How to Successfully Host on Airbnb When You Have Pets
Are you thinking about listing your spare room on Airbnb but concerned about how your pets might affect the experience? Many pet owners hesitate to pursue hosting because they worry their furry friends could complicate things. Here's the good news: plenty of Airbnb hosts successfully manage listings with pets in the home.
In this post, we’ll explore:
How to comply with Airbnb’s pet policies.
What to communicate to guests about your pets.
Practical tips to protect your pets while hosting.
Airbnb’s Pet Policies
As of now, Airbnb doesn’t restrict hosting with pets, except for “potentially dangerous animals.” According to their guidelines:
“Hosts must not keep dangerous animals in a listing without properly securing the animal in a safe and secure accommodation.”
They define a "potentially dangerous animal" as one capable of causing serious harm due to aggression, strength, or toxicity. However, Airbnb does not prohibit hosting with such animals, provided they are securely contained.
For the vast majority of pets, hosting is completely allowed.
Communicating About Pets in Your Listing
Transparency is key when hosting with pets. Travelers need to know about your pets so they can make an informed booking decision. Here are two ways to ensure your guests are aware:
1. Include Photos of Your Pets
Show off your furry friends with a few well-chosen photos in your listing. Guests who love animals might be even more excited to book your space!
2. Highlight Pets in Your Listing Description
Describe your pets positively in your listing. Instead of saying, "I have a dog," say, "I have a sweet and playful dog who may greet you during your stay." For a shy pet, you might note, “I have a sweet, skittish cat who keeps to herself.”
If your pets have access to common spaces, mention it. For example:
“My cats roam the common areas but will not enter your room. If you’re allergic, you may want to avoid these shared spaces.”
If your pet stays exclusively in your private quarters (like a lizard in your bedroom), it’s not necessary to include this information in the listing.
Protecting Your Pets While Hosting
Hosting comes with the added responsibility of ensuring your pets remain safe. Here are some strategies to protect your beloved animals while renting your space:
1. Inform Guests About Escape Risks
Include a clear note in your welcome message reminding guests to prevent pet escapes. For instance:
“Please ensure the door is fully closed when entering or leaving. My cats are indoor-only and love to sneak out!”
2. Equip Pets with Collars and Tags
Make sure your pets have secure collars with your contact information. Attaching an AirTag or similar tracking device can provide peace of mind in case they wander off.
3. Create Barriers to the Outdoors
If possible, set up a barrier between your pets and the front door. For example, a secondary door or gate can minimize the risk of accidental escapes.
Most guests will either be super kind to your pets or avoid them altogether. I had some guests book my space specifically because they were excited to meet my pets. Hilariously, my cats have been mentioned by name in countless 5-star reviews, and many guests said they enjoyed their company.
Final Thoughts
Listing your spare room on Airbnb doesn’t have to come at the expense of your pets’ safety or comfort. By setting clear expectations with guests and taking a few extra precautions, you can successfully manage your listing while keeping your pets safe and happy.
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