Can I refuse service animals at my Airbnb?

No. ADA service animals (and Airbnb's own policy) override any 'no pets' rule. You can still refuse ESAs in some jurisdictions, but check local law.

How much should I charge for a pet fee?

$50–$150 per stay is the going rate. Cabins and beach houses can charge more; urban condos should stay at the low end to remain competitive.

Pet Policies for Short-Term Rentals

A pet policy defines whether pets are allowed, what fees apply, and what rules govern their behavior. Pet-friendly listings book roughly 17% more nights per year than pet-free comps in the same market. This is the StayFlow playbook used by thousands of short-term rental hosts in 2026.

What is pet policies for short-term rentals?

Key takeaways

Typical pet fee: $50 – $150 per stay
Refundable pet deposit: $100 – $300
Booking lift vs. pet-free: +17% nights
Saying 'no pets' but not enforcing — ESA/service-animal claims override your policy regardless.
Charging the pet fee at the door instead of as a resolution-center charge.

Benchmarks

Metric	Value
Typical pet fee	$50 – $150 per stay
Refundable pet deposit	$100 – $300
Booking lift vs. pet-free	+17% nights
Damage-claim rate	~4% of pet stays

Step-by-step playbook

Step 1
Step 1
Decide max number, max weight, and breed restrictions (if any).
Step 2
Step 2
Set a non-refundable pet fee that covers deep-clean + lint roller restock.
Step 3
Step 3
Require the guest to acknowledge the rules in writing before check-in.
Step 4
Step 4
Provide a starter kit: bowl, bed, waste bags — costs ~$15, drives 5-star reviews.

Common mistakes to avoid

Saying 'no pets' but not enforcing — ESA/service-animal claims override your policy regardless.
Charging the pet fee at the door instead of as a resolution-center charge.
Forgetting to list pet-friendly amenities (fenced yard, dog park nearby) in your listing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I refuse service animals at my Airbnb?: No. ADA service animals (and Airbnb's own policy) override any 'no pets' rule. You can still refuse ESAs in some jurisdictions, but check local law.
How much should I charge for a pet fee?: $50–$150 per stay is the going rate. Cabins and beach houses can charge more; urban condos should stay at the low end to remain competitive.