Why Pet-Friendly Airbnbs Are Exploding in 2025

Opening your Airbnb to pets can be one of the easiest ways to boost bookings, attract loyal guests, and stand out in a crowded market. More travelers than ever are choosing to bring their pets along, which means pet friendly listings are often the first to get clicked, saved, and booked. The challenge is finding the right balance between offering a warm welcome to pets and protecting your property from unnecessary wear and tear.

In this guide, you will learn how to build clear pet policies, set the right fees, reduce damage, and create a space that works for both owners and their four legged companions. A full discussion of pet friendly hosting follows, so you can decide whether it is the right move for your investment property or Airbnb business.

‍

‍

Why Pet-Friendly Airbnbs Are Exploding in 2025

More guests than ever are travelling with their pets and actively seeking accommodations that welcome their four-legged family members. One recent report found that nearly 60 percent of pet owners say they prefer pet-friendly accommodations when they travel. With households owning pets in the U.S. rising and pets increasingly viewed as part of the family, the demand for lodging that accommodates them is soaring.

From the housing side many renters already expect properties to allow at least one pet. Because short-term rentals are part of the broader rental hospitality ecosystem they’re aligning with this expectation too. In fact pet-friendly vacation rentals now show higher occupancy and nightly rates than those that stay “no pets allowed”.

For investors and hosts this matters greatly. A pet-friendly listing often means more bookings, fewer empty nights and the opportunity to charge a premium or add a pet fee. That extra revenue can improve your overall return and make the property easier to market and manage.

‍

The Business Case: Do Pet-Friendly Airbnbs Actually Make More Money?

Pet friendly Airbnbs usually earn more, and the numbers back it up. Industry data consistently shows that listings that allow pets see higher occupancy and stronger nightly rates compared to those that do not. Travelers who bring pets often book longer stays, and they are willing to pay a little extra for the convenience. That combination gives pet friendly properties a natural revenue advantage.

Being pet friendly is also a real differentiator in competitive markets. When most hosts are fighting over the same pool of guests, offering a pet friendly space instantly pulls in a segment of travelers who have fewer options. In many markets, that alone can shift your listing into the top tier of performance.

It makes the most sense for single family homes, cabins, and properties designed for longer stays. It is less ideal for places with delicate finishes or shared common areas. From an investor standpoint, this decision affects your NOI, your revenue per available night, and ultimately how your property performs in a long term portfolio.

‍

Understanding Airbnb’s Pet, Service Animal, and ESA Policies

Before you set your pet rules, it helps to understand how Airbnb separates pets, service animals, and emotional support animals. Regular pets fall under your personal house rules. You can allow them or not, and you can charge fees, deposits, or set limits on size and number. That freedom changes when a guest is traveling with a trained service animal. Service animals are protected under U.S. law, which means hosts cannot charge extra fees, cannot refuse them, and cannot apply special requirements. The only exceptions are very specific situations such as health or safety risks that are well documented.

Emotional support animals sit in a gray area. Airbnb generally treats them differently from service animals, and policies can vary depending on local law. Some states and cities, including parts of New York and California, have stricter rules about how ESAs must be accepted. This is why every host should take a moment to understand the differences. A clear grasp of the policies helps you avoid disputes, protects your listing from penalties, and keeps your booking flow running smoothly.

‍

Deciding Your Pet Strategy: When (and When Not) to Allow Pets

Not every Airbnb is a perfect fit for pets, so it helps to look at your property through the eyes of both a traveler and an investor. A suburban home with a fenced yard or a cabin with outdoor space is naturally a better match. An urban apartment with shared areas, close neighbors, and limited green space may need stricter rules or may not be ideal at all. Flooring and furniture matter too. Durable materials like LVP, tile, and stain resistant fabrics hold up far better than carpet or delicate décor.

Next, look at local demand for pet friendly stays and how many competitors already allow pets. In many markets, pet friendly listings book faster and attract longer stays, but there are tradeoffs.

Pros of allowing pets

• Higher occupancy and more competitive visibility
• Longer average stay length
• Stronger guest loyalty and more repeat bookings
• Ability to charge pet fees and offset extra cleaning

Cons of allowing pets

• More hair, dander, and frequent cleaning
• Higher risk of stains, smells, and minor damage
• Potential noise complaints from neighbors
• Extra time spent coordinating rules and expectations

You also do not need an all or nothing approach. Many hosts allow only dogs, set weight limits, or cap the number of pets per stay. Others require crate use when pets are left alone. A tailored strategy lets you tap into the growing pet travel market while still protecting your property.

‍

Crafting a Rock Solid Pet Policy and House Rules

A clear pet policy helps guests understand what is expected and gives you a simple framework to follow from booking to checkout. Start with the basics. Decide which species you allow, whether you have breed or weight limits, and how many pets you are comfortable hosting at one time. Some hosts also set age requirements since younger pets can be more prone to accidents.

Next, outline where pets can and cannot go. Many hosts allow pets in common areas but keep bedrooms or certain furniture off limits. If you prefer pets not be left alone, make that clear and offer a simple guideline such as requiring pets to be crated when unattended.

You can also include friendly but firm example language. Something like: “Pets are welcome. Please keep them off beds and sofas, clean up any accidents, and use the crate if you need to step out.” Short, direct rules tend to work best.

Once your policy is set, make sure guests see it multiple times. Add it to your listing description, house rules, and pre booking questions. You can even use automated messages to remind guests of key expectations before arrival. Clear communication keeps things smooth and reduces misunderstandings for both sides.

‍

Setting Pet Fees, Deposits, and Pricing (Without Scaring Off Guests)

Pet fees are a big part of running a pet friendly Airbnb, and getting them right can help you cover costs without turning guests away. Most hosts use one of two simple models. A per night pet fee works well if you expect longer stays or want the fee to scale with the booking. A flat per stay fee keeps things easy and predictable for both sides. Some hosts add a separate cleaning fee for pets, while others bundle everything into one number. There is no perfect formula, so choose the structure that matches your cleaning workload and property type.

Refundable pet deposits can make sense if you have higher end furniture or flooring. Guests are usually fine with them as long as the amount is reasonable.

To find the right price, look at similar pet friendly listings in your area and compare their fees to your nightly rate, cleaning time, and risk tolerance. Dynamic pricing tools can also help by folding pet fees into your revenue goals so you stay competitive without undercharging.

There are also times when lowering or waiving the fee is a smart move. Repeat guests, longer stays, and off season bookings often justify a lighter touch. Small gestures like this can encourage loyalty and stronger reviews.

‍

Preparing Your Property to Be Truly Pet Ready (Damage Prevention 101)

The best way to welcome pets without stressing about cleanup is to set up your space with durability in mind. A few smart design choices can save you time, money, and frustration while still keeping your place stylish and comfortable.

Choose materials that can handle real life:

• Go for durable flooring like LVP instead of carpet. It handles scratches better and is much easier to clean.
• Use washable rugs that can survive the occasional accident or muddy paws.
• Stick to stain resistant fabrics for sofas and chairs so you are not constantly spot treating cushions.

Make furniture pet proof:

• Add removable, machine washable covers to your main seating.
• Use throws or blankets in high traffic areas to protect upholstery.
• Select furniture with sturdy legs and surfaces that are not easily scratched.

Create designated pet zones:

• A small fenced area or dog run can help control outdoor mess.
• If there is a yard, set aside a clear potty area so guests know exactly where pets should go.
• Even indoors, a simple corner with a pet bed can guide pets away from more delicate spaces.

Stay ahead of odors and fur:

• Keep lint rollers, pet safe cleaning sprays, and enzyme cleaners on hand.
• Use HEPA filters or a basic air purifier to keep the air fresh between stays.
• Store extra towels or blankets specifically for pet use so guests do not use your nicer linens.

Keep it practical but still Instagrammable

You do not have to sacrifice style to make your place pet friendly. Aim for clean lines, cozy textures, and decor that looks great but can withstand daily use. If you choose materials that clean up easily and set clear zones for pets, you can maintain a space that photographs well and holds up to real guests and real animals.

‍

Smart Amenities That Delight Pet Owners (and Reduce Wear and Tear)

Pet friendly guests notice the little things right away. Simple, practical amenities like food and water bowls, waste bags, designated pet towels, and a couple of lint rollers make their stay easier and also help keep your space cleaner. These small touches show guests that you planned for their pets, which often leads to better care of your property during their stay.

Safety items matter just as much. A baby gate can prevent pets from wandering into off limits rooms. A secure trash can keeps curious dogs from making a mess. Leash hooks near the door make walks smoother, and good outdoor lighting helps guests manage nighttime potty breaks without accidents.

All of these amenities reduce the chance of damage and cut down on complaints. They also tend to boost reviews and encourage repeat bookings because guests appreciate how stress free their stay feels.

‍

Inspections, AirCover, and Handling Pet Damage the Right Way

When you allow pets in your Airbnb, the way you handle inspections can make a huge difference in how smoothly each stay goes. A simple pre-stay checklist helps you catch anything that might cause trouble later. Look for loose fencing, scratches on doors, stains, or anything fragile that should be moved out of reach before a guest arrives. After checkout, walk the property again and check high traffic areas where pets tend to leave signs. Floors, rugs, baseboards, furniture, and outdoor spaces are the most common spots where issues show up.

AirCover can help if something does go wrong. It generally protects hosts when a guest’s pet causes accidental damage, although you still need evidence to support your claim. This is where documentation matters. Take clear, time stamped photos and videos before and after each stay. Keep all communication with the guest on the Airbnb platform so there is a record of what happened and when. If you need to report an issue, explain it calmly and stick to the facts. A simple timeline of what you discovered and how you tried to resolve it often leads to faster responses and better outcomes.

If you ever have to open a damage dispute, work through it step by step. First, message the guest politely and give them a chance to respond. If the problem is small, they might agree to cover it right away. If not, submit everything through the Resolution Center. Airbnb reviews the evidence, so the more organized you are, the easier the process becomes. A professional, friendly approach helps protect your rating and keeps the experience respectful, even when the situation is not ideal.

‍

Marketing Your Pet Friendly Airbnb Listing

Once your place is truly pet friendly, the next step is making sure guests can actually find it. Start by fully optimizing your Airbnb listing so it stands out in pet specific searches:

• Turn on the “Pets allowed” filter so your listing appears for guests traveling with animals.
• Add pet related amenities to your profile, such as bowls or fenced outdoor areas.
• Use photo captions to point out pet friendly features like durable flooring or a designated dog area.

Your photos and title can make a big difference in click through rates. Try ideas like:

• Highlight a standout feature in the title, for example a large backyard or proximity to a dog park.
• Include clear, bright photos of the spaces pets can enjoy, such as patios, trails, or comfy nooks.

Promotion does not need to stop with Airbnb. You can reach more pet owners by sharing your listing on:

• Pet travel blogs
• Local dog groups
• Social media communities focused on travel or pet ownership

For Awning’s partners, this becomes even easier with professional property management. A management team can:

• Standardize pet guidelines across multiple units
• Handle communication and screening related to pets
• Track fees and deposits
• Keep operations consistent so guest expectations are always met

‍

Risk Management, Insurance, and Legal Considerations

Running a pet friendly Airbnb can boost bookings, but it also means you need to stay ahead of risk. While Airbnb’s AirCover offers some protection, it is not designed to cover every type of pet-related damage or liability. That’s why many hosts opt for additional short-term rental insurance. This extra coverage can safeguard you against damage from chewing, scratching, or unexpected guest incidents involving pets.

Legal considerations are equally important. Local laws may impose breed restrictions or limit how many pets are allowed per property. Service animals and emotional support animals have special protections, and those rules can differ from building policies or HOA regulations. Knowing these differences helps you avoid disputes and ensure compliance.

If you’re leasing, doing rental arbitrage, or managing a co-hosted property under an HOA, your pet policy must align with your lease or association rules. A mismatch here could lead to costly surprises.

Since you’re serious about protecting your investment and offering a pet-friendly stay, consider exploring insurance designed specifically for short-term rentals. For hosts using Awning’s management services, you’ll find tailored insurance solutions that address the unique risks of pet-friendly listings. Strong coverage, smart policies, and the right support are all part of keeping your property both guest-ready and protected.

‍

The Bottom Line

Opening your Airbnb to pets can boost your bookings, improve guest satisfaction, and help your property stand out in a competitive market. The key is having clear policies, smart pricing, and a setup that protects your space while still giving guests a great experience. Once you dial in your rules and prepare your property, pet friendly hosting can become one of the easiest wins for long term revenue.

If you want help managing pet friendly stays or building a strategy that works across multiple properties, Awning’s Full Service Property Management team can handle everything from guest communication to maintenance. Let the experts turn pet friendly hosting into a stress free advantage for your rental business.