they don’t cause a nuisance.

Pro tip: check out our guide on creating & enforcing house rules with an Airbnb guest book

Attract pet-owning travellers to increase bookings

More and more people are travelling with their pets, and they’re actively searching for places that will welcome their animals. By making your listing pet-friendly, you tap into a huge and often underserved market. Offering a great space for pets can make your property much more appealing, leading to more bookings and potentially higher occupancy rates. 

Pros & cons of allowing pets in your Airbnb

Deciding to become a pet-friendly host is a big step, and it comes with both a list of great benefits and a few potential drawbacks. It’s worth weighing them carefully to see if it’s the right move for your property.

Pros

• More Bookings: Opening your listing to pet owners can massively expand your potential guest pool, as many won't even look at a place that doesn't allow their animals.
• Higher Revenue: You can add an Airbnb pet fee to cover the cost of extra cleaning, which increases your total earnings for each booking.
• Stand Out: Many hosts still have a 'no pets' rule, so your pet-friendly listing will pop in search results.
• Positive Reviews: Guests are often thrilled to find a place that welcomes their pets and are likely to leave glowing reviews.
• Responsible Guests: Pet owners who travel with their animals are generally responsible and respectful, as they're used to following rules for their pets' sake.

Cons

• Potential for Damage: The biggest worry is damage to flooring, furniture, or gardens. Even the best-behaved pet can have an accident or cause a scratch.
• Extra Cleaning: Pets, especially dogs, mean more pet hair, paw prints, and potential odours, all of which require a more thorough, time-consuming clean.
• Allergy Risks: Future guests might have severe allergies. Even with a deep clean, it’s tough to guarantee a completely pet-free environment.
• Noise Complaints: A barking dog could lead to complaints from neighbours, which is a major hassle for any host.
• Wear and Tear: Over time, allowing pets can lead to more general wear and tear on your property and furnishings.

Key elements of a strong Airbnb pet policy

A great pet policy is clear, fair, and covers all the bases. It needs to be easy for guests to find and understand, addressing all the common issues that could crop up.

Allowed pet types, number limits, size & breed restrictions

This is the very heart of your Airbnb pet policy. Be specific about what you will and won't allow.

• Allowed Pet Types: Will you only allow dogs? What about cats, birds, or other animals? If your policy is specific to dogs (e.g., does Airbnb allow dogs), make that clear.
• Number Limits: Set a clear cap on how many pets can stay. For example, “one pet per stay” or “up to two dogs.”
• Size and Breed Restrictions: Some hosts choose a weight limit (e.g., “dogs must be under 15kg”). Others might restrict certain breeds. Just remember that breed restrictions can be a bit controversial, so think this through carefully.

House rules: areas off-limits, furniture, noise & behaviour expectations

Your house rules are a crucial part of your Airbnb dog policy and should be included in your listing and your digital guide.

• Off-Limits Areas: Clearly state any rooms or parts of the property where pets aren’t allowed, like on the beds or in a specific bedroom.
• Furniture and Bedding: Most hosts ask that pets stay off the furniture and beds. If you're worried about scratches or stains, this is a must-have rule. You could even provide a pet-friendly blanket for the sofa as a nice gesture.
• Noise and Behaviour: Set expectations for pet behaviour, such as not leaving them alone for long periods, keeping barking to a minimum, and ensuring they’re house-trained.

Fees and deposits: pet fees vs damage deposits

Getting the financial side of your policy right is essential.

• Pet Fee: An Airbnb pet fee is a non-refundable charge that covers the extra cleaning needed after a pet’s stay. It’s a reasonable way to make sure you’re compensated for the extra work.
• Damage Deposit: This is a refundable deposit that acts as a financial safety net for any unexpected damage the pet might cause. It gives you peace of mind and encourages guests to be extra vigilant.

Preparing your rental for pet guests

Once your Airbnb pet policy is set, it's time to get your property ready. A few simple preparations can make your home more attractive to pet owners and protect it at the same time. This is where you can truly show your guests you've thought about their needs.

Pet-proofing strategies and durable cleaning surfaces

To reduce the risk of damage, consider these simple strategies:

• Durable Flooring: Replace carpets with easy-to-clean surfaces like tiles, laminate, or vinyl.
• Secure Cables and Valuables: Keep electrical cords out of reach and store any fragile items in a safe cupboard.
• Washable Fabrics: Use removable, washable covers on your sofas and chairs.
• Child-Proof Locks: Use child-proof locks on lower cupboards to stop curious pets from getting into anything dangerous.

Pet-friendly amenities: bowls, waste bags, towels, bedding

Going the extra mile with a few pet amenities shows you’re a thoughtful host and can make a big difference to a guest's stay.

• Food and Water Bowls: These are often bulky and a pain to pack, so providing them is a huge plus.
• Waste Bags: Making sure guests have the tools to clean up after their pet encourages responsible behaviour.
• Dedicated Towels: Leave out a few old towels specifically for wiping muddy paws after a walk. This saves your nice guest towels from getting ruined.
• A Pet Bed: A comfy bed or blanket gives the pet a designated spot to chill, which helps keep them off your furniture.

Designated pet relief zones and outdoor guidance

If your property has a garden or any outdoor space, be clear about where the pet can and can’t go.

• Fenced Garden: If you have a secure, fenced garden, shout about it! It's a major selling point for dog owners.
• Designated Relief Zone: Point out a specific area where pets can do their business and a bin for disposing of waste.
• Local Dog Parks: Use your digital guidebook to recommend local parks or walking trails where guests can exercise their dogs.

Communicating your pet policy effectively

A great Airbnb pet policy is only useful if your guests actually know about it and understand it. Clear communication is absolutely key, and this is where tools like Touch Stay really come into their own.

Listing transparency: house rules and listing description

The first place a potential guest looks is your listing, so be upfront about your policy there.

• House Rules Section: Use this dedicated section to lay out your main pet rules, fees, and any restrictions.
• Listing Description: Mention that your place is pet-friendly and highlight any great pet amenities you offer, like a fenced garden.
• Digital Guidebook Integration: This is where a digital guidebook from a company like Touch Stay becomes a game-changer. Instead of a dusty old paper folder, you can provide a modern, mobile-friendly guide that guests can access on their phones. Your detailed Airbnb pet rules can have their own section, complete with photos of the designated areas and even recommendations for local pet services. A digital guidebook from Touch Stay saves you hours by answering all the pet-related questions upfront, reducing those constant "can I bring my dog?" messages.

Want to see how a Touch Stay digital guidebook can simplify your pet policy communication and impress your guests? 

Pre-arrival messaging and arrival house manual integration

Your communication with guests shouldn't stop after they book.

• Pre-Arrival Message: A few days before arrival, send a friendly message to remind guests of your pet policy and confirm any pet fees. This is a good chance to clear up any final questions.
• House Manual: Make sure your detailed pet policy is a prominent part of your house manual. A digital guidebook makes this a seamless process, ensuring the rules are always visible and accessible.

Pro tip: discover everything you need to know about the house manual for Airbnb

Enforcing rules and handling violations

Even with a perfect policy, issues can arise. If a guest brings an unapproved pet or breaks a rule, it’s important to handle it professionally.

• Document Everything: Take photos of any damage and keep records of all your communication with the guest.
• Use the Resolution Centre: If a guest violates your policy, you can use the Airbnb Resolution Centre to request compensation for damages or fees.

When to alternate between pet-friendly and pet-free bookings

Some hosts find it useful to switch between being pet-friendly and pet-free to manage allergy concerns. You can do this by blocking off a few days after a pet booking for a deep clean. This approach can also be useful during high season, allowing you to appeal to both markets.

Examples of Airbnb pet rules that work

A good Airbnb pet policy should be easy to understand and follow. Here are a few simple Airbnb pet rules examples you can use for inspiration:

Example 1: “We are dog-friendly!”

“We’re thrilled to welcome your dog to our home! To make sure everyone has a fantastic stay, please follow these simple rules:

• We allow one dog per stay.
• Dogs are not permitted on the beds or furniture. Please bring a crate or a pet bed for them.
• Pets must be house-trained and are not to be left alone inside the property for more than an hour.
• Please clean up after your dog in the garden and use the outdoor bin for all waste.
• A non-refundable £50 pet fee applies to cover the cost of a deep clean after your stay.”

Example 2: “Pet-friendly on request”

“Our home is pet-friendly, but we do ask that you contact us before booking to talk about your pet.

• We accept one well-behaved dog under 15kg.
• No cats or other pets, please.
• Please keep your dog on a lead in the communal areas of the property.
• An additional pet fee of £10 per night applies for the first three nights.
• A refundable damage deposit may be requested upon booking.”

Example 3: “Assistance animal guidance”

“We have a strict ‘no pets’ policy due to severe allergies in the family. However, we will happily accommodate a service animal as legally required. If you are travelling with a service animal, please let us know so we can make the necessary preparations for your stay.”

Best practices for hosts

To really excel as a pet-friendly host, it’s not just about having a policy—it’s about following best practices that make the experience better for everyone.

1. Vetting guests and pets

Before accepting a booking with a pet, you should always do a little bit of vetting. Ask the guest for a few details about their pet:

• Breed, Age, and Size: This helps you confirm the pet fits within your restrictions.
• Behaviour and Training: Ask if the pet is house-trained, well-behaved around people, and if they have any quirks you should know about.
• Vaccinations: You could ask for confirmation that their pet’s vaccinations are up to date.

Taking this simple step will give you a lot more confidence about who you’re welcoming into your home.

2. Promote your pet-friendly listing

If you've gone to the effort of creating a great pet policy and preparing your property, you need to shout about it!

• Use High-Quality Photos: Show off any pet amenities you offer, like a pet bed or a fenced garden.
• Highlight in the Title: Add “Dog-Friendly Cottage” or “Pet-Friendly Flat” to your listing title to make it stand out.
• Share on Social Media: Post about your pet-friendly listing on social media, targeting groups and pages for local pet owners.

3. Seasonal or flexible pet policies to manage allergies

Managing guest allergies is a genuine concern. As we mentioned, you can handle this by having a few days blocked off after a pet booking for a deep clean. Alternatively, you could be pet-friendly only during certain times of the year, like the off-season. This gives you the best of both worlds—you can appeal to the pet market while also protecting your non-allergic guests.

Frequently asked questions

Here are the answers to a few common questions about hosting pets on Airbnb.

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