For short-term rental hosts and property managers, pet-friendly stays are no longer a niche offering—they are a revenue and occupancy strategy. As more travelers choose destinations and accommodations based on whether their pets can join them, operators that welcome pets can reach a larger guest pool, strengthen their listings, and create new fee revenue.
The opportunity still needs to be managed carefully. A successful pet-friendly program requires more than selecting the “pets allowed” checkbox on Airbnb or Vrbo. Hosts need clear policies, consistent screening, reliable documentation, and legally sound processes that protect their properties, guests, and businesses.
In the webinar “Pets, Policies, and Protections,” John Bradford, founder and CEO of PetScreening, and Katie Johnson, attorney at STR Law, shared practical ways vacation rental operators can respond to rising pet-travel demand while reducing risk. Whether you are evaluating a pet-friendly policy or improving one across a growing portfolio, here is what you need to know.
Pets are more than companions. They are family members, and travelers increasingly prioritize accommodations where their animals are welcome. According to Bradford, major booking platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo report that pet-friendly filters are searched up to three times more often than non-pet-friendly filters.
Data from AirDNA also points to meaningful revenue potential for pet-friendly rentals:
As Bradford explained, “The guest demand for pets is higher than ever. People are making travel decisions based on whether their pets are welcome.” Hosts and operators that exclude pets may be turning away a growing segment of demand.
Of course, welcoming pets can raise concerns about property damage, cleaning, and liability. Johnson acknowledged that these risks are top of mind for many hosts. The good news: with the right safeguards, policies, and processes, operators can make those risks more manageable.
Pet-friendly rentals can be lucrative, but operators need a plan for the most common challenges.
Even when a listing has a no-pet policy, guests may bring animals without disclosing them. Bradford shared one example in which a guest vacationed with friends and an unapproved dog was brought to the rental.
Recommended approach: Use a screening and documentation process that records guest responses and confirms that guests acknowledged the property’s rules before check-in.
Scratched floors, pet hair, and other wear and tear are common concerns. As Bradford noted, “Can pets cause damage? Of course, but so can humans or children.” He added that cleaning companies he works with report that pet cleanup does not take significantly longer when the right procedures are in place.
Recommended approach: Choose durable flooring, minimize carpet, and provide practical amenities such as pet towels and waste bags to make cleanup easier for guests and turnover teams.
Mishandling a service animal or emotional support animal request can create significant legal risk. Johnson warned against vague or inconsistent policies, particularly when the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, or state and local laws may apply.
Recommended approach: Train staff on the questions they may legally ask about service animals and when documentation related to an emotional support animal may be requested. Requirements can vary based on the property, jurisdiction, and length or structure of the stay, so operators should obtain legal guidance for their specific business. A third-party review process can help standardize and document requests.
Want a more consistent way to screen pets, manage assistance animal requests, and document guest acknowledgments?
Request a PetScreening demo to see how the platform supports vacation rental operators.
Bradford and Johnson agreed that thoughtful touches for pet owners can create a memorable stay and encourage repeat bookings. Small additions—such as a jar of treats, clean towels for muddy paws, or clearly marked waste disposal options—show guests that their pets are genuinely welcome.
Pet fees can also serve as a strategic upsell, helping operators generate incremental revenue while supporting pet-friendly amenities and processes. As Johnson explained, “Guests are really happy when they can bring their pets. For my clients, they find that charging premium pet fees and catering to pet owners gives them a competitive edge.”
The result can be stronger guest satisfaction, better reviews, greater loyalty, and a listing that stands out from nearby competitors.
As Johnson put it, “Even if you have a no-pet policy, unauthorized pets are likely to come onto your property. It’s just a matter of fact.” That means every operator—not only those marketing pet-friendly stays—needs a plan for animal-related risk.
The webinar’s top recommendations included:
One of the webinar’s central lessons was that prevention is less costly than reacting after a dispute. Clear agreements, staff training, consistent processes, and good records can help protect an operator’s business and reputation.
Johnson emphasized two important points:
Operators should understand which federal, state, and local requirements apply to their properties and should avoid treating pets, service animals, and emotional support animals as interchangeable categories. When requirements are unclear, consult an attorney familiar with short-term rentals and the jurisdictions in which you operate.
Want to explore why pet-friendly rentals outperform competitors in many markets or learn how to build a more consistent process for reviewing assistance animal requests? Watch the full webinar for actionable strategies and real-world examples from industry leaders.
📹 Watch the webinar: Pets, Policies, & Protections
You’ll hear:
Learn how to attract pet-owning travelers, protect your properties, and build a pet-friendly program that supports your short-term rental business.
