Pros and Cons of Pets in Your Short-Term Rental
🡐 Back to Resources | August, 2025 | Written by Kurt Russell
For many travelers, pets are part of the family. That’s why searches for pet-friendly Airbnbs have surged in recent years. Allowing pets can open your property to a broader market, boost bookings, and even justify higher nightly rates. But it also comes with unique risks, from cleaning challenges to potential damage.
Deciding whether to allow pets in your short-term rental (STR) requires balancing guest demand with property protection. This guide explores the key pros and cons — and how to set policies that maximize benefits while minimizing headaches.
The Pros of Allowing Pets
1) Expanded Guest Market
More than 65% of U.S. households own pets. By allowing them, you immediately open your property to a wider audience. Many guests specifically filter for pet-friendly listings on Airbnb and Vrbo.
Want to capture even more demand? Learn how to boost your Airbnb listing with SEO and amenities.
2) Higher Occupancy and Rates
Pet-friendly rentals often command premium pricing. Guests are willing to pay more per night or accept higher cleaning fees for the convenience of traveling with pets.
See how pricing strategies work in our Airbnb smart pricing guide.
3) Stronger Guest Loyalty
Pet owners who find a welcoming rental are more likely to return. Positive reviews highlighting your pet-friendly approach also improve visibility and bookings.
The Cons of Allowing Pets
1) Property Damage Risks
Pets can cause wear and tear beyond normal guest use. Common issues include scratched floors, stained carpets, or chewed furniture.
For tips on protecting value, read our guide to a preventative maintenance plan.
2) Cleaning Challenges
Pet hair, odors, and dander require deeper cleanings, which increases turnover costs and may require specialized cleaning crews.
Explore our guide on building a reliable cleaning and maintenance team.
3) Allergies and Guest Complaints
Not all guests are comfortable with pets. Allergies or sensitivities can lead to complaints or lower reviews if traces of pets are noticeable.
Balancing guest needs is part of creating a stellar guest experience.
4) Liability Concerns
While rare, pet-related incidents (like bites) can create liability risks. Proper insurance is critical.
See our guide on navigating insurance for short-term rentals.
How to Set Smart Pet Policies
If you decide to welcome pets, clear policies help protect your property and reputation. Consider:
Charging a pet fee or refundable deposit
Setting size or breed limits
Providing pet-friendly amenities (beds, bowls, waste bags)
Outlining guest responsibilities in your house rules
Transparency is key. Guests appreciate knowing what’s allowed upfront, and clear policies prevent surprises later.
The Clear Stay Advantage
At Clear Stay Properties, we help hosts make smart decisions about pet policies. We:
Analyze local demand for pet-friendly rentals
Recommend protective upgrades and furniture choices
Coordinate with cleaning teams trained for pet stays
Ensure policies align with insurance coverage
Our goal is to maximize occupancy while safeguarding your property.
Allowing pets in your short-term rental can increase bookings, rates, and guest loyalty — but it also introduces risks that must be managed. By weighing the pros and cons and implementing smart policies, you can tap into this high-demand segment without sacrificing property protection.
Interested in turning your property into a five star short-term rental?
Managing a short-term rental doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Fill out the form below to book your free consultation with Clear Stay Properties — we’ll handle the hard stuff so you can focus on what matters.
