How do you feel about renting your vacation home to pets as well as people?
This can be a tricky situation for a lot of property owners. Most of us like animals. We might have pets of our own. But allowing pets in a rental property can mean extra cleaning, the potential for damage, and of course, liability issues.
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For vacation property owners, deciding whether to allow pets can be difficult. You’ll need a policy in place, and a plan for either explaining why no pets are allowed or for protecting your investment if you do decide pets are welcome.
With more people than ever traveling with their furry companions, offering a pet-friendly vacation rental can open your doors to a wider pool of guests and increase booking potential. But there are also plenty of challenges.
The decision around pets in your short-term rental property will depend on your goals, risk tolerance, and how much effort you’re willing to put into policies, cleaning, and guest management.
As expert vacation rental managers, we often recommend accepting pets on a case-by-case basis. Let’s take a look at what’s involved in pets and vacation rentals.
There is a Growing Demand for Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals
We’ve done a little digging around, and according to the American Pet Products Association, 66% of U.S. households own a pet. That’s a lot of pet owners. We can also tell you that a growing number of travelers prioritize accommodations where pets are welcome. More and more people are deciding to travel with their dogs and cats, and many pet owners consider their pets family members. They are willing to pay more for rentals that accommodate their animals. Hotels will sometimes welcome pets, but there’s always a fee and a lot less space and flexibility for the pet. It’s understandable that travelers with pets would be looking to rent a private residence instead of a hotel room.
Vacation platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo now include filters for “pet-friendly” properties, and entire booking sites such as BringFido focus exclusively on helping pet owners find suitable lodging. All of this data tells us that not allowing pets could mean alienating a large portion of the vacationing renter pool. There could be an opportunity cost if you do not allow pets.
The Pros of Allowing Pets in Your Vacation Rental
Why might it be a good idea to allow pets in your vacation rental? Here are some of the clear advantages.
- Larger Market of Potential Guests
By allowing pets, your rental becomes accessible to a broader segment of travelers. This can help increase occupancy during slower seasons and improve year-round revenue, especially in pet-friendly travel hotspots like Florida.
- Higher Nightly Rates and Fees
Pet-friendly properties often bring in higher rates. You can charge a pet fee (either per stay or per night) or request a refundable pet deposit. Many guests expect to pay extra to bring their pets, so this is a chance to increase your earnings without significantly impacting your overhead.
- Attracting Repeat Guests
Pet owners who find a rental that accommodates their needs and treats their pets well are more likely to return. If you offer amenities like fenced yards, food bowls, treats, dog and cat beds, or nearby dog-friendly attractions, you can build loyalty and generate positive reviews.
- Creating a Competitive Advantage
In areas where most vacation rentals are not pet-friendly, allowing pets sets you apart. You’ll stand out in searches and earn consideration from guests who otherwise would have passed your listing by.
The Cons of Allowing Pets in Your Vacation Rental
Allowing pets may be a good idea, but there are also potential downsides that vacation rental owners must manage proactively.
- Increased Wear and Tear
Even the best-behaved pets can cause damage. You might find scratched floors, chewed furniture, stained carpets, or fur-covered upholstery. You’ll need to invest more in durable furnishings, deep cleaning, and regular maintenance to keep your property in top condition.
- Allergies and Odors
Future guests may suffer from pet allergies or be sensitive to lingering smells. Without thorough cleaning, dander and odors can negatively impact the guest experience and lead to poor reviews.
- Noise Complaints or Disturbances
Dogs may bark or whine when left alone in a strange place. This can cause issues with neighbors or other guests (especially if your property is part of a condo or multi-unit building).
- Liability Concerns
There’s always a risk of a pet biting someone, damaging neighboring property, or getting injured on your premises. Without proper waivers, insurance, and guest agreements, you could be exposed to legal issues.
Best Practices for Hosting Pets Responsibly
If you decide to allow pets, setting clear boundaries with your guests and establishing procedures is the best way to protect your property and deliver a great guest experience. Here’s how to do it with minimal chaos.
1.Set Clear Pet Policies
Outline all pet rules in your listing and rental agreement. These might include:
- Type, size, or breed restrictions (no aggressive breeds or pets over 50 pounds)
- Maximum number of pets allowed
- Supervision requirements (no leaving pets alone for extended periods)
- Areas where pets are or are not allowed (no pets on beds)
- Waste disposal expectations
Transparency reduces confusion and gives you legal backing if a problem arises.
2.Charge a Pet Fee or Deposit
This can help offset additional cleaning or potential damage. Many hosts charge:
- A one-time cleaning fee of $25–$100
- A nightly pet fee (e.g., $15–$25 per night)
- A refundable deposit of $100–$300
Make sure this is clearly communicated in your listing and guest communication.
3.Upgrade to Pet-Friendly Furnishings
Use pet-resistant materials like leather, microfiber, or treated wood. Avoid shag rugs and delicate fabrics. Consider investing in:
- Slipcovers for couches
- Waterproof mattress and pillow protectors
- Hard flooring (like tile or laminate) instead of carpet
- Enclosed outdoor spaces
These upgrades make cleaning easier and extend the life of your furnishings.
4.Deep Clean Between Stays
Partner with a cleaning team experienced in pet-friendly properties. This includes:
- Vacuuming and mopping all floors
- Washing linens and covers
- Cleaning upholstery
- Deodorizing rooms
- Checking for fur or droppings
Cleanliness is especially important to reassure guests with allergies who stay after a pet-owning group.
5.Provide Pet Amenities
Little touches go a long way. Offer items like:
- Dog bowls and feeding mats
- Waste bags and a designated outdoor area
- Treats or toys
- Information on local pet-friendly parks, restaurants, or pet sitters
These extras show you care and help prevent messes or problems caused by unprepared guests.
6.Use a Pet Addendum in Your Rental Agreement
Include a legally binding pet agreement that guests must sign. This should specify:
- Guest responsibilities for pet behavior and damages
- Agreement to pay for repairs or excessive cleaning
- Liability waivers protecting you from injury or property loss claims
This adds a little bit of legal protection and encourages responsible pet tourism.
You Don’t Always Have to Say Yes to Pets
Allowing pets isn’t always the best choice. You may want to restrict or prohibit pets if your property is part of an HOA or building with pet restrictions. Things can get complicated pretty quickly. If you’re renting out a high-end, luxury home in a market where guests expect pristine conditions, pets can be a problem.
There’s also the matter of allergies. If you or your cleaning team are allergic or unequipped for extra disinfecting, you might not want to bother. When you’re renting out a vacation home with delicate furnishings or materials difficult to clean, pets should probably be a no.
You can also consider a “No Pets” policy while still allowing service animals, which are required by law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
A Middle-Ground Approach: Case-by-Case Approval
Pets are sometimes easy and sometimes complicated to host. You don’t have to be consistent about whether or not you allow them. Make decisions based on your communication with guests, and with a little bit of screening. If you’re unsure about going fully pet-friendly, consider reviewing pet requests on a case-by-case basis. Some property owners allow only small dogs or cats. They might allow only one pet per stay or welcome crate-trained animals only.
This gives you more control while still capturing the benefits of pet-friendly bookings.
The trick is to balance profitability with peace of mind. Allowing pets in your vacation rental can absolutely boost your bottom line as long as you’re prepared to handle the added responsibilities. With the right systems, pricing, and policies in place, it’s possible to create a space that’s welcoming to pets and comfortable for all your guests.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your preferences as a property owner, your market demand, and your property’s setup. Whatever you decide, communicate your pet policy clearly and enforce it consistently.
We’re always happy to bark a bit more about pets and whether they belong in your vacation rental. Contact us at Anchor Down Real Estate & Rentals.
