How To Host a Pet-Friendly Airbnb

Being pet friendly can be a great way to stand out as a host.

If you are considering hosting a pet-friendly Airbnb, there are a few key steps that you should take to ensure that your property is ready to accommodate furry guests. These include setting clear house rules for pet owners, preparing for recurring pet-specific cleaning and maintenance, and adding pet-friendly fabrics and surfaces. Additionally, you should provide pet-related amenities and supplies, update your listing details with a pet policy, and promote nearby pet-friendly areas. Finally, don't hesitate to add an additional charge for pets to help offset the potential cost and wear and tear on your property.

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Why Hosting a Pet-Friendly Airbnb Is Beneficial

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Hosting a pet-friendly Airbnb can be a great way to increase your property's appeal and attract a wider range of potential guests. Many travelers prefer to bring their pets along on vacation, and by accommodating their furry companions, you can tap into this growing market and potentially earn more rental income. Additionally, hosting a pet-friendly Airbnb can help to differentiate your property from other listings and make it stand out in a crowded market.

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6 Steps To Hosting a Pet-Friendly Airbnb

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Set Clear House Rules for Pet Owners

Before you start hosting pet-friendly guests, it's important to establish clear rules and expectations for pet owners. This will help to ensure that both you and your guests are on the same page and that your property is well-maintained. Some key rules to consider include requiring pets to be leashed at all times, prohibiting them from being left alone in the property, and setting a maximum number of pets allowed per booking. You don't want pets causing damage or issues for other guests.

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Prepare for Recurring, Pet-Specific Cleaning and Maintenance

Hosting pets can lead to additional cleaning and maintenance requirements, so it's important to be prepared for this. This may involve investing in pet-specific cleaning products and supplies, as well as regularly checking and replacing any items that may have been damaged or soiled by pets. Additionally, consider implementing a deep cleaning schedule to ensure that your property is thoroughly cleaned and freshened between pet guests. When possible on a booking channel (like Airbnb or VRBO), you may want to add additional fees for pets to cover these extra costs.

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Add Pet-friendly Fabrics And Surfaces

To make your property more pet-friendly, consider adding pet-friendly fabrics and surfaces throughout the space. This may involve replacing carpeting with hardwood or tile floors, and adding washable slipcovers to furniture. Additionally, consider using pet-friendly fabrics for bedding and towels to make it easier for pet owners to clean up any pet hair or messes. Removable and washable covers on things like dining room chairs can help make it easy to clean up after accidents.

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Provide Pet-Related Amenities and Supplies

To make your guests' stay more comfortable, consider providing pet-related amenities and supplies. This could include items such as a pet bed, food and water bowls, and a selection of toys. Most pet accessories are pretty inexpensive, but they can be a fun and high ROI way to make pet owners happy.

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Update Your Listing Details With a Pet Policy

It's important to clearly communicate your pet policy to potential guests to avoid any misunderstandings. This means updating your Airbnb listing with details about your pet policy, including any rules and restrictions, as well as any additional fees that may apply. This will help to ensure that pet owners understand what is expected of them and are able to make an informed decision about booking your property.

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Promote Nearby Pet-Friendly Areas

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To make your property more appealing to pet owners, consider promoting nearby pet-friendly areas such as dog parks, hiking trails, and pet-friendly restaurants and cafes. You may also want to include information about any local pet-related services such as grooming and vet care.

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