Pet Fee
Pet fee is an additional charge that short-term rental hosts apply when guests bring pets to the property. This one-time or per-night fee covers the extra cleaning, potential wear and tear, and allergen removal required after pet stays, and is typically set as a flat amount ranging from $25 to $100 or more per reservation.
Key Takeaways
- Pet fees typically range from $25 to $100+ per stay, though some hosts charge per pet per night
- Allowing pets expands your guest pool -- a significant percentage of travelers search for pet-friendly listings
- Service animals are legally exempt from pet fees in the United States and many other jurisdictions
- The fee is added to the booking subtotal, so host and guest service fees apply to it
- Clear pet policies and house rules are essential to protect your property alongside the fee
How Pet Fees Work on Airbnb
Airbnb allows hosts to designate their listing as pet-friendly and charge an associated pet fee. The fee is configured in your listing settings and is added to the booking total when a guest indicates they are bringing a pet.
Example Booking with Pet Fee:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Nightly rate (3 x $180) | $540 |
| Cleaning fee | $100 |
| Pet fee | $75 |
| Booking subtotal | $715 |
| Guest service fee (~15%) | +$107 |
| Total guest pays (before tax) | $822 |
Why Pet Fees Matter for Airbnb Hosts
Welcoming pets is a strategic decision that affects both your revenue and operations:
- Expanded market reach: Many travelers with pets struggle to find accommodations. Pet-friendly listings often enjoy higher occupancy rates because they face less competition.
- Additional revenue stream: Pet fees add incremental income to each qualifying booking without affecting your base ADR.
- Cost coverage: Pets create real additional costs -- deeper cleaning for hair and allergens, potential scratches to floors or furniture, and additional yard maintenance. The fee should cover these expenses.
- Property protection: Combined with a security deposit or damage protection, pet fees help offset the financial risk of pet-related damage.
Pet Fee Structures
| Structure | Example | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat per-stay fee | $75 per stay | Simple, predictable | May undercharge for long stays |
| Per-night fee | $20/night per pet | Scales with stay length | Adds up fast, may deter bookings |
| Per-pet fee | $50 per pet per stay | Fair for multiple pets | Harder to verify guest compliance |
| Tiered by size | $50 small / $100 large | Reflects actual impact | More complex to manage |
Tips for Setting Pet Fees and Policies
- Research local market rates -- check what other pet-friendly listings in your area charge to stay competitive
- Set clear house rules -- specify pet size limits, number of pets allowed, restricted areas, and noise expectations
- Invest in pet-friendly features -- hard floors, washable covers, a fenced yard, and pet bowls can justify premium pet fees
- Increase your cleaning budget for pet stays -- deep vacuuming, lint removal, and allergen treatment take extra time and supplies
- Know the law on service animals -- you cannot charge a pet fee or deny service animals regardless of your pet policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Airbnb allows hosts to charge a pet fee for guests who bring animals. You can set this as a per-stay fee in your listing settings. Note that service animals are exempt from pet fees under most disability accommodation laws, including the ADA in the United States.
Most short-term rental hosts charge between $25 and $100 per stay as a pet fee, though some charge per pet per night. The amount should reflect the additional cleaning required, potential wear and tear, and the market rate in your area. Higher-end properties and longer stays typically command higher pet fees.
Allowing pets can significantly expand your potential guest pool, as many travelers search specifically for pet-friendly accommodations. However, you should weigh the benefits against potential damage, additional cleaning needs, and neighbor concerns. A reasonable pet fee and clear house rules help mitigate the risks.