Airbnb Pet Policy: Complete Guide for Property Managers

More and more travelers are looking for accommodations that welcome their furry friends. For Airbnb hosts and property managers, setting up a clear Airbnb pet policy can make the difference between attracting more bookings or facing costly property damage. While pet-friendly rentals often enjoy higher occupancy and increased guest satisfaction, they also require careful planning, clear rules, and smart management tools.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Airbnb pet policy: what the platform requires, how to set your own rules, the pros and cons of accepting pets, and how to handle fees and deposits. We’ll also explore how automation tools like Chekin can simplify the process by adding pet fees through upselling or automating security deposits with just one click.

What Is the Airbnb Pet Policy?

Airbnb gives hosts flexibility in deciding whether to allow pets, but there are some rules every host must follow:

• Service animals must always be accepted. This is a legal requirement in most regions.
• Hosts can decide if they accept other pets such as dogs or cats, but they must clearly state it in their listing.
• House rules should be explicit. Guests must know in advance what is and isn’t allowed when traveling with pets.

In practice, this means that while you control your own property’s rules, transparency and communication are essential to avoid disputes.

Read more about: Benefits of accepting pets in vacation rentals

Why Having a Pet Policy Matters

A clear Airbnb pet policy helps you:

• Increase bookings: Pet-friendly properties attract a wider audience, especially families and digital nomads traveling with animals.
• Reduce risks: Rules minimize potential damage, noise complaints, or allergy-related issues.
• Build trust: Guests appreciate clarity and are more likely to leave positive reviews if expectations are set upfront.

How to Create Your Airbnb Pet Policy

Decide Which Pets Are Allowed

Be specific: will you accept dogs only? Cats too? Small breeds under a certain weight? Clearly defining your policy reduces misunderstandings.

Set Clear House Rules

Examples of common pet rules include:

• Pets are not allowed on beds or sofas.
• Pets cannot be left unattended inside the property.
• Guests must clean up after their pets in outdoor areas.

These should be included in your listing description, your house manual, and reinforced during guest communication.

Consider Safety and Comfort

Think about the impact on your property and future guests:

• Provide washable covers for furniture.
• Keep cleaning supplies ready for staff.
• Clearly define restricted areas (like pools or gardens).

Fees and Deposits in Your Airbnb Pet Policy

Pet Fees

Airbnb does not automatically add pet fees, so hosts must manage them separately. A fair approach is to charge an extra cleaning fee or nightly surcharge. Transparency is crucial, guests should know the fee before booking.

With Chekin, you can streamline this process by using upselling features to automatically add pet-related fees during the check-in process. This ensures you are compensated fairly while offering a professional experience.

Security Deposits

Accidents can happen. Setting up a deposit gives you extra protection against potential damages. Using automation, you can collect and manage deposits in just one click, making it easier to safeguard your property without extra manual work.

Pros and Cons of Accepting Pets

Pros:

• Higher occupancy and broader market appeal.
• Guests staying longer, since pet owners prefer extended trips when they travel with animals.
• Stronger loyalty and repeat bookings from pet-owning guests.

Cons:

• Extra cleaning required.
• Potential for property damage or noise complaints.
• Possible guest allergies impacting future stays.

Balancing these factors with a strong pet policy allows you to maximize the benefits while mitigating the risks.

Automating Your Airbnb Pet Policy with Chekin

Chekin makes it simple to integrate your Airbnb pet policy into your daily operations:

• Automate guest check-in: Collect data and signatures confirming pet rules.
• Upsell pet fees easily: Add extra charges during the digital check-in flow.
• One-click security deposits: Protect your property with automated deposit collection and refunds.
• Save time: Reduce up to 87% of manual guest management tasks, so you can focus on hospitality.

Conclusion

A well-crafted Airbnb pet policy is a win-win: it boosts bookings, keeps guests happy, and protects your property from risks. By clearly defining which pets are allowed, setting house rules, and managing fees and deposits, you can confidently open your doors to travelers with furry companions.

With automation tools like Chekin, you can go one step further—simplifying fee collection, deposits, and guest communication, while saving time and ensuring compliance. Hosting pets doesn’t have to be complicated; with the right strategy and technology, it can be one of your strongest competitive advantages.

Discover how Chekin can help you automate check-in, stay compliant, protect your property, and boost revenue—saving 87% of your time and earning more from every booking.

Free trial for 14 days. No credit card required!

You may also be interested in:

Boost Guest Review Scores This High Season: Proven Strategies

Guest Profile Strategies: Types, Insights & Actionable Tactics

Airbnb Off Platform Policy: What Hosts Need to Know in 2025