The Ultimate Pet-Friendly Airbnb Hosting Checklist (From Superhost-Approved Pros)

If you're hosting guests with pets, you're not just offering a place to stay, you’re creating peace of mind. Done right, pet-friendly hosting can boost bookings, build loyalty, and earn you raving 5-star reviews. Done wrong? Let’s just say no one wants dog hair on their duvet.

We’ve hosted hundreds of travelers and their furry companions and learned what works (and what definitely doesn’t). This checklist is designed to help you protect your property and deliver a next-level guest experience.

👇 Grab these quick wins, then stick around for pro tips we usually only share inside our Short-Term Success System.

Pet-Friendly Airbnb Hosting Checklist

1. Designate “Pet-Safe” Linens

Use a dedicated set of sheets and blankets for pet-friendly stays, ideally darker in colour and easy to wash. Store them separately so they stay fresh between visits.

Pro Tip: Keep a backup set so your cleaner isn’t stuck waiting on the dryer.

2. Provide a Pet Welcome Basket

Yes, it’s extra. Yes, it’s worth it. Include:

• Dog waste bags

• A pet towel

• A washable feeding mat

• Treats or a chew

• A note with nearby walking trails or dog parks

People LOVE this—cue the glowing reviews about “thoughtful touches.”

3. Stock a Lint Roller + Steamer

You’d be shocked how often guests use these. They’re also essential for your cleaner when flipping the space fast. Bonus points if you leave a pet-specific vacuum like a Bissell handheld.

4. Keep Cleaning Supplies Visible

Let guests know you care about your space. Visible supplies (pet-safe cleaner, paper towels, odour spray) encourage them to be more respectful.

5. Protect Your Floors + Furniture

• Use washable, non-slip rugs

• Add throws or covers on furniture (with a note they’re pet-friendly!)

• Avoid shaggy rugs and high-pile carpets—they trap hair and odour

  
  

Bonus: House Rules That Set Expectations

Avoid awkward situations by including pet-specific rules in your welcome guide and digital listing.

Here’s what we recommend:

• No pets on the beds (unless covered with the provided blanket)

• Pick up all pet waste

• Keep barking to a minimum

Want to swipe our full house rules template and welcome guide? It's part of the STSS Guide along with scripts, systems, and checklist templates that simplify hosting.

Why Pet-Friendly Hosts Get Booked More (and How to Be One of the Best)

More travellers than ever are bringing pets, and they’re often willing to pay more for the right space. But “pet-friendly” is not a tag you can throw on your listing and hope for the best. Guests can tell when you're actually prepared for pets, and so can your cleaners.

Inside our Short-Term Success System, we walk you through how to:

• Add pet-friendly appeal without wrecking your furniture

• Streamline cleaning so it’s no extra stress

• Set clear boundaries so you protect your space (and sanity)

• Avoid common pet-hosting mistakes that get 4-star reviews

  
  

Final Thought: Be the Host They Remember

Most pet owners are used to compromises when they travel. They expect a bit of inconvenience, a little judgment, and places that tolerate pets but don’t welcome them.

You? You're about to be the exception.

And when you nail the experience for both your two- and four-legged guests, you’re not just getting another booking, you’re building a reputation.

Ready to turn that reputation into a business? Our Short-Term Success System has everything you need to streamline your setup, protect your property, and host like a pro. And yes—it includes the full pet-friendly hosting playbook.