Pet-Friendly Airbnb: How to Find & Book Stays

The vacation rental revolution has been a game-changer for pet owners. While traditional hotels often charge steep pet fees, restrict pet sizes, or ban animals entirely, platforms like Airbnb have opened up a world of pet-friendly possibilities, from cozy mountain cabins to beachfront cottages where your dog can run straight from the living room to the sand. But finding the right pet-friendly Airbnb requires more savvy than simply ticking a filter box. Between hidden pet fees, ambiguous house rules, and the occasional host who technically allows pets but makes it clear they would rather you did not bring one, navigating the world of pet-friendly vacation rentals takes some know-how.

This guide will walk you through every step of the process, from searching and booking to arriving and departing as a five-star guest, all while ensuring your pet has the vacation of their dreams.

How to Search for Pet-Friendly Airbnbs

Using Airbnb’s Pet Filter

Airbnb makes it relatively easy to find pet-friendly listings. Here is how to use the platform’s built-in tools effectively:

1. Enter your destination and dates on the Airbnb homepage.
2. Add your pet to the guest count. Below the adult and children counters, you will find a “Pets” option. Adding at least one pet will filter results to show only pet-friendly properties.
3. Review listings carefully. Even among filtered results, individual policies vary significantly.

Pet Parent Tip: Always add your pets to the search from the start. Listings that appear when you search without indicating pets may not actually allow them, and you could waste time falling in love with a property that will reject your booking.

Beyond the Filter

Airbnb’s pet filter is a starting point, not the final word. Here are additional strategies for finding the best pet-friendly stays:

• Read the full listing description. Some hosts welcome all pets; others only allow small dogs under 25 pounds. The details are usually in the house rules section.
• Check the amenities list. Some pet-friendly listings specifically mention amenities like a fenced yard, dog bowls, or pet beds.
• Look at reviews from other pet owners. Search reviews for keywords like “dog,” “cat,” or “pet” to see what other travelers experienced.
• Consider property type. Entire homes and cottages are generally better for pets than shared spaces or apartments in multi-unit buildings.

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Communicating with Hosts

Communication is the cornerstone of a successful pet-friendly Airbnb experience. Never assume that the pet filter tells the whole story.

Before Booking

Send a message to the host before you book. Include:

• The type and number of pets you are bringing (“We will be traveling with our 5-year-old Labrador Retriever, Cooper, who weighs about 70 pounds.”)
• Your pet’s temperament (“Cooper is well-trained, housebroken, and has traveled with us to many vacation rentals without incident.”)
• Any relevant certifications (“Cooper is a certified Canine Good Citizen.”)
• Your willingness to comply with house rules (“We are happy to follow any pet-specific rules you have in place.”)

This proactive communication does two things: it builds trust with the host, and it prevents the unpleasant surprise of showing up with a Great Dane when the host expected a Chihuahua.

Questions to Ask the Host

Before finalizing your booking, clarify these important details:

1. Is there a pet fee, and how much? Pet fees on Airbnb typically range from $25 to $100 per stay, though some hosts charge per night or per pet.
2. Are there breed or size restrictions? Some hosts have weight limits or exclude certain breeds.
3. Is the yard fenced? If the listing mentions a yard, confirm whether it is fully fenced and secure enough for your pet.
4. Can pets be left unattended? Some hosts require that pets not be left alone in the property. If your plans include activities where your pet cannot join, this is a deal-breaker.
5. Are there any off-limits areas? Some hosts request that pets stay off furniture or out of certain rooms.
6. What is the pet waste disposal policy? Ask where to dispose of waste and whether bags are provided.

Understanding Pet Fees and Deposits

Pet-related charges on Airbnb can take several forms:

Pet Fees

A one-time or per-night charge specifically for bringing a pet. These are typically non-refundable and range from $25 to $150 depending on the property. Some luxury properties charge $200 or more.

Security Deposits

Some hosts require an additional security deposit for pets, held against potential damage. This is separate from Airbnb’s standard damage protection and is usually refunded after checkout if no damage occurred.

Cleaning Fees

Some hosts bundle pet-related cleaning into an elevated cleaning fee. If a cleaning fee seems unusually high, the host may be accounting for extra pet hair cleanup.

Damage Policies

Understand what happens if your pet causes damage. Airbnb’s AirCover for Hosts covers pet damage up to $3 million, but hosts may still file claims for specific incidents. Having your own pet insurance that covers property damage can provide additional peace of mind.

Pet Parent Tip: Always take photos of the property when you arrive, especially floors, furniture, and doors. This protects you from being blamed for pre-existing damage.

Preparing Your Pet for the Stay

A little preparation goes a long way toward ensuring your pet is comfortable and well-behaved in a vacation rental.

Before You Leave Home

• Update your pet’s ID tags with your cell phone number (not your home number).
• Ensure vaccinations are current and bring documentation.
• Pack familiar items: your pet’s bed, a few favorite toys, and a blanket that smells like home.
• Condition your pet to new surfaces. Practice walking on tile, hardwood, and carpet if your home only has one floor type.
• Practice crate training if you plan to crate your pet when leaving the property (and the host allows it).

What to Pack

Create a pet packing list separate from your own:

Essentials:

• Food (enough for the entire trip plus two extra days)
• Water bowls and food bowls
• Leash and collar with ID tags
• Poop bags (bring far more than you think you need)
• Medications and supplements
• Pet first aid kit
• Crate or travel bed
• Blankets and towels

Nice to Have:

• Portable water bottle
• Lint roller (to clean furniture before checkout)
• Baby gate (to restrict access to off-limits rooms)
• White noise machine (to calm pets in unfamiliar environments)
• Enzyme cleaner (for accident cleanup)

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Arriving at Your Pet-Friendly Airbnb

The first hour at a new property sets the tone for the entire stay. Here is how to manage the arrival with your pet:

Safety Sweep

Before letting your pet explore, do a quick safety check:

1. Check for escape routes. Inspect fences for gaps, doors for secure latches, and windows for screens.
2. Look for hazards. Remove or secure any breakable items within tail-wagging range. Check for toxic plants (lilies, sago palms, and oleander are common in vacation rental landscaping and deadly to pets).
3. Identify dangerous areas. Pools, hot tubs, steep stairs, and balconies can all pose risks.
4. Check for pest traps or chemicals. Some properties use mouse traps or ant bait that could harm a curious pet.

Settling In

• Set up a home base for your pet in one room first. Place their bed, bowls, and a familiar toy there.
• Let them explore gradually. Open one room at a time rather than giving immediate access to the entire property.
• Establish routines quickly. Feed at the same times, walk the same routes, and maintain bedtime rituals.
• Show your pet the outdoor areas on a leash before allowing them off-leash (in fenced areas only).

Being a Five-Star Pet Guest

Your behavior as a pet owner directly impacts whether the host continues to accept pets. Being an exemplary guest ensures pet-friendly options remain available for everyone.

Daily Practices

• Clean up immediately after any accidents. Blot (do not rub) and use enzyme cleaner to prevent staining and odor.
• Vacuum or lint roll furniture your pet has used, even if the host allows pets on furniture.
• Keep your pet off beds unless explicitly told otherwise.
• Control barking. If your dog barks at neighbors or passersby, manage the behavior with training, white noise, or by closing blinds.
• Never leave pets unattended unless the host has explicitly approved it and your pet is crate-trained.

Neighborly Conduct

• Keep your dog leashed in shared outdoor spaces.
• Clean up waste from the yard, sidewalk, and any communal areas.
• Be mindful of noise. Early morning barking or late-night howling will quickly generate complaints.
• Introduce yourself to neighbors if you are in a residential area. A friendly wave and “We are staying next door with our well-behaved dog” goes a long way.

At Checkout

• Do a thorough cleanup. Vacuum pet hair from floors and furniture. Wipe down any surfaces your pet touched.
• Wash any linens your pet used, or at minimum, gather them for the laundry.
• Take out the trash, especially bags of pet waste.
• Do a damage check. Walk through the property and document any scratches, stains, or other issues. If damage occurred, notify the host immediately and offer to pay for repairs.
• Leave a review mentioning that the property was pet-friendly. This helps other pet owners and rewards hosts who welcome animals.

Alternatives to Airbnb

While Airbnb dominates the vacation rental market, several other platforms cater specifically to pet owners:

BringFido

This platform is built entirely around pet-friendly travel. Every listing explicitly welcomes pets, and the site includes reviews from other pet owners.

VRBO

Owned by Expedia, VRBO has a robust pet-friendly filter. The platform tends to list larger, whole-home properties that are often well-suited for pets.

Hipcamp

For camping and glamping enthusiasts, Hipcamp lists unique outdoor properties on private land. Many explicitly welcome pets and offer the kind of space and freedom dogs crave.

GoPetFriendly

An excellent resource for finding pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and activities. While not a booking platform itself, it aggregates pet-friendly options and links to booking sites.

Rover

Known primarily as a pet-sitting service, Rover also offers in-home pet boarding. If you find the perfect non-pet-friendly rental, you can use Rover to find a nearby host to care for your pet during the day.

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Best Destinations for Pet-Friendly Airbnbs

Some destinations have a significantly higher concentration of pet-friendly vacation rentals than others. Here are the best cities and regions for finding great options:

Beach Destinations

• Outer Banks, North Carolina: The vast majority of rental homes here welcome dogs, and the beaches allow dogs year-round.
• Gulf Shores, Alabama: A more affordable beach option with many pet-friendly condos and beach houses.
• San Diego, California: Dog Beach in Ocean Beach is legendary, and the surrounding neighborhoods have excellent pet-friendly rentals.

Mountain Retreats

• Gatlinburg, Tennessee: Hundreds of pet-friendly cabins with mountain views, hot tubs, and easy access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Big Bear Lake, California: A popular pet-friendly mountain destination with cabin rentals that welcome dogs.
• Asheville, North Carolina: The Blue Ridge Mountains backdrop and the city’s dog-friendly culture make it ideal for pet-friendly rentals.

Urban Escapes

• Portland, Oregon: One of the most pet-friendly cities in America, with many rental hosts who welcome dogs and cats.
• Austin, Texas: The city’s progressive pet culture extends to its vacation rental scene.
• Savannah, Georgia: Historic homes with fenced gardens and a walkable, dog-friendly downtown.

Red Flags to Watch For

Not every pet-friendly listing is created equal. Here are warning signs to watch for:

• Vague pet policies. If the listing says “pets allowed” but provides no details about fees, restrictions, or rules, the host may not have thought through their policy.
• Excessive restrictions. A listing that allows pets but forbids them from all furniture, all rooms except the kitchen, and requires a $500 deposit may not be truly pet-welcoming.
• No outdoor space. An apartment on the 15th floor with no nearby green space is going to be challenging for a dog.
• Negative pet reviews. If other pet owners had bad experiences, take those reviews seriously.
• Shared spaces with non-pet-friendly guests. If the listing is a room in a shared house, other guests may have allergies or pet-related concerns.

The Future of Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals

The pet-friendly vacation rental market is growing rapidly. Airbnb reported that searches using the pet filter increased by over 70 percent between 2023 and 2025, and they continue to add pet-specific features and amenities tags. Several trends are shaping the future:

• Pet amenity packages are becoming standard at high-end rentals, including welcome baskets with treats, local dog park maps, and partnerships with local pet services.
• Specialized pet-friendly properties designed from the ground up for animal guests, with features like built-in crate nooks, washing stations, and fenced play areas.
• Pet damage insurance specifically for vacation rentals is becoming more accessible, reducing the financial risk for hosts and making it easier for them to welcome pets.

For pet owners, the message is clear: the vacation rental market is moving in your direction. For a comparison of all accommodation types, check our guides to pet-friendly hotel chains and pet-friendly cabin rentals. By being informed, communicative, and responsible. Our budget pet travel guide has more tips on finding affordable pet-friendly stays, you can take advantage of an increasingly pet-friendly landscape and create lasting memories with your four-legged family members.

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