Hosting guests with animals requires clear rules, accurate listings, and an understanding of how Airbnb treats pets, service animals, and emotional support animals. Airbnb publishes specific guidance on these topics because mistakes often lead to disputes, improper fees, or policy violations.
This guide explains what matters most when managing pets and service animals on Airbnb. It focuses on fees, listing setup, damage protection, and accommodation requirements, based entirely on Airbnb published guidance. For hosts focused on consistent airbnb management, these details shape daily operations.
How Airbnb Defines Pets, Service Animals, and Emotional Support Animals
Airbnb separates animals into distinct categories, and each category carries different rules for hosts.
Pets are animals that travel with guests for companionship. Hosts may choose whether to allow pets in their listings. If pets are allowed, hosts may add a pet fee to cover expected cleaning.
Service Animals are not pets. A Service Animal is generally a dog that is individually trained to perform work or tasks for a person with disabilities. Because of this role, Service Animals receive different treatment under Airbnb rules.
Emotional Support Animals provide emotional support to help manage the effects of a disability. Unlike Service Animals, they do not need task-specific training. Airbnb applies different rules to Emotional Support Animals depending on applicable local law.
Understanding these distinctions is a core requirement of accurate Airbnb management.
When Hosts Can and Cannot Charge Pet Fees
Airbnb allows hosts to add a pet fee only when they choose to allow pets. The purpose of a pet fee is to cover expected cleaning work after hosting guests with pets. Airbnb gives examples such as vacuuming fur and wiping paw or nose prints from surfaces.
When a host adds a pet fee, Airbnb incorporates it into the nightly price and spreads it evenly across the reservation. Guests see it as part of the total price at checkout. Hosts do not charge it as a separate line item.
Hosts cannot charge a pet fee for a Service Animal. Airbnb states this clearly. Even if a listing has a no pets rule, a Service Animal must be allowed unless the host is granted an exemption, and the host cannot charge a pet fee.
For Emotional Support Animals, Airbnb applies the rules required by applicable law. Where the law requires accommodation, hosts must allow the animal. Where the law does not require accommodation, hosts may apply pet fees or enforce a no pets rule.
Making a Listing Pet Friendly Without Overcommitting
Airbnb recognizes that many pets travel easily with their owners and do not require extensive setup. Still, Airbnb suggests practical steps that help hosts manage cleaning and property care when allowing pets.
Examples include providing bowls for food and water, using furniture covers, keeping designated towels near entryways, and having basic cleaning supplies available. For cats, a simple scratching post or litter box may help reduce damage.
These steps help hosts protect their space while remaining transparent with guests. Clear preparation supports smoother Airbnb management without adding unnecessary complexity.
Updating Listings and House Rules for Clarity
Guests traveling with pets want clear information before booking. Airbnb encourages hosts to update listings to describe pet-friendly features such as fenced yards, patios, or outdoor areas.
House rules should clearly state how many pets are allowed per stay and what types of pets are accepted. Hosts should also clarify rules about leaving pets unattended, areas where pets are not allowed, leash expectations, and proper pet waste disposal.
Clear house rules reduce misunderstandings and help hosts enforce expectations consistently.
Using the Guidebook to Support Guests With Pets
Airbnb also encourages hosts to update their guidebooks with pet-related information. Hosts may include nearby dog parks, veterinarians, pet supply stores, kennels, or pet-sitting services.
These updates do not change host obligations, but they improve guest experience and reduce questions during a stay. For structured Airbnb management, guidebook updates serve as a low-effort way to support guests traveling with pets.
Handling Pet-Related Damage Through Airbnb
Cleaning fees and pet fees cover expected wear and cleaning. They do not cover unexpected damage caused by pets.
For unexpected damage such as scratched upholstery or stained furnishings, Airbnb provides Host Damage Protection as part of AirCover for Hosts. Airbnb instructs hosts to document damage with photos and submit a reimbursement request through the Resolution Center.
Host Damage Protection reimburses certain damages if the guest does not pay. Airbnb states that this protection is not an insurance policy and is subject to specific terms, conditions, and limitations. Coverage varies by country and listing type, and coverage limits are shown in USD.
For listings in Washington state, Airbnb notes that contractual obligations under Host Damage Protection are covered by an insurance policy purchased by Airbnb. Airbnb also clarifies that Host Damage Protection is separate from Host liability insurance.
Knowing how and when to use this protection is a practical requirement of professional Airbnb management.
Service Animals Must Be Accommodated
Airbnb states that Service Animals are not pets. Even if a host has a no pets rule, the host must allow a Service Animal to accompany its owner unless the host is granted an exemption.
Airbnb also states that hosts cannot charge a pet fee for a Service Animal. This rule applies consistently across listings and is separate from pet policies.
Airbnb directs hosts to review its Accessibility Policy for additional details. Hosts should rely on Airbnb guidance and applicable law when handling Service Animal accommodations.
Emotional Support Animals Depend on Applicable Law
Airbnb explains that Emotional Support Animals receive accommodation protections only in locations where applicable law requires it.
If the law requires accommodation, hosts must allow the Emotional Support Animal. If the law does not require accommodation, hosts may apply pet fees or enforce a no pets rule.
This distinction makes it important for hosts to understand the rules that apply to their listing location as part of responsible Airbnb management.
Common Errors Hosts Make
Some hosts incorrectly apply pet fees to Service Animals. Airbnb guidance does not allow this.
Other hosts fail to update listings or house rules after allowing pets, which leads to confusion and disputes.
Hosts also sometimes misunderstand how Emotional Support Animals are treated under Airbnb rules. Airbnb makes clear that legal requirements determine how these animals are handled.
Avoiding these errors protects hosts from policy violations and guest disputes.
Why Consistency Matters in Airbnb Hosting
Airbnb rules around pets and service animals are designed to balance guest needs with host control. Hosts who apply these rules consistently reduce friction, protect their properties, and maintain stable listings.
Clear policies, accurate listings, and proper use of Airbnb tools form the backbone of effective Airbnb management.
Where Airbnb Management Services Add Value
Managing pets, Service Animals, fees, listing updates, and damage claims requires consistent attention to detail. This is where Airbnb management services like Beenstay come in.
Beenstay helps hosts apply Airbnb rules correctly, maintain accurate listings, handle guest communication, and manage pet-related policies in line with Airbnb guidance. Compliance and documentation support are built into the service, helping hosts reduce mistakes and operate with confidence.
For owners who want reliable operations without guesswork, professional Airbnb management services provide structure while keeping hosts aligned with Airbnb published requirements.