How do I set up a pet-friendly vacation rental?

Allowing pets is three decisions: the settings on each platform, the rules for animals that aren't pets, and the extra supplies and cleaning a pet stay needs. This page covers all three using Airbnb's and Vrbo's own help pages, read on Nov 4, 2026. HostCalmly is not affiliated with either platform. For how to price the fee itself, see how much to charge for a pet fee.

Turn on pets on Airbnb

Pets are one of Airbnb's seven standard house rules. Airbnb's house rules guide (opens in a new tab) says the rule tells guests whether pets are allowed and, if so, how many. To edit it on desktop, go to Listings, pick the listing, open House rules and requests under the Listing editor and edit the rule, per Airbnb's house rules article (opens in a new tab). Changes apply only to reservations made after you save.

The pet fee on Airbnb

Airbnb's pet fee article (opens in a new tab) sets the mechanics:

• Where. Calendar, pick the listing, then Pricing, Fees, Pet fee.
• How it's charged. A flat fee per booking, per night, per pet or per pet per night. A flat fee can cover more than one pet.
• Cap. The pet fee can't be more than your nightly base rate.
• What it's for. The expected extra cleaning after a pet stay. For unexpected damage, Airbnb points you to AirCover instead.
• Pet count. Guests say how many pets (0 to 5) they plan to bring when they book.
• One switch to watch. If your listing says no pets and you add a pet fee, Airbnb changes the listing to pets allowed.

Turn on pets on Vrbo

Vrbo's fees article (opens in a new tab) puts pets among the standard fees, set in the Owner Dashboard under Calendar, Settings, Pricing, Additional charges, Fees. It doesn't say whether a pet fee can be per night or per pet, so check the options in your dashboard. Fee changes apply only to future bookings.

Vrbo's commission article (opens in a new tab) says its 12% pay-per-booking commission applies to the rental amount and to extra fees such as cleaning and pet fees, as of Nov 4, 2026. Our platform fee comparison and fee calculator show what that does to your payout.

For damage, Vrbo's damage protection article (opens in a new tab) describes two options: an optional plan guests can buy, or a damage amount you set that the guest is responsible for. For damage deposit claims, you must document and report damage within 14 days of check-out. That page doesn't mention pets specifically.

Service animals are not pets

Both platforms say this plainly, and the rules differ from your pet settings.

On Airbnb. Airbnb's Accessibility Policy (opens in a new tab) says a service animal is not a pet. For a home reservation, you can't refuse the booking because of one (unless Airbnb has granted your listing an exemption), charge a pet fee or a cleaning fee for animal hair, or set different house rules for that guest. A no-pets listing still has to accept a service animal. If a service animal damages your property, the pet fee article says you can still request payment through AirCover.

When it isn't obvious, Airbnb allows only two questions:

1. Do you need the animal because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

You can't ask about the disability, ask for a demonstration or require documentation.

On Vrbo. Vrbo's Service Animal Policy (opens in a new tab) says that where service animal or anti-discrimination laws apply, you should accept guests with service animals even if you don't allow pets. You generally can't charge a pet fee or raise the deposit because of one, but you can bill for damage beyond reasonable use. Vrbo says the questions you may ask depend on local law.

Under federal law. The federal ADA.gov service animal guidance (opens in a new tab) uses the same two questions, says only dogs count as service animals under the ADA (with a separate provision for miniature horses) and says businesses that charge pet fees must waive them for service animals. Whether the ADA covers your rental depends on how it's set up, so confirm with a local attorney if it matters to you.

Emotional support animals

Airbnb's Accessibility Policy treats emotional support animals differently from service animals. In most places, you may charge your normal pet fee, charge for pet hair cleaning or decline if you don't allow pets. The exceptions are homes in California and New York, and all reservations in Quebec and Ontario. There, you must accommodate the animal, can't charge pet or hair cleaning fees, can't refuse the booking and can't treat it as a pet. Guests there also don't have to tell you about an emotional support animal before booking.

Vrbo's policy says emotional support and therapy animals are not service animals, so your normal pet rules and fees may apply, but you must follow any local rules on emotional support animals.

Both policies say local law can add to these rules. Check your state and city before you write your pet rules.

Supplies for a pet-friendly rental

Types only. HostCalmly hasn't tested pet products.

• Washable throw covers for sofas and chairs
• A spare set of dark or patterned towels marked for paws, kept by the door
• Waterproof mattress protectors on every bed
• Food and water bowls, stainless or ceramic
• Dog waste bags and a lidded outdoor bin
• A leash hook by the entry
• A washable pet bed or crate pad, if you want pets off the furniture
• Enzyme cleaner for accidents, plus a lint roller in a drawer
• A door mat inside and out
• Baby gates, if some rooms are off limits

Walk the yard and fence before the first pet stay. Close gaps, check gates latch and remove anything toxic to animals from low cupboards.

Cleaning add-ons for pet stays

Add a pet section to your cleaning checklist so your cleaner knows to do it every time:

• Second vacuum pass with a pet-hair attachment on upholstery, rugs and stairs
• Wash all throw covers and the pet bed
• Lint-roll fabric headboards and curtains
• Check under beds and behind sofas for hair and toys
• Pick up waste in the yard and empty the outdoor bin
• Spot-treat carpets with enzyme cleaner
• Photograph any damage at once, with the date, for a claim

Price the extra time into the fee using the worked example in how much to charge for a pet fee.

House rules wording

Airbnb's house rules policy (opens in a new tab) applies to reservations booked on or after Nov 20, 2026. It says rules must appear in the designated house rules section at booking, not added later by message, and that hosts generally can't impose fines. Airbnb's animal safety policy (opens in a new tab) confirms guests must follow your pet rules, and gives keeping pets off furniture as an example.

Sample wording to adapt:

• Pets allowed, up to [number] dogs. Please include every pet in your booking.
• Please keep pets off beds and furniture. Covers are in the hall closet.
• Please don't leave pets alone in the home unless they're crated.
• Please pick up after pets in the yard and use the bin by the gate.
• [Room name] is off limits to pets.

Two notes. These rules don't change the service animal rules above, so don't apply pet limits or fees to a service animal. And if pets live at the property, the animal safety policy asks you to tell guests, so a guest with allergies can choose. For the rest of your rules, see house rules examples and the house rules template.