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.
| 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 1Step 1
Decide max number, max weight, and breed restrictions (if any).
- Step 2Step 2
Set a non-refundable pet fee that covers deep-clean + lint roller restock.
- Step 3Step 3
Require the guest to acknowledge the rules in writing before check-in.
- Step 4Step 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.
Drill deeper
- Austin
- Nashville
- Miami
- New York
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Chicago
- Seattle
- Denver
- Asheville
- Charleston
- San Diego
- New Orleans
- Portland
- Lake Tahoe
- Park City
- Aspen
- Joshua Tree
- Savannah
- Boston
- Portland
- Atlanta
- Phoenix
- Scottsdale
- Sedona
- Tucson
- San Diego
- San Jose
- Sacramento
- Palm Springs
- Lake Tahoe
- Big Sur
- Carmel
- Napa
- Sonoma
- Santa Barbara
- Mammoth Lakes
- Boise
- Coeur d'Alene
- Sun Valley
- Cabins
- Beach houses
- Condos
- Villas
- Tiny homes
- Lofts
- Treehouses
- A-frames
- Yurts
- Lakehouses
- Ski chalets
- Mansions
- Studio
- 1 bedroom
- 2 bedrooms
- 3 bedrooms
- 4 bedrooms
- 5 bedrooms
- 6 bedrooms
- 7+ bedrooms
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.
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Reviewed by StayFlow Editorial · Last updated 2026-06-08 · Cite as: StayFlow, “”.