Hosting Guests with Pets: How to Create a Pet-Friendly Airbnb

Pet-friendly Airbnbs are in high demand as more travelers prefer to bring their furry companions on trips. By welcoming guests with pets and tailoring your space to their needs, you can attract a loyal audience while ensuring your property remains well-maintained.

Why Offer a Pet-Friendly Airbnb?

• Expand Your Market: Pet-friendly listings attract families and solo travelers alike.
• Increase Bookings: Many guests prioritize pet accommodations over other factors.
• Foster Loyalty: Pet owners often become repeat customers when they find a welcoming host.

1. Set Clear Pet Policies

Transparency helps guests know what to expect and how to respect your space.

Key Points to Address

• Maximum number and size of pets allowed.
• Approved pet types (e.g., dogs, cats, small animals).
• Restricted areas, such as bedrooms or furniture.

Example Policy

“We welcome up to two dogs under 50 pounds. Please keep pets off the furniture and clean up after them in outdoor areas.”

2. Provide Pet-Friendly Amenities

Thoughtful touches make pets and their owners feel at home.

Essential Amenities

• Food and water bowls.
• A washable pet bed or blanket.
• Waste bags and a designated outdoor area for potty breaks.

Optional Extras

• Pet toys or treats as a welcome gift.
• Lint rollers for cleaning pet hair.
• A leash or tie-out station in outdoor spaces.

Pro Tip: Explore my Amazon Shopping List for Airbnb Hosts for durable, pet-friendly products to enhance your space.

3. Pet-Proof Your Property

Protect your home from damage while keeping pets safe.

Indoor Adjustments

• Use scratch-resistant flooring and furniture.
• Secure trash bins to prevent rummaging.
• Avoid toxic plants or decorations that pets might chew on.

Outdoor Adjustments

• Ensure fences are secure to prevent escapes.
• Remove hazardous items like sharp tools or toxic chemicals.
• Provide shade and water for pets in outdoor spaces.

4. Charge a Pet Fee

A reasonable pet fee covers cleaning and potential wear and tear.

Best Practices

• Charge a flat rate per stay or per pet.
• Clearly state the fee in your listing to avoid surprises.
• Use the fee to cover costs like extra cleaning or replacing damaged items.

5. Market Your Listing as Pet-Friendly

Showcase your pet-friendly features to attract the right audience.

What to Highlight

• Outdoor spaces for pets to roam.
• Nearby pet-friendly parks, beaches, or hiking trails.
• Pet-specific amenities like beds, bowls, or treats.

Example Listing Text:
“Our home welcomes your furry friends! Enjoy a spacious yard, provided pet supplies, and easy access to local dog parks.”

6. Share Local Pet Resources

Help guests find everything they need for their pets during their stay.

What to Include

• Nearby veterinarians or emergency pet clinics.
• Pet-friendly restaurants, cafes, and attractions.
• Local pet stores for food, toys, and supplies.

Create a Welcome Guide

Add this information to your digital or printed guest manual.

7. Handle Cleaning and Maintenance

Pet-friendly hosting requires extra attention to cleanliness.

Before Each Stay

• Vacuum thoroughly to remove pet hair and dander.
• Wash pet beds, blankets, and bowls after use.
• Use air purifiers to minimize allergens.

During Stays

• Provide guests with cleaning supplies like lint rollers and waste bags.
• Encourage pet owners to address messes promptly.

8. Address Guest Concerns

Not all travelers may be comfortable with pet-friendly accommodations.

How to Reassure Guests

• Offer separate bedding or allergy-friendly cleaning options for non-pet guests.
• Clearly disclose pet policies in your listing to manage expectations.
• Highlight your cleaning protocols to ensure a hygienic space.

9. Monitor Guest Reviews and Feedback

Feedback from pet-owning guests helps you refine your pet-friendly setup.

What to Look For

• Suggestions for additional amenities or improvements.
• Positive reviews that emphasize your pet-friendly features.

How to Improve

• Update your space based on recurring feedback.
• Stay informed about trends in pet travel to meet evolving guest needs.

10. Create a Safe Environment for All

Pet-friendly hosting benefits both pets and people when done right.

Safety First

• Provide emergency contact numbers for guests to reach you in case of incidents.
• Ensure the property is safe for pets of all sizes and temperaments.

The Benefits of Hosting Pets

By accommodating pets, you can:

• Attract More Bookings: Stand out in a competitive market.
• Increase Guest Satisfaction: Pet owners will appreciate your efforts.
• Build Guest Loyalty: Satisfied guests are more likely to return and recommend your listing.

Final Thoughts: Creating a Pet-Friendly Space

A pet-friendly Airbnb is a win-win for hosts and guests. With thoughtful preparation, clear policies, and extra amenities, you can cater to pet owners while protecting your property.

Ready to host pets? Explore more hosting tips on Airbnb Expert Hosting Blog and check out our Amazon Shopping List for pet-friendly essentials and tools.