During my trips to Italy, I stayed at several Airbnbs. Although I didn’t bring my pets along, I noticed that many places were pet-friendly, and the hosts’ pets were often wandering around. However, if I were to travel in Australia, a country that is a little less accommodating to pets, I wondered what the rules would be if I wanted to bring my pets with me to stay at an Airbnb. To find out, I gathered all the relevant information and compiled it below.
Airbnb hosts can allow pets, but it’s at their discretion and they set their own policies, including pet fees. Service animals are treated differently and hosts must accommodate them without additional fees. When booking with pets, it’s crucial to review the house rules to ensure suitability for your pet’s needs and behaviour.
Later on in this article, I will recommend the Abrimelodi Dog Travel Bag from Amazon for its all-in-one design, durability, and convenience, making it an essential accessory for pet owners on the go.
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Some accommodation providers have realised that catering to pet owners not only benefits their guests but also boosts their own profits. By simply offering extras like pet beds, bowls, or local pet-friendly recommendations, they can attract more guests and create higher profits for the property (5).
But, as a pet owner, it’s not enough to just find a place that allows pets; you also need to ensure it’s safe and suitable for your furry friend, as inappropriate accommodation could harm them or spoil your holiday. Factors like cleanliness, pet-specific amenities, and location (like proximity to busy roads) should all be considered (4).
Do all Airbnb Hosts Allow Pets?
All Airbnb property hosts can choose if they want to allow pets or not. If they do allow them, they usually add pet fees that cover the cost of cleaning up after your pet – these are included in the overall price of your stay and you’ll know the total price when booking (6). To specifically search for pet-friendly Airbnb listings, you just indicate the number of pets you’ll be traveling with under the “guests” section (7).
A little tip: Make sure that you review the house rules first (the host sets their own, not Airbnb in general), to make sure the accommodation is suitable for you and your fur pal.
Can I Leave my Dog Alone in an Airbnb?
When hosts list their property on Airbnb, they establish “House Rules” that guests must follow, with some rules specifically concerning pets. These rule will usually say things like;
- you need to state all pets during booking
- you must only bring a certain type and size of pet (some may only accept small dogs)
- you must only bring pets that are house trained
Also, rules may state that pets can’t sit on furniture, can’t be left alone in the property or tied up outside, and they may request you clean up after your pets. You need to do these things to avoid fines or excess fees. So, if you want to leave your dog alone in an Airbnb, it’s important to review these rules to determine if you can.
Making Sure the Property is Pet-Friendly not Pet-Tolerant
In addition to reviewing house rules to ensure you are able to stay with your type of pet, it’s crucial to distinguish between properties that are genuinely pet-friendly versus those that are merely pet-tolerant.
This difference is often reflected in the amenities provided by hosts to enhance the comfort of your pet during your stay. Airbnb recommends that property hosts supply various extras to accommodate pets, such as;
- food and water bowls
- pet-friendly furniture covers to protect against accidents
- plenty of designated towels for paw cleaning
- scratching posts
- litter box (even cardboard ones suffice)
It’s also recommended by Airbnb for hosts to incorporate suggestions for local pet-friendly facilities in their Guidebook. Airbnb also offers their hosts damage protection for unforeseen incidents like scratched upholstery or pet-related stains.
When a property host includes these extras, not only does it indicate their willingness to welcome pets, but also enhances the overall experience for both you and your furry companion.
What if Airbnb says No Pets?
Some Airbnb properties can specify “no pets” in the house rules. Guests are expected to follow these rules and should not bring pets into such designated listings. Failure to comply with these rules, such as bringing more pets than approved or failing to inform the host about any pets brought inside, may result in penalties.
But, it’s important to note that service animals are not considered pets and are allowed even in listings with a “no pets” policy (8).
Service Animals
Airbnb recognises that service animals are NOT pets, and they must allow service animals to accompany guests, with no additional fees being applied.
Airbnb says “When a guest is accompanied by a service animal, Hosts are not allowed to;
- Refuse a reservation
- Charge pet fees or other additional fees
- Apply differential treatment
- Use discriminatory language
- Hold guests to different rules”
Although, even a service animal and their owner must follow some general rules:
“A guest’s service animal must not be;
- Out of control
- Not housebroken
- Left alone at the listing without prior approval
- Allowed into areas that are considered unauthorised to the guest
- Allowed in a public space without being harnessed, leashed or tethered and not under the guest’s control”
Also, as per laws and rules in Australia, ‘Emotional support animals’ are different from service animals and they are treated as normal pets (9).
General Tips for When you are Travelling with Pets
When travelling anywhere via car with your pet in tow you should always confine them with a crate or a harness and have frequent rest spots. It is recommended to stop every two hours to allow your pet to get out of the vehicle, have a chance to go to the bathroom and have a drink – this aligns with the rest stop rules in Australia for humans which makes it easy to travel with your dog long distances!
Check out this awesome Abrimelodi Dog Travel Bag on Amazon – it’s the ultimate all-in-one solution for traveling with your furry friend! With 2 large food containers, 2 collapsible bowls, and an extra treat pouch, it’s perfect for a weekend getaway. Plus, it’s designed with storage-friendly compartments, durable materials, and multiple carrying options for convenience on the go. Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, this bag has got you covered. Trust me, it’s a game-changer for pet owners like us!
Here is a check list of what I pack when travelling with my pet;
- Food and water for the entire trip.
- Dog poop bags.
- A leash or harness.
- A blanket or towel for your pup to lie on.
- A favourite toy or blanket for comfort.
- Several printed and current pictures of your dog with your phone number (a business card is best -you can get these printed cheapy online) to hand out to people in case you get separated.
- An up to date collar tag with your phone number.
- Sunscreen.
- Medical records or vaccination proof.
- Appropriate shampoo.
- Easy to pack and move dog bed. (10)
Conclusion
While Airbnb hosts have the choice to allow pets, it’s really important for pet owners to review all house rules and provided amenities to make sure your pet has a safe and comfortable stay. Picking a pet-friendly over a pet-tolerant accommodation is crucial.
I’d love for you to share your own experiences or insights on pet-friendly travel in the comments below to assist fellow pet owners in their journeys.
