As an Airbnb host, you’re always looking for ways to maximize your earnings and attract a wider range of guests. One strategy that often comes up is implementing a solid Airbnb pet fee strategy. But, if you really want to maximize your earning potential, a flat pet fee just won’t cut it.

Our per-pet, per-night Airbnb pet fee strategy can help you. As Airbnb hosts with a decade of experience and over 10,000 guests welcomed, we want to share our strategies for updating your Airbnb policies to be pet-friendly so you can attract more guests and boost your bottom line.

Our Guide to Implementing Airbnb Pet Fees:

• Why Have a Pet Fee Policy in the First Place?
  • 1. Covering Costs and Protecting Your Investment
  • 2. Setting Clear Expectations
• The Problem with Airbnb’s Pet Fee Feature
• How Do You Charge Airbnb Pet Fees?
• How to Charge Airbnb Pet Fees: Navigating the Airbnb System
  • Hot Tip: Wondering how to set your Airbnb pet fee? Look into local doggy daycares in your area. What are they charging? This is a great place to start when setting your fee.
• Going Beyond the Basics: Enhancing Your Pet-Friendly Appeal
  • 1. Providing Thoughtful Pet Amenities
  • 2. Sharing Local Pet-Friendly Gems
• FAQs About Implementing an Airbnb Pet Fee Strategy
  • Can I ask guests to pay a pet fee even if they booked my property before I implemented the fee?
  • What about service animals?
  • What happens if a guest sneaks a pet in without disclosing it?
• Don’t Leave Money on the Table, Earn More with Airbnb Pet Fees
  • Additional Pet-Friendly Airbnb Resources

Why Have a Pet Fee Policy in the First Place?

You might be wondering, “Why bother with a pet fee at all in my Airbnb?” There are two primary reasons: covering additional expenses and managing guest expectations.

1. Covering Costs and Protecting Your Investment

Let’s face it, pets are adorable, but they can be a bit unpredictable. Accidents happen, fur flies, and playful paws might not always stay off the furniture. A pet fee helps offset these potential costs:

• Deeper Cleaning: Pet hair often embeds itself into carpets, rugs, and upholstery, requiring more extensive cleaning than usual.
• Specialized Supplies: You might need pet-specific cleaning products to effectively remove stains and odors. Stocking basic supplies for your guests with pets, like pet bowls and waste bags, is also a good idea.
• Wear and Tear: Scratching, chewing, or accidents can take a toll on your furnishings, linens, and even walls. A reasonable pet fee can help cover the costs of the additional cleaning services you may need to book.

2. Setting Clear Expectations

A clear pet policy, including fees, accomplishes several important things:

• Attracts the Right Guests: It signals to pet owners that you welcome their furry family members and are prepared for their arrival.
• Filters Out Uninterested Guests: Guests without pets won’t feel like they’re subsidizing pet-related expenses.
• Reduces Disputes: Having a pre-determined pet fee in your Airbnb prevents any surprises or disagreements later. It’s much easier for guests to agree to a fee upfront rather than being charged additional fees after their stay.

The Problem with Airbnb’s Pet Fee Feature

Airbnb makes it easy to add a pet fee to your listing. Sounds great, right? The problem is this fee is a one-time charge, no matter how many pets a guest brings or how long they stay.

This means you could be leaving money on the table, especially for those guests looking for vacation rentals that accept pets. We have a strategy for you to make your pet owners and their furry friends feel welcomed while maximizing your revenue and earning five-star reviews!

How Do You Charge Airbnb Pet Fees?

What is your current pet fee structure? Instead of using Airbnb’s built-in static pet fee, consider a nightly rate per-pet charge, similar to what hotels do. This is a win-win for all involved; guests get to bring their furry companions, and you’re fairly compensated for the additional cleaning and wear and tear. Trust me, as both a host and pet owner, I happily pay this additional fee for the privilege of traveling with my dogs.

How to Charge Airbnb Pet Fees: Navigating the Airbnb System

1. Update your House Rules and Listing: You’ll want a section of your rules devoted to your Airbnb pet policy. Clearly state that you charge a per-pet, per-night fee for any pets included.
2. Communicate with Guests: Use automated messages to inquire about guests bringing pets. Use your digital guidebook to share any pet-related needs your guests may have or resources they may need, including local animal hospitals, dog parks, and the locations of waste bags and doggy stations.
3. Request Pet Fee Payment: On the day of arrival, use Airbnb’s Resolution Center to request the appropriate pet fee from the guest, based on the number of pets and length of stay. Thank them for being upfront about the additional pet fee and press send. This way, you won’t need to worry about refunds if they change their plans.

This strategy has been a game-changer for countless hosts in our mastermind community . By shifting to a per-pet, per-night structure, they’ve significantly boosted their earnings and occupancy rates, having more nights booked.

Hot tip: Wondering how to set your Airbnb pet fee? Look into local doggy daycares in your area. What are they charging? This is a great place to start when setting your fee.

Going Beyond the Basics: Enhancing the Pet-Friendly Appeal of Your Airbnb

Going above and beyond to create a genuinely welcoming environment can significantly enhance your listing’s attractiveness and justify your Airbnb pet fee. These small touches show your guests that you’re happy to host them and their furry companions.

Did you know that over 70% of pet owners travel with their pets? By making your Airbnb pet-friendly, you tap into this lucrative market, open yourself to more bookings, and have guests stay longer.

We use our partner, Breezeway, to make sure our properties are fully pet ready. When we know a pet is coming, we use our Breezeway checklist to make sure everything this guest and their furry companion have everything they they need. Instead of wondering “did we set out those water bowls?” we can confirm with Breezeway that everything is ready!

1. Providing Thoughtful Pet Amenities

Make your Airbnb a haven for pets by providing convenient amenities such as:

• Durable dog bowls and water dishes
• Designated pet towels or blankets
• Pet waste bags for easy cleanup during walks
• A welcome treat basket for furry guests
• Enclosed outdoor spaces like fences or dog runs

You can find all of these linked here in our Amazon store!

2. Sharing Local Pet-Friendly Gems

Offer valuable local recommendations to make pet travel easier:

• Nearby dog parks, walking trails, and pet-friendly beaches
• Reputable vets and emergency animal clinics
• Local pet supply stores for food and necessities
• Pet groomers and dog walkers for extended stays

FAQs about Developing an Airbnb Pet Fee Strategy

Can I ask guests to pay a pet fee even if they booked my property before I implemented the fee?

No, if a guest booked your property before you implemented a pet fee, you can’t retroactively apply it to their reservation. Changing the terms of a pre-existing booking without the guest’s agreement can lead to disputes. It’s crucial to honor the initial agreement.

What about service animals?

Don’t forget, service animals are not pets. So, you will not need to charge pet fees for service animals. Remember, these are medical services required by your guests. Be sure you’re aware if your guests are traveling with a service animal so you can welcome them, too!

What happens if a guest sneaks a pet in without disclosing it?

If a guest brings a pet without permission or tries to bypass the pet fee, address the situation immediately. Contact Airbnb’s support team. Having a clear and concise pet policy within your House Rules makes resolving these situations smoother. Consider including this in your rental inventory checklist as a reminder for yourself.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table – Earn More with Airbnb Pet Fees

Your Airbnb pet fee strategy doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Consider your unique situation, be transparent with your guests, and strive to create a genuinely welcoming space for four-legged companions.

TFV Trusted Airbnb Tool: Breezeway

We absolutely love using Breezeway in our Airbnb business—it’s been a game-changer for keeping everything running smoothly. We’re excited to share this fantastic tool with our audience and hope it helps you as much as it’s helped us! Click here to learn more.

Happy Hosting!

Want More Pet Friendly Airbnb Resources?

Check out our recent pet-related podcast episodes:

• Pet-Friendly Airbnb Listings: Welcoming Dogs to Your Short-Term Rental
• Tricks for Avoiding Pet Smells in Your Short-Term Rental

Download Our Pet-Friendly Checklist: Pet Friendly Airbnb Guide