Traveling With Dogs: Airbnb Pet-Friendly Rentals

do airbnb rent out to people with dog

Airbnb has a range of pet-friendly vacation rentals, allowing guests to bring their dogs along. However, it is not mandatory for hosts to allow pets, and they can choose to implement a no-pets rule. Hosts who do allow pets can charge a pet fee to cover cleaning costs and potential damage. Service Animals, which are trained to assist people with disabilities, must be permitted by hosts, and no pet fee can be charged for them. Guests travelling with pets should consider the presence of other pets at the rental property and whether their pet will be comfortable. It is also important for guests to respect the host's rules regarding pets, such as any restrictions on leaving pets unattended or bringing them into certain areas of the property.

Characteristics Values
Airbnb listings allowing dogs Yes, some listings allow dogs, but it is up to the host.
Additional fees Some listings charge a pet fee, which covers cleaning costs.
Service Animals Service and Emotional Support Animals must be allowed to accompany their owners, and no pet fee can be charged.
House rules Rules regarding pets should be clearly stated in the listing, including the number of pets allowed, types of pets, whether they can be left unattended, etc.
Damage protection Airbnb offers Host Damage Protection to cover certain damages caused by guests' pets, but deposits or reimbursements for pet damage are not included in the Airbnb Guarantee.
Guest considerations Guests should be mindful of potential pet allergies and inform hosts if their pet may cause disruptions (e.g., barking).

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Airbnb listings with dogs

Airbnb offers a variety of pet-friendly listings across the United States, including Los Angeles, California, and Oregon. These listings range from beach houses and historic manors to cabins and tiny houses, many of which offer fenced yards, free treats, and other pet-friendly amenities.

When searching for Airbnb listings that allow dogs, it is important to read the house rules carefully. These rules may include the number of pets allowed, any size, weight, or breed restrictions, whether pets can be left unattended, and any additional pet fees or deposits required. It is also a good idea to search for keywords like "pet" or "dog" in the reviews to learn about the experiences of previous guests with pets.

Some Airbnb listings may also accommodate service animals and emotional support animals, which are not considered pets and cannot be subject to the same restrictions or fees. Service animals are generally dogs that are individually trained to perform tasks for a person with disabilities, while emotional support animals provide assistance to help manage the symptoms of a disability and do not require specialized training.

To make your Airbnb listing dog-friendly, you can take several steps. First, update your house rules to specify the number and type of pets you allow, whether they can be left unattended, and any areas of the property that are off-limits to pets. You can also include recommendations for local dog parks, veterinarians, and pet supply stores in your guidebook. Additionally, consider adding a pet fee to cover the expected costs of cleaning and vacuuming after guests with pets.

By following these guidelines, both guests with pets and Airbnb hosts can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all.

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Pet fees and protection for damage

Airbnb allows hosts to set a pet fee to cover the expected costs of cleaning after hosting guests with pets. This includes tasks such as vacuuming fur off furniture and wiping nose or paw prints off surfaces. Hosts can choose to add a pet fee to their nightly price, which is spread equally over the course of the guest's stay. The fee is shown as part of the nightly rate and in the total price at checkout. It is important to note that pet fees should only be used to cover the costs of expected cleaning and not for unexpected damages.

Hosts can decide how many pets they allow per stay, from one to five, and can specify this in their house rules. In addition to pet fees, hosts can also set a security deposit as a way to protect themselves from unexpected damages caused by pets or guests. This provides an added layer of protection and can make the reimbursement process smoother compared to making an insurance claim or filing a claim through AirCover.

AirCover for Hosts provides damage protection for unexpected costs caused by pets, such as scratched upholstery or stains. Hosts can document any damage with photos and request reimbursement through the Airbnb Resolution Center. The amount of protection offered by AirCover varies, with some sources mentioning $1 million USD and others $3 million USD in damage protection. It's important to note that AirCover also applies to service animals, and hosts cannot charge a pet fee for service animals or emotional support animals.

In Washington state, Airbnb's contractual obligations under Host Damage Protection are covered by an insurance policy purchased by Airbnb. Host Damage Protection reimburses hosts for certain damages caused by guests to the home and belongings if the guest does not pay for those damages. However, Host Damage Protection is not an insurance policy and is subject to specific terms, conditions, and limitations. It does not apply in all locations, such as Japan and Australia, where separate insurance policies apply.

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Service and support animals

Airbnb's community is built on the principles of inclusion, belonging, and respect, which includes supporting people with disabilities. Here are some key points regarding service and support animals:

Service Animals:

Service animals are not considered pets. They are generally dogs that are individually trained to perform tasks for a person with disabilities. Guests with service animals are allowed during home, service, or experience reservations, regardless of any "no pets" rules. Hosts cannot refuse a reservation, charge additional fees, or treat the guest differently. However, service animals cannot be left unattended in the listing without prior approval. Hosts may only ask: "Do you require your animal because of a disability?" and request a description of the tasks or work the animal has been trained to perform.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs):

ESAs provide emotional support or assistance to individuals with disabilities without necessarily being trained to perform specific tasks. Hosts can decline or charge pet fees for ESAs, but they cannot decline solely due to the presence of an ESA. ESAs must be under the guest's control and cannot be left unattended on the property without approval.

It is important to note that guests are not required to disclose the presence of a service animal before booking, but they may choose to do so to avoid confusion. Hosts should be mindful of applicable laws and regulations in their area, as Airbnb requires users to understand and comply with these independently.

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House rules for pets

When it comes to hosting guests with pets, it's important to set clear house rules to ensure everyone's comfort and safety. Here are some detailed guidelines you can include in your "House Rules" section to effectively manage pet stays:

Number and Type of Pets

Specify the number of pets you allow per stay, which can range from one to five. If you have a preference for certain types of pets, such as only accepting dogs and no cats, be sure to mention that as well. You can also decide whether you want to limit the size of the pet, but keep in mind that guests may not always adhere to this restriction.

Unattended Pets

Clearly state whether pets can be left unattended in your space. Some hosts prefer that pets are not left alone at any time, while others may be comfortable with the pet being crated or confined to a specific area.

Restricted Areas

Inform guests about any areas on the property where pets are not allowed, such as certain rooms or furniture. This can help set expectations and prevent potential damage.

Leash Requirements

Indicate when and where pets need to be on a leash. For example, you may require leashes when the pet is outside the guest room or in common areas.

Waste Disposal

Provide clear instructions on where guests should properly dispose of their pet's waste. You can also request that guests pick up after their pets and provide necessary tools like pooper scoopers or poo bags.

Pet Fees and Damage Protection

Implementing a pet fee is a common practice to cover the costs of cleaning and potential damage. You can add this fee to your nightly price, and it will be included in the guest's total price at checkout. Additionally, familiarize yourself with Airbnb's Host Damage Protection, which offers reimbursement for certain damages caused by guests' pets if the guest does not pay for them.

Service and Emotional Support Animals

It's important to understand the difference between pets, service animals, and emotional support animals. Service animals are generally dogs trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities, while emotional support animals provide assistance for managing the symptoms of a disability. Even if you have a no-pets rule, you must allow service animals to accompany their owners, and you cannot charge a pet fee for service or emotional support animals.

Recommendations and Amenities

Update your guidebook to include recommendations for local dog parks, veterinarians, and pet supply stores. You can also suggest pet-sitting services and kennels. Providing some basic pet amenities, such as food and water bowls, can make the stay more comfortable for both the guests and their furry companions.

Remember to keep your rules clear and concise, and don't forget to highlight the positive aspects of your pet-friendly space!

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Other pet-friendly accommodation options

There are several pet-friendly accommodation options available other than Airbnb, including hotels, motels, and vacation rentals. Many hotels and motels across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean welcome pets, especially dogs, with open paws. Here is a list of some popular pet-friendly accommodation providers:

  • Motel 6: All Motel 6 locations are pet-friendly, and the best part? There is no additional pet fee or weight limit. They allow up to two pets per room.
  • Best Western: With over 1,600 properties across North America and the Caribbean, Best Western is a great option for travelling with your furry friend. They allow up to two dogs, with a maximum weight of 80 pounds each, and some properties charge a daily or weekly pet fee.
  • Choice Hotels: This hotel chain boasts over 2,500 pet-friendly locations, including Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Sleep Inn, and Quality Inn. They are known for their dog-friendly accommodations in some of the most dog-friendly cities across the United States.
  • DoubleTree by Hilton: More than 120 DoubleTree properties welcome dogs, with a maximum non-refundable fee of $75 per room.
  • Marriott: Marriott offers an extensive network of over 1,500 dog-friendly locations across various hotel brands, such as Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels, Delta Hotels, and Courtyard. Each hotel has its own policies regarding pet fees, weight, and breed restrictions, so be sure to check before booking.
  • The Ritz-Carlton: Many Ritz-Carlton properties cater to canine companions, offering dog-friendly accommodations with varying size requirements, fees, and amenities.
  • Staypineapple: All Staypineapple hotels roll out the red carpet for dogs, with no height or weight restrictions. They charge a nominal nightly fee of $25 and provide amenities like a treat tin, water bowl, and a dog bed.
  • Extended Stay America: Dogs of all sizes are welcome at Extended Stay America, with some restrictions and additional fees for larger dogs. They allow up to two pets per suite, with a daily cleaning fee for the first month.
  • Four Seasons: Many Four Seasons hotels offer luxurious accommodations for dogs at no extra charge. For example, Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills provides amenities like pet treats, Evian water-filled bowls, and plush pet beds.
  • Kimpton Hotels: With a shining reputation for its pet-friendly policy, Kimpton welcomes "any pet that can fit through the door" without any fees. They have hosted a range of pets, from dogs and cats to owls, llamas, and even penguins!

When booking pet-friendly accommodations, it is always a good idea to call ahead or check the individual property's policies to ensure they can accommodate your furry companion. Additionally, be prepared for any additional cleaning fees or pet fees that may apply, as these vary by location and are meant to cover the expected costs of hosting pets.

Frequently asked questions

Airbnb hosts are given the freedom to decide whether to allow dogs or not. Some listings are advertised as dog-friendly, while others specify no pets allowed.

When searching for a place to stay on Airbnb, you can filter your search to only show 'pet-friendly' listings.

It's important to read the listing carefully and understand any rules the host has regarding pets. This includes the number of pets allowed, whether pets are permitted to be left unattended, and any additional fees.

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