Airbnb Pet Policy: How to Write One That Works

By StayScan Editorial Team · Published 2026-10-21 · Last updated 2026-11-05

Airbnb pet policy template: rules, fees, service animals, surprise pets, and how to communicate pet rules via digital guidebook. Free template included.

A well-written pet policy protects your property, sets clear expectations, and saves you from awkward conversations at check-in. Whether you welcome pets or prohibit them, the policy needs to be specific, visible, and enforceable. This guide covers what to include, how to handle service animals, and how to communicate the rules so guests actually follow them.

The Five Elements of a Pet Policy

1. Which Pets Are Allowed (or Not)

Be specific. "No pets" is clear but may cost you bookings — 61% of US travelers travel with pets. If you allow pets, specify:

• Maximum number of pets per stay (typically 1-2).
• Maximum weight (commonly 50-80 lbs, though many hosts have no weight limit).
• Allowed types (dogs only? cats? other?).
• Breed restrictions if required by your insurance.

2. Pet Fees

Charge a pet fee, not a pet deposit. Fees are non-refundable and avoid checkout disputes. Common structures:

• Flat fee per stay: $50-$150 per pet.
• Nightly fee: $10-$25 per pet per night.

On Airbnb, use the "Extra guest fee" or a custom house rule to collect pet fees. On VRBO, use the "Pet fee" field. On Booking.com, include it in your pricing rules.

3. Prohibited Areas

Specify where pets are not allowed:

• On furniture (or require furniture covers).
• In bedrooms (or specify which bedrooms are pet-friendly).
• In the pool or hot tub.
• On upper floors or specific rooms with light-colored carpet.

4. Damage Responsibility

State clearly: "Guests are responsible for all pet-related damage, including staining, scratching, and odor remediation. A professional cleaning fee of $150-$500 will be charged for pet damage not covered by the pet fee."

5. Service Animal Distinction

Service animals are not pets. Under the ADA, you must accommodate service dogs regardless of your pet policy. You may ask two questions: (1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? You may not ask for documentation or charge a pet fee for a service animal.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not covered by the ADA but may be covered by Fair Housing laws in some jurisdictions. Check your local regulations.

Handling Surprise Pets

Some guests arrive with a pet despite a no-pet policy, or bring a second pet when only one was approved. Your policy should state the consequence:

• "Undeclared pets will result in a $250 cleaning fee and potential booking cancellation."
• "If a pet is found on the property without prior approval, a deep cleaning fee of $300 will be charged."

Be firm but professional. Most guests who bring unauthorized pets do so because they assumed it would be fine — a clear policy in your guidebook prevents this.

Pet Policy Template (Copy and Paste)

Pet Policy — [Property Name]

Allowed: [Dogs only / Dogs and cats / No pets]
Pet fee: $[amount] per [stay/night], maximum [number] pets
Weight limit: [None / Up to X lbs]

Rules:
- Pets are not allowed on furniture or beds
- Pets are not allowed in the pool/hot tub
- Pets must be supervised at all times
- Please clean up after your pet in the yard
- Do not leave pets unattended in the property

Damage: Guests are responsible for all pet-related damage.
Professional cleaning fee for pet damage: $150-$500.

Service animals: Welcome at no charge. Please notify us in advance.

Where to Put Your Pet Policy

1. Listing description — mention it in the first 3 lines so guests see it before booking.
2. House rules section on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com.
3. Digital guidebook — include it in a "House Rules" section accessible via QR code. StayScan lets you add this in seconds, and it auto-translates into 30+ languages so international guests understand the rules before arrival.
4. Pre-arrival message — if you have a no-pet policy, remind guests: "Just a friendly reminder that this is a pet-free property."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I charge a pet fee on Airbnb?

Airbnb does not have a built-in pet fee field. You can collect it through the resolution center after booking, include it in your cleaning fee, or mention it in your house rules and collect it directly. VRBO and Booking.com have dedicated pet fee fields.

Do I have to allow service animals if my listing is pet-free?

Yes. Under the ADA, service dogs must be accommodated regardless of a no-pet policy. You cannot charge a pet fee for a service animal. You may ask if the dog is a service animal and what task it performs, but you cannot request documentation.

What if a pet damages my property?

Document the damage with photos, file a claim through the platform's resolution center (Airbnb AirCover, VRBO Book with Confidence), and charge the professional cleaning fee stated in your policy. Your short-term rental insurance may also cover pet damage — check your policy.

Should I allow pets if I have nice furniture?

It depends on your risk tolerance. Pet-friendly listings earn 20-30% more on average. If you allow pets, require furniture covers, restrict pets from bedrooms, and charge a pet fee that covers a professional deep clean between stays.

StayScan is a digital guidebook for Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com and Agoda hosts: one QR code gives guests Wi-Fi, check-in steps, house rules and local tips in 30+ languages. Create your guidebook with a 30-day free trial, no credit card required.