Pet-friendly listings can increase revenue, but they also bring added cleaning costs, risks, and operational complexity. That’s why setting pet fees on Vrbo isn’t just about the number. It’s about balancing guest experience with profitability, staying compliant with service animal laws, and preventing those dreaded post-stay disputes.
Whether you’re managing a single cozy cabin or a growing portfolio of vacation rentals, this guide breaks down exactly how to structure your pet fees in Vrbo’s settings, what’s legally allowed, and how to make your listing stand out (without wearing out your couch).
Attract more pet-loving guests—while protecting your margins and property.
Vrbo lets hosts add pet charges in the listing dashboard under “Additional Fees.” Hosts can customize pet-related charges under "Additional Fees" to match their property's policies. Fee updates apply only to new bookings; existing reservations stay unchanged.
Before adding pet fees, hosts need to mark listings as pet-friendly. Updating this setting clarifies your pet policy and helps prevent disputes. Follow these steps to update the pet policy:
Once pets are allowed, the next step is adding pet fees. Vrbo provides three options: per stay, per night, or per pet. To add a pet fee:
Setting pet fees properly covers added maintenance and keeps your listing competitive. Clear pricing helps guests understand the costs and avoids disputes.
Service animals are legally distinct from pets and come with specific protections. Laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) require hosts to allow them without extra charges. Hosts can't apply pet fees, extra deposits, or cleaning surcharges to service animals—even if they leave fur behind or track in mud after a rainy walk.
Vrbo follows ADA guidelines, which means hosts must accept service animals regardless of breed or size. Listings that normally prohibit pets still need to accommodate them. Asking for documentation isn't allowed, but two questions are permitted:
Emotional support animals don’t qualify as service animals under Vrbo’s policy, so hosts can apply pet fees and enforce restrictions just as they would for any other pet.
Some hosts try to work around service animal policies with extra cleaning fees or "special accommodation" charges. Vrbo prohibits those fees, and violating the rules could lead to penalties or account suspension.
Guests are responsible for any damage beyond normal wear and tear—even if caused by service animals. However, adding a pet fee upfront isn’t an option.
For anyone asking, "Vrbo, can I charge pet fees for all animals?" The answer depends on whether the animal is a pet or a legally protected service animal. Setting clear policies that follow Vrbo’s guidelines keeps listings compliant while avoiding disputes with guests.
A well-set pet fee should cover extra cleaning, avoid surprise costs, and keep your rental competitive. Setting the right amount means balancing revenue with guest satisfaction—charge too little, and extra cleaning cuts into profits. Charge too much, and guests may book a different rental.
Cleaning after pets takes up to 30% longer than a standard turnover due to fur, odors, and extra messes. This extra time increases housekeeping costs and wears on furniture and flooring.
An overpriced pet fee can reduce bookings by 15% compared to similar listings in the area. Checking local rates ensures competitive and guest-friendly pricing.
AirDNA’s market reports provide data on local pricing, making it easier to set a competitive pet fee.
Guests are more willing to pay a pet fee when they understand what it covers. Transparency prevents complaints and reassures guests that their pets are welcome.
Thoughtful touches make pet fees feel worthwhile—benefiting both hosts and guests.
Hosts can use Vrbo to charge pet fees that cover added cleaning or maintenance. Setting up pet fees is easy on Vrbo, with options to charge per stay, per night, or per pet. However, service animals are legally exempt from any additional pet-related charges.
Determining the right pet fee requires balancing cleaning expenses, market rates, and guest expectations. A well-structured fee keeps the property in top condition without discouraging bookings. Clear pricing and thoughtful pet-friendly touches boost guest satisfaction and protect your property.
Pet fees are just one part of running a successful short-term rental. Automating operations, guest messaging, and pricing helps scale your business faster.
Yes, but it takes more than a quick update. Once a reservation is locked in, Vrbo won’t automatically adjust pricing to include new charges. Send the guest a payment request through Vrbo’s Resolution Center to add a pet fee after confirmation. The guest must approve the charge before payment goes through. If they decline, the extra cost stays on you unless pet fees are clearly listed upfront. Include pet fees in the listing from the start to avoid last-minute negotiations.
Yes, and you should—as long as it's done transparently. Vrbo allows you to charge pet fees directly through your listing settings. You can apply them per stay, per night, or per pet. But there’s a big caveat: you cannot charge for service animals, no matter how hairy or messy they get. That’s a legal thing, not a Vrbo thing..
Pet fees typically range from $25 to $100 per stay, but it varies based on property size, location, and amenities. Some hosts charge per night or per pet, especially when cleaning needs increase with longer stays or multiple animals.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
Vrbo charges guests a service fee (usually 6–15%) based on the total cost of the reservation. This includes your nightly rate, cleaning fee, and yes—your pet fee, if it’s included at the time of booking.
But here’s the twist: Vrbo also charges you, the host, a 3% fee on every payment processed—pet fee included. So if you're charging $50 for pets, you’ll net $48.50.
Bottom line: Build fees into your pricing with that in mind. Better yet, use a tool like Uplisting to automate your pricing strategy and keep your margins intact.
We’ve built an all-in-one property, channel management and automation tool to help property managers scale seamlessly.
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