Should You Allow Pets in Your Short Term Rental? The Smart Host’s Guide to 2026

Why the Pet Question Matters for STR Hosts

As more travelers hit the road with furry friends, one big question divides hosts: should you allow pets in your short term rental?

In 2026, the number of pet owners booking STRs has reached an all-time high — and listings that allow pets often enjoy higher occupancy rates and longer stays. But pet-friendly hosting also comes with responsibilities and potential risks.

Let’s explore whether allowing pets is the right move for your short-term rental business — and how to do it smartly.

1. The Benefits of Allowing Pets in Your Short Term Rental

Opening your doors to pets can bring a host of advantages. Here’s why many successful hosts choose to go pet-friendly:

More Bookings: A large segment of travelers filters for “pet-friendly” listings on platforms like Airbnb. By saying yes to pets, you instantly expand your audience.
Higher Earnings: Pet-friendly homes can command 10–20% higher nightly rates and often attract longer stays.
Loyal Guests: Pet owners tend to book repeatedly once they find reliable, welcoming spaces for their companions.

If your property is well-equipped and easy to clean, allowing pets can be a smart, profitable choice.

2. The Challenges of Pet-Friendly Hosting

Of course, allowing pets in your short term rental comes with a few challenges to manage:

Extra Cleaning Costs: Pet hair and odors can linger if not properly managed.
Potential Damage: Scratched furniture, chewed items, or accidents may occur.
Allergy Concerns: Some future guests may have pet allergies, requiring deep cleaning between stays.

These issues can be minimized with the right systems — which brings us to the next section.

3. Create a Clear Pet Policy

If you decide that you should allow pets in your short term rental, set boundaries from the start. A clear pet policy protects your property and sets expectations for guests.

Include:

Pet fees or deposits (for cleaning or potential damage)
Rules about unattended pets, noise, or restricted areas
Limits on size, breed, or number of pets allowed

You can easily include these in your house rules and reinforce them during guest communication using automation tools like Hospitable.

4. Make Your STR Pet-Friendly and Easy to Maintain

A little preparation goes a long way. Equip your STR with pet-friendly touches that make both owners and animals comfortable:

Durable flooring (avoid carpets)
Washable furniture covers
Outdoor waste stations or fenced yards
Pet essentials: bowls, treats, or a small bed

You can use platforms like Turno to automate post-pet-stay cleaning schedules, ensuring every turnover meets top standards.

5. Protect Your Property and Your Guests

To safeguard your STR, add pet clauses in your rental agreement and ensure your insurance covers pet-related damage. Consider installing noise sensors or outdoor cameras (where legally permitted) to monitor potential issues.

Combining automation and preventive measures helps you welcome pets without sacrificing peace of mind.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your property, target audience, and comfort level. But in 2026, data clearly shows that pet-friendly rentals perform better overall.

If you can implement clear rules, reliable cleaning systems, and smart tech, saying yes to pets can mean more bookings, happier guests, and higher profits.