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In this special edition of Get Paid For Your Pad, today “Get Paid For Your Paw” Jasper celebrates World Animal Day by sitting down with a very special guest: Elvis, his five-year-old Pomeranian and Airbnb veteran. Together, they break down why being pet-friendly isn’t just kindhearted hospitality but also a strategic revenue move for any short-term rental host.
You’ll learn how accepting pets can boost occupancy, increase 5-star reviews, and attract guests who book earlier, stay longer, and spend more. Jasper also shares practical tips to balance cleaning costs, set fair pet fees, and create spaces that both owners and their furry companions will love.
You’ll hear:
- Why pet-friendly listings outperform traditional Airbnbs in bookings and reviews
- How pet owners behave differently as guests and why that matters
- The right way to price, clean, and promote pet stays
- How to use photos, amenities, and listing copy to appeal to pet travelers
- Safety tips for small dogs and families traveling with pets
- Real examples from Jasper’s travels with Elvis
We also talk about:
- Using data from PriceLabs to analyze pet-friendly supply and demand
- What markets benefit most from accepting pets (drive-to vs. fly-to destinations)
- How to market your listing to pet owners on social media
- Why pet-friendly policies help hosts stand out and earn loyalty
🎯 Mentioned in the Episode:
World Animal Day, Pet-friendly Airbnbs, PriceLabs Market Dashboard, STR Revenue Optimization, Freewyld Foundry, Revenue & Pricing Management for High-Growth STR Portfolios
🐶 Bonus Tip: Learn how being pet-friendly can increase your booking lead time, lower party risks, and build deeper guest relationships.
🔥 Favorite Takeaway:
“Dog owners don’t just bring pets. They bring gratitude, loyalty, and five-star reviews.”
📍 Want to earn more while welcoming furry guests?
Learn more about the Freewyld Mastermind and Revenue & Pricing Management services at FreewyldFoundry.com, and connect with Jasper on LinkedIn for weekly insights on short-term rental growth.
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Jasper Ribbers | Freewyld:
Welcome to a very special episode of Get Paid for Your Pad. A few days ago was World Animal Day, and I thought it would be perfect to record an episode about being pet-friendly as an Airbnb host.
I also have a very special guest with me, my dog Elvis. He’s a five-year-old Pomeranian and a bit of an Airbnb expert himself. He has stayed with us in many properties, so I figured it would be fun to ask for his advice. We’ll call this episode Get Paid for Your Paw instead of Get Paid for Your Pad.
If you’re watching on YouTube, you can see his friendly little face. Elvis is a little shy in front of the camera, but he’s full of wisdom. I asked him a few questions before recording, and today I’ll share his expert advice for all you hosts out there.
Jasper Ribbers:
Elvis’s first piece of advice is simple: every host should be pet-friendly, especially for small dogs. There are a few reasons why.
First, dogs act like security guards. When guests bring pets, your property is less likely to be broken into. That’s one unexpected benefit of accepting furry friends, they add an extra layer of safety.
Second, dogs don’t throw parties. Humans do. When we host parties, Elvis stays with someone else. Guests traveling with pets are not the kind of people looking to throw big gatherings. They’re focused on relaxing and keeping their pets comfortable.
Third, dog owners are extremely grateful when they can bring their pets along. Pets are part of the family, and not all Airbnbs allow them. My wife and I are always thankful when we can travel with Elvis, and we usually give better reviews to pet-friendly hosts. That’s an easy way to increase your 5-star ratings.
Also, pet owners love taking pictures of their dogs. That means free marketing for your Airbnb. You’ll often see stories and posts tagged with things like “puppy in paradise.” It’s organic visibility that you can’t buy.
Another interesting point, people who take care of pets tend to be organized and responsible. If someone can keep a dog alive, fed, and happy, they can probably follow your check-in instructions and respect your space.
And finally, pet travelers are less price-sensitive. We usually book earlier because there are fewer pet-friendly options, and we’re willing to pay a little more for the right place.
Jasper Ribbers:
Elvis also believes hosts should stop charging pet fees and start offering pet discounts. He thinks the benefits far outweigh the extra cleaning costs. According to him, every property should include a dog bed, food bowl, and a few snacks, preferably cheese.
Now, I don’t fully agree with eliminating pet fees altogether, but it’s an interesting perspective. From my experience as a host and a revenue manager, there are real financial advantages to being pet-friendly.
Many of our revenue management clients ask about this. If you can accept pets, it almost always expands your booking potential. Some owners can’t because of furniture, allergies, or strict HOA rules, but if you have the option, it’s worth considering.
Jasper Ribbers:
Let’s talk about cleaning. It’s true that pets may require some extra effort, but you can minimize the impact by setting clear expectations. Provide instructions for guests, explain where the dog can go, whether they can be on furniture, and if so, offer blankets to protect surfaces.
It’s also smart to provide poop bags and outline house rules. Pet owners usually respect guidelines when they’re clearly stated.
The main drawback is that some people are allergic to pets, and they might avoid booking pet-friendly listings altogether. But in most markets, there are far more people traveling with pets than people avoiding them.
You can verify this with data. In PriceLabs, for example, you can filter your market dashboard by pet-friendly properties to see supply and demand. Typically, drive-to destinations, especially those surrounded by nature, see more demand from pet owners.
In our case, here in Idyllwild, California, the town is extremely pet-friendly. In fact, the mayor of Idyllwild is a dog named Max. It’s true, he’s a golden retriever.
Jasper Ribbers:
Now let’s talk about pet fees. The range varies depending on your property. It should be tied to your overall cleaning fee. If your cleaning fee is $50, charging $200 for a pet doesn’t make sense. But if your cleaning fee is $300, a $150 pet fee is perfectly reasonable.
We recommend charging per stay instead of per night since cleaning is a one-time cost. Some hosts charge per pet, which also works, but you can limit the number of pets allowed. Two pets are usually the maximum before noise becomes a concern.
If you decide to be pet-friendly, make it part of your marketing. Mention it in your title or description. Include photos that show pet amenities like dog beds, bowls, and outdoor areas. It signals to pet owners that you truly welcome them.
And if you’re a dog owner yourself, mention that in your profile. Guests love staying with hosts who share their love for animals. It builds instant trust and emotional connection, both powerful drivers of 5-star reviews.
Jasper Ribbers:
Finally, think about safety. My wife and I always check whether a property is fenced, if there are hazards, or if there’s space for Elvis to run safely. Pet owners care deeply about safety, often more than their own comfort.
By designing with pets in mind, fenced yards, secure decks, clear rules, you not only make guests feel at ease but also set the stage for glowing reviews and repeat stays.
To wrap up, if you can host pets, do it. You’ll attract a loyal niche, improve guest satisfaction, and add new revenue opportunities. Pet-friendly hosting is one of the simplest ways to stand out in today’s market.
Jasper Ribbers:
Thanks for tuning in to this special World Animal Day edition of Get Paid for Your Paw. Elvis had a blast sharing his insights, and I hope you picked up a few ideas to make your property more welcoming for both humans and pets.
If you’re joining us at the VRMA in Las Vegas, come visit the Freewyld booth, number 1118. We’ll be there sharing revenue strategies and hosting a 90-minute workshop on pricing optimization.
And if you’re not attending, don’t worry. Eric and I will share key takeaways in upcoming episodes.
Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time.
