Airbnb Pet Policy: Tips Before Booking With Your Pet

Are you dreaming of a getaway but can’t bear the thought of leaving your furry friend behind? Bringing your pet along on your travels can be a rewarding experience.

Thanks to Airbnb, finding pet-friendly accommodations is easier than ever. Before you hit that “book now” button, it’s essential to review the Airbnb Pet Policy.

Does Airbnb Allow Pets?

Yes, Airbnb does allow hosting pets, but the decision is up to each individual host. When searching for accommodations, check the details to see if the host welcomes pets. Some hosts may have rules, such as how many pets you can bring or breed restrictions, so it’s important to read carefully.

To ensure a smooth stay, always contact the host. Inform them about your pets and ask about any additional fees or requirements. Clear communication is key to understanding the policies and avoiding any surprises during your stay.

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

ESAs and service animals (SAs) have different rights and protections. You need to understand the distinction, especially in the context of Airbnb. Here’s a comparison of both:

Service Animals

A service animal is individually trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. These tasks include guiding the visually impaired or alerting the deaf. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are generally allowed in all public spaces, including housing, without an extra pet fee.

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals provide comfort and support through their presence. ESAs are not trained for specific tasks. The ESAs do not have the same broad public access rights as service animals. They come under the protection of the Federal Housing Act (FHA).

This law requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for ESAs in housing. Even short-term rentals like Airbnb come under this law.

How to Avoid Housing Pet Fees?

Key Differences:

1. Purpose and Function: Service animals assist individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks. Emotional support animals provide comfort and emotional support through companionship.
2. Training: Service animals receive extensive and specialized training to perform tasks. Emotional support animals do not undergo specialized training. They offer therapeutic benefits through companionship.
3. Legal Protections: Service animals enjoy protections under the ADA and the FHA, granting them access to public places. Emotional support animals have protections under the FHA for housing accommodations.
4. Public Access: Service animals can go with their handlers to all public places where the general public goes. Emotional support animals do not have the right to access public places that are not pet-friendly places.

Take Note: Since Airbnb properties are private, hosts may have their own policies. It’s important to communicate your needs and provide any necessary documentation before booking. 

Airbnb Pet Rules

It’s important to understand the specific house rules set by each Airbnb host on hosting four legged guests. These rules can vary, so always read the listing. Hosts may have policies about how many pets, breed restrictions, or areas off-limits to pets.

Additionally, prepare yourself for potential extra charges. Some hosts may need an extra cleaning fee or a deposit to cover any possible damages. It’s also important to respect the property by bringing your pet’s essentials to keep the space clean and cut any impact on the property.

Then, always clean up after your pet. Dispose of pet waste and ensure that your pet doesn’t cause damage to the property. Adhering to these rules not only shows respect for the host’s property but also makes it likely that they will continue allowing pets in the future.

TLDR: Understand and follow the host’s house rules regarding pets. Be aware of the extra pet fee, and always clean up after your pet.

Airbnb Pet Policy Violations

Violating the house rules set by your Airbnb host on pets can lead to several issues. Here are some common pet policy violations and their implications:

1. Not Cleaning Up Pet Waste: Failing to properly dispose of pet waste can result in extra cleaning fees and damage charges. Always ensure you clean up after your pet, whether it’s in the yard or within the property.
2. Leaving a Pet Unattended: Many hosts have strict rules against leaving pets unattended. Pets left alone can cause damage, disturb neighbors, or experience anxiety. It can lead to complaints and potential penalties.
3. Ignoring Pet Allergies: If the host or future guests have pet allergies, it’s important to respect this. You need to keep pets out of certain areas or not bring them if the listing specifies no pets. Ignoring this can lead to health issues for others.
4. Not Using a Pet Bed or Litter Box: Providing a pet bed and a litter box helps keep the property clean. Failing to do so can damage furniture and flooring, resulting in extra costs.
5. Exceeding Pet Limits: Some listings specify a limit on the number of pets allowed. Bringing more pets than permitted can result in immediate cancellation of your reservation.

Airbnb’s Pet Fees

When booking an Airbnb stay with your pet, understand the pet fee involved. While service animals stay for free, owners can request reimbursement for any damages through AirCover or Airbnb Resolution Center. Regular pets might incur extra fees set by most hosts.

These pet fees vary, but they are often charged a nightly rate per pet. The fee sometimes includes a refundable security deposit. Hosts can establish their own pet policies, including limits on the number and type of pets allowed. Some hosts might set weight limits or restrict certain breeds.

The pet fees themselves can range from as low as $20 per night to as high as $700 in extra cleaning fees for special cases. Always review the listing details and communicate with your host before booking.

Bring Your Dog With You. Always.

Did you know that Service Dogs have many benefits on Hotels Pet Fees, and overall traveling over normal pets? With a PSD Letter, you may bring your dog anywhere you go for free. Read our full article to know more. All About PSD Letters

Avoid Airbnb Pet Fees: Tips to Keep in Mind

Do you want to avoid unexpected costs when traveling with your pet? Here are some practical tips to help you reduce or cut Airbnb pet fees.

1. Qualify for Assistance Animal Exemptions: If your pet is a service animal, it can stay for free as they are not subject to pet fees. Service animals have legal protections that need hosts to accommodate them without extra charges. Make sure to have the proper documentation to show your host.
2. Contact Your Airbnb Host: Before booking, reach out to the host to discuss their pet policy. Hosts might be willing to waive the pet fee if you can assure them that your pet is well-behaved and clean.
3. Choose Pet-Friendly Listings: Use Airbnb’s filters to find listings that state they are pet-friendly. By selecting these properties, you can avoid surprises on pet fees.
4. Keep the Place Clean: Bringing your own pet bed, litter box, and cleaning supplies can help. If you don’t have them, you can get these from pet supply stores. This can sometimes lead to hosts being lenient with their total price on pet fees.

How to Find a Pet-Friendly Airbnb

Finding an Airbnb that guest’s pet is easier than you might think. Start by using the filters on Airbnb’s website or app. This will help narrow down your options and save you time. Read the listing details to understand the house rules for pets and ensure it is a pet-friendly listing.

Once you’ve identified potential places, contact the hosts and ask questions about their pet policy. This includes whether there are any extra fees, restrictions on the number or type of pets, and special requirements. Clear communication can help avoid any misunderstandings.

Also, take the time to read reviews from previous guests who traveled with pets. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into how pet-friendly the property is. This research can help you make an informed decision to find the perfect place for your stay.

What to Know Before Booking an Airbnb for You and Your Pet

Before booking an Airbnb with your pet, consider a few key factors.

First, ensure that the property is pet-friendly and that the host is aware of your plans to bring a pet. Confirm all details about pet fees, as these can vary, and check if there are any breed or size restrictions.

After that, you need to consider the property’s practicalities. Search answers for:

• Does it have a secure yard or nearby parks for walks?
• Is the area safe and suitable for pets?

Bringing along essentials like a pet bed, litter box, and cleaning supplies can help keep the space tidy and comfortable for your pet. This shows respect for the host’s property. It can also help maintain a positive experience for future pet-owning guests.

Also, be mindful of the host’s house rules. Some hosts may request that you do not leave pets unattended or stay on furniture. Adhering to these rules will help ensure a smooth stay and avoid any potential extra charges.

Prepping the ESA or Psychiatric Service Dog (PSDs)

Traveling with an ESA or a Service Dog requires preparation to ensure a comfortable stay for both of you.

1. Familiarize Your ESA or PSD with Pet Carrier: Make sure your furry friend is well-acquainted with their carrier. This can serve as a safe space during transit and in the new environment.
2. Pack the Essentials: Pack all the essentials, including your pet’s favorite toys, blankets, and treats. Consider bringing a portable litter box or pet bed. Additionally, plan for frequent breaks during travel to let your pet stretch and relieve itself.
3. Keep Your ESA or PSD Calm: To keep your ESA calm, especially during travel, maintain a relaxed demeanor and provide plenty of reassurance. Familiar scents, such as their bed or a piece of your clothing, can help soothe anxiety.

Assistance Animals in Airbnbs

Assistance animals have specific rights when staying on Airbnb. Service animals can stay without extra charges. Airbnb hosts need to accommodate service animals, and they cannot impose extra fees or restrictions.

Emotional support animals (ESAs) are different than service animals and do not have the same level of access as them. Under the Fair Housing Act, Airbnb hosts need to make reasonable accommodations for ESAs and PSDs. It’s always best to communicate with the host beforehand and provide any necessary documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Airbnb Pet Policy

Can I Bring Pets to Airbnb?

Yes. You can bring pets to an Airbnb, but it depends on the host’s policies. Each listing has its own rules on pets, which are in the house rules section of the listing description.

Can You Use Airbnb if You Have Pets?

Yes. You can use Airbnb even if you have pets. Many hosts welcome pets, but searching for pet-friendly listings is essential. 

Does Airbnb Charge More for Pets?

Airbnb itself does not charge extra for pets, but individual hosts may set their own pet fees. These fees are often used to cover extra cleaning or potential damage caused by pets. The amount can vary, so always check the listing for any extra charges related to bringing a pet.

Is It Worth It to Allow Pets in Airbnb?

Allowing pets in your Airbnb can be beneficial. It can help attract a larger pool of guests and increase booking rates. However, it also has potential downsides, such as extra cleaning and property damage.

Conclusion About Airbnb Pet Policy

Traveling with your pet on Airbnb can be rewarding, but it’s crucial to understand the policies. Check listing details and communicate with hosts about pet rules, fees, and restrictions. Service animals have specific legal protections under the ADA and FHA.

These laws allow them in most places without extra fees. Emotional support animals come under the protection of FHA for housing, but not for public access. Before booking, confirm any extra fees or breed restrictions with the host. Prepare your pet for travel.

Respect the host’s property by packing extra cleaning supplies and maintaining cleanliness. Clear communication with the host ensures a hassle-free stay. Following these guidelines will help you and your pet enjoy a pleasant and memorable Airbnb experience.