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Category: Pricing & Revenue
By: Ingrid Svensson
Reply by Maria Gonzales:
I allow dogs only (no cats — litter box smell is hard to clean). I charge a flat $75 per stay regardless of duration. **Pros of allowing pets:** - Opens your listing to ~40% more guests (tons of people travel with dogs) - Higher booking rates (less competition — many hosts say no pets) - Can charge a premium **Cons:** - Occasional hair on furniture (my cleaner charges $20 extra for pet turnovers) - I replaced one sofa cushion in 2 years (~$150 fix) - One guest's dog scratched a door ($80 repair — I claimed through AirCover and was reimbursed) **My rules:** - Max 2 dogs, under 60 lbs each - Must be housebroken - Not left unattended in the unit - Owner is liable for any damage beyond normal wear Net-net, allowing dogs has added ~$300/month in pet fees alone plus I book more nights. Way worth it.
Reply by Priya Nair:
I tried allowing pets for 6 months and stopped. My property has carpet in the bedrooms and the pet hair was impossible to fully remove between turnovers. Non-pet guests were complaining about allergies. If your floors are hard surface (hardwood, tile, LVP), allowing pets is much more manageable. If you've got carpet anywhere guests sit or sleep, I'd think twice.
Reply by Brandon Harris:
Pro tip: if you allow pets, get a **Bissell pet hair eraser vacuum** (~$140) and leave it at the property. Game changer for turnover cleaning. Also, add a "pet welcome basket" — a water bowl, some dog treats, and a poop bag dispenser. It costs $15 and guests LOVE it. Several mentioned it in reviews.