Lodgify
Policies & Legal

What is a Pet Policy?

Updated 2026-05-28

A pet policy is a formal document outlining the specific rules, restrictions, and fees for guests who wish to travel with their pets. It typically covers details such as the number, size, and breeds of pets allowed, as well as any areas of the property that are off-limits.

The primary goal is to protect the property, ensure the comfort and safety of all guests, and cleanly manage expectations between the host and the pet-owning traveler.

Join the Lodgify newsletter

Once a month, get free templates, expert tips for hosts, industry news, webinar invitations, and more.

How it works

A host first decides whether to allow pets and under what conditions. They then create a detailed policy specifying any non-refundable pet fees or refundable pet deposits, weight and breed restrictions, and vaccination requirements.

The policy also includes behavioral rules, such as whether pets are allowed on furniture, if they must be leashed in common areas, and if they can be left unattended. This policy is then integrated into the listing description, house rules, and rental agreement.

Guests must acknowledge and agree to these terms before or during the booking process.

Why it matters

A clear pet policy is crucial for protecting the property from damage, excessive wear, and additional cleaning needs. It also helps prevent disturbances to neighbors and ensures the property remains welcoming for subsequent guests, particularly those with allergies.

By explicitly stating the rules and any associated costs, a policy minimizes misunderstandings and potential disputes with guests. Ultimately, it allows hosts to tap into the large market of travelers with pets while maintaining control over their property's condition.

Examples

  • A host of a downtown apartment allows one small dog under 30 lbs and charges a non-refundable $75 pet fee to cover extra cleaning. The policy states the dog cannot be kenneled and must not be left unattended in the unit.
  • The owner of a rural cabin rental allows up to two dogs of any size but has specific breed restrictions due to their property insurance policy. Guests must sign a pet addendum confirming their pets are vaccinated and house-trained.
  • A beach house manager has a strict 'no pets' policy during the peak summer season but allows dogs from October to April to boost off-season occupancy, charging a refundable $250 pet deposit.
  • A property manager with multiple listings allows cats, but their policy requires guests to confirm the cat is declawed and that they will bring their own litter box, which must be kept on a tiled surface.

Frequently asked questions

Can a pet policy legally exclude service animals?+
In many jurisdictions, such as the United States under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a pet policy cannot be used to deny or charge extra fees for a legitimate service animal. Hosts may, however, be able to charge for any damages caused by the service animal. It's essential for hosts to understand and comply with local and national laws regarding assistance animals.
What is the difference between a pet fee and a pet deposit?+
A pet fee is a one-time, non-refundable charge intended to cover the costs of additional cleaning and general wear-and-tear associated with a pet's stay. In contrast, a pet deposit is a refundable amount held by the host to cover potential damages caused by the pet. If no damage occurs, the deposit is returned to the guest after check-out.
Where is the best place to display my property's pet policy?+
To ensure maximum visibility and avoid disputes, your pet policy should be clearly stated in multiple places. Include it prominently in your property listing description on OTAs, within your official house rules, as a clause in your rental agreement, and in your pre-arrival communications with guests.
How do I decide what to charge for a pet fee?+
The amount should reflect your actual or anticipated costs. Consider the extra time and supplies required for deeper cleaning, potential for increased wear and tear on furniture and linens, and local market standards. You can structure it as a flat fee per stay, a fee per pet, or a nightly fee, depending on what best suits your business model.
Keep reading

Related terms

Finance

Pet Fee

A pet fee is a one-time, non-refundable charge that hosts add to a booking to cover the additional cleaning and wear and tear associated with accommodating a…

Read
Property Management

House Rules

House rules are a set of guidelines and restrictions established by a host that guests must adhere to during their stay. They cover topics like parties, noise…

Read
Policies & Legal

Damage Policy

A damage policy is a set of rules outlining a guest's financial responsibility for any damages they cause to a vacation rental property or its contents during…

Read
Policies & Legal

Rental Agreement

A rental agreement is a legally binding contract between a property owner or manager and a guest. It outlines the terms, conditions, and rules for a short-term…

Read
Stay in the loop

Join the Lodgify newsletter.

Once a month, get free templates, expert tips for hosts, industry news, webinar invitations, and more — straight to your inbox.

One email a month. Unsubscribe anytime.