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How To Find An Airbnb That Allows Pets [Airbnb’s Pet Policy]
How To Find An Airbnb That Allows Pets
Airbnb is a flexible marketplace for hosts and guests.
Before Airbnb’s emergence, most big accommodation booking sites had fairly rigid pet policies. But with Airbnb, it’s easier than ever to book a place that allows travelers to bring their pets with them.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to find a pet-friendly listing on Airbnb.
After explaining Airbnb’s pet policy (including fees, assistance animals and policy violations), I’ll show you how to find and book a pet-friendly Airbnb listing (step-by-step), what to look for in a dog-friendly listing and what to do if you want to bring your cat.
*Vrbo.com is the best Airbnb alternative for pet-friendly vacation rentals. To see today’s deals on apartment and house rentals in your destination, click here.
Table of Contents
What Is Airbnb’s Pet Policy?
Airbnb allows each host to decide whether or not they’ll allow pets into their home.
Reasons why a host may prohibit pets include: being allergic, to avoid the extra cleaning, or because Airbnb doesn’t currently cover pet damage. Deciding whether or not to keep their home pet-friendly is an important decision for every Airbnb host, as they’ll surely gain or lose potential guests either way.
*Vrbo.com is the best Airbnb alternative for pet-friendly vacation rentals. To see today’s deals, click here.
How Pet Fees Work On Airbnb
Airbnb does not charge a “standard” pet fee.
Instead, hosts have the right to include their own (in their listing description). A pet fee can cover cleaning costs, or just function as a form of “pet insurance” for acute damages or cumulative wear and tear. Fees can range from $5 to over $100. Since many guests will consider their pet to be a family member, it’s quite reasonable for hosts to charge them as such.
Pet fees (if any) will not be displayed on your total booking price at checkout. Instead, your host will send you a fee amount as a price adjustment after you’ve made your reservation. This is another reason why you should always read a listing’s full description and contact potential hosts prior to booking - so you will receive this information beforehand.
Some hosts charge a “pet deposit” (to be paid in cash at check-in) rather than a pet fee. If your pet does not cause an “issue” during your stay, that deposit will be refunded at checkout. But if there is an issue, the cost to fix/clean it will be deducted from your deposit.
*Vrbo.com is the best Airbnb alternative for pet-friendly vacation rentals. To see today’s deals, click here.
Does Airbnb Allow Service Animals And Emotional Support Animals?
Airbnb categorizes service animals and emotional support animals as “assistance animals”.
Service animals (usually service dogs) are trained to assist humans with tasks - including vision, navigation and neurological abilities. Emotional support animals (ESA) provide therapeutic effects and/or comfort to individuals (as medical treatment or therapy). To read Airbnb’s exact definitions of these terms, click here.
Airbnb acknowledges that assistance animals aren’t the same as pets, and they affect how their human partner functions in common daily tasks. Airbnb says, "hosts are expected to reasonably accommodate reservations where an assistance animal may be present, even if their listing/house rules state ‘no pets’”.
But not every property is well-suited to accommodate assistance animals, so notify your potential host prior to booking. If your assistance animal isn’t well-trained or exhibits poor behavior after you’ve checked in, your host can request that it be removed. For Airbnb’s exact words on this topic, click here.
Airbnb hosts are not allowed to charge an additional fee to guests bringing an assistance animal, but they can charge for any damages caused by that assistance animal. Guests with assistance animals are included in Airbnb’s Nondiscrimination Policy.
For hosts, there are two key differences between assistance animals and pets:
Assistance animals are oftentimes better trained
Assistance animals are less likely to be left alone in the property (since the owner needs its support)
For Airbnb’s policy on assistance animals, click here.
*Vrbo.com is the best Airbnb alternative for pet-friendly vacation rentals. To see today’s deals, click here.
Pet Policy Violations
As mentioned at the top of this guide, Airbnb does not enforce a “standard” pet policy.
Instead, pet-friendly hosts define their own pet policy in their listing’s “house rules”. Then, their guests agree to those terms when booking that listing. Violating your host’s pet policy (such as if a pet causes property damage) can result in you being charged fees - either deducted from your pet deposit or charged separately (typically through the Resolution Center).
If your pet is poorly-trained, inexperienced in adjusting to new environments, or prone to anxious bouts, you might be better off leaving it at home with a pet sitter. TrustedHousesitters.com is a reputable and professional pet sitting website.
*Vrbo.com is the best Airbnb alternative for pet-friendly vacation rentals. To see today’s deals, click here.
How To Find And Book Pet-Friendly Airbnb Listings
On Airbnb.com, enter your destination, dates and the number of guests, then click “Search”. On the search results page, click “More filters”.
In the pop-up, scroll down to “House rules” and select “Pets allowed”.
*If you don’t see this filter in your destination, you’ll need to manually browse the “house rules” section of listings you find interesting (just click the listing, then scroll to the “house rules” section).
Now your search results display pet-friendly listings. After finding a listing that suits your taste and budget, scroll down to the house rules section of that listing.
Just below “House rules”, click on “Get details”. The house rules pop-up may include particular rules the host has regarding pets (like the types of pets allowed, what a pet can and can’t do on-property, and more).
Examples of pet rules set by a host may include:
Whether a pet is allowed to be in the home unattended
Which areas of the property the pet is allowed to be in
In which areas pets must be leashed (rooms, neighborhood rules, etc.)
Instructions for waste collection/disposal
*To find listings that specifically cater to pet owners, look for features in their description and photos, such as: food or water bowls, pet supplies and a spacious yard. Some hosts even include recommendations for where to purchase pet food and supplies, local dog parks, pet sitters and veterinarians.
Important!
Notify your potential host about your pet prior to booking. This helps ensure your pet’s needs are met. A poorly-suited environment can alter a pet’s behavior, due to stress or excitement.
Long-term vacation rentals (like extended stays) are often more pet-friendly than single night rentals, as there can be greater upside for a host (much more income for a similar level of risk).
If traveling with a pet, consider one of Airbnb’s pet experiences. If you just want to be around animals, also check out experiences like this. For a guide to Airbnb Experiences, click here.
*Vrbo.com is the best Airbnb alternative for pet-friendly vacation rentals. To see today’s deals, click here.
How To Book A Dog-Friendly Airbnb
It is not uncommon for dog-friendly Airbnb hosts to set some rules regarding behaviors and/or breeds.
For example, some hosts do not accept breeds that are generally considered to be heavy shedders or highly active. Some hosts prohibit male dogs to prevent any potential territorial disputes with other pets. Another common deterrent is size (often due to lack of space).
While some dog policies may seem excessive, it’s one of the best ways hosts can ensure that only responsible pet owners are approved to stay in the property. Some other examples of dog rules set by hosts may include:
Breed rules
Weight limits
Flea or tick free
Spayed/neutered
No loud barking
Be at least 1 year old
Proof of vaccinations
Must be potty trained
Only hypoallergenic dogs
Must be leashed outside private areas
Not allowed in room alone (or must be kept in kennel)
Not allowed on the guest bed (dog bed sometimes provided)
Owner picks up after dog outside (waste bags sometimes provided)
Must use mattress protector on bed (protectors sometimes provided)
Must be cleaned before entering home (dog towels sometimes provided)
Dog Fees/Deposit + Service Dogs
As mentioned above (regarding pets in general), damage caused by your dog can result in additional charges from your host. Some hosts require guests to pay a “dog fee” or “deposit” prior to check-in. Some hosts provide features that could also improve your dog’s stay, such as a dog blanket or designated bed.
Generally, hosts are expected to accept a service dog without issue. Still, it’s best to contact potential hosts prior to booking, to ensure the place is an ideal match for you, your dog and your host. If you have a service dog, refer to the section above on assistance animals.
*Vrbo.com is the best Airbnb alternative for pet-friendly vacation rentals. To see today’s deals, click here.
How To Find An Airbnb That Allow Cats
Cats are the second-most commonly brought pet.
When Airbnb hosts set a pet policy, it’s usually catered towards dog-owners. If you plan to bring a cat, follow the process of finding a pet-friendly listing using the demonstration above, then notify the host that you’ll be bringing a cat (include its age, breed and gender).
Remember, more people are allergic to cats than dogs.
*For the 5 things you should bring to an Airbnb stay, click here.
Conclusion
Hopefully you found this guide helpful.
Airbnb.com is a flexible marketplace for hosts and guests. By communicating clearly with hosts prior to and during your stay, you can ensure a better overall experience for you, your pet and your host. To learn more about Airbnb, explore our other guides below.
Enjoy your travels!
Learn More About Airbnb
Introduction To Airbnb
Understand Your Options
Airbnb vs. Hotels Comparison [Atmosphere, Price, Safety, Amenities]
Airbnb vs. VRBO, HomeAway, FlipKey, TurnKey, OVO [Comparison]
Get Started With Airbnb
Know Before You Go
Specific Types Of Bookings
How To Find An Airbnb With A Specific Feature [Or Unique Stay]
How To Find An Airbnb That Allows Pets [Airbnb’s Pet Policy]
How To Find An Airbnb With A Pool, Hot Tub Or Jacuzzi [Step-By-Step]
Can You Throw A Party In An Airbnb Rental? [Party Policy Explained]
Cancellations, Refunds And Changes
Airbnb’s Other Listing Categories
Airbnb’s Other Features
Help With Your Account
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