As a passionate property investor and buyer’s agent at Wealth Through Property, I’ve always believed in creating seamless, guest-friendly experiences to maximize the potential.
I recently made the decision to remove the pet fee from all of my Airbnb listings, and I wanted to share the reasoning behind this change. This decision wasn’t just about making my listings more pet-friendly – it was based on analyzing guest behavior, overcoming sales objections, and ultimately maximizing revenue potential.
Understanding the Sales Objection
While I’ve always allowed pets in my properties, I used to charge a separate pet fee. Over time, I noticed that this fee was a common sales objection for many potential guests. Whether they were traveling with pets or not, the word fee itself seemed to deter people from finalizing their bookings. In the world of sales, fees often create a sense of additional burden, and many guests—especially those traveling with pets—felt penalized for bringing their furry friends.
The decision to welcome pets goes beyond business for me—it’s personal. In fact, the name Skyes Beach House comes from my beloved husky, Skye, who absolutely loved the property. She would light up when we visited, enjoying every moment, which is why I’ve always had a soft spot for guests traveling with pets. I know how much joy a pet can bring to a stay, and I want other pet owners to experience that same comfort and connection. Allowing pets has always felt natural, but I wanted to remove any barriers to make it easier for families to bring along their four-legged companions.
The Data That Drove the Decision
Using Airbnb data tracking software, I took a closer look at why some potential guests were abandoning their bookings. It became clear that objections weren’t just about pets, but about fees in general. Additional charges, whether for cleaning or pets, added friction in the decision-making process.
It’s important to note that Airbnb shows guests the total price up front, so cleaning fees, for instance, aren’t necessarily a deal breaker when they’re included in that total. However, the issue often arises at checkout when guests start adding details like guest numbers or pets. As they watch the price increase with these additions, a sense of trust is often lost. Guests may feel like they’re being “nickel and dimed” with unexpected costs, and this can lead to abandoned bookings. By removing the pet fee, I’m making the booking process more transparent and eliminating that moment of friction during checkout.
To address this, I removed the separate pet fee altogether and slightly increased the nightly rate instead. This way, guests don’t feel like they’re being punished for bringing a pet, and the higher rate quietly covers any potential extra cleaning costs. It also provides a more streamlined experience without guests worrying about extra costs, which has led to a higher booking conversion rate.
Years of Experience with Pet-Friendly Rentals
In my years of running short-term rentals, I’ve never had any issues with pets damaging the property. This was a key factor in my decision to remove the pet fee. While allowing pets may seem like a risk, my experience has shown that guests who travel with pets tend to be respectful and responsible. Pets haven’t caused any significant damage, and I’ve found that clear pet policies help ensure the property stays in great shape.
Why I Believe Pet Fees Can Be a Money Grab
Another reason I chose to eliminate the pet fee is that, frankly, many hosts use it as a money grab. They tack on extra fees in hopes of padding their bottom line, but the reality is that those Airbnbs are often barely profiting. If your rental needs a pet fee to stay afloat, there may be a bigger issue with how the property is being managed. Additional fees create friction, and guests notice. It’s important to structure your rates and fees in a way that aligns with guest expectations, instead of just trying to squeeze out more profit with unnecessary add-ons.
The Results: Higher Conversion Rates
It’s important to note that this isn’t a single change that magically fixed my listings. Instead, the entire process—removing objections like the pet fee, refining the listing, and tracking everything through data—has led to a significant increase in conversions and revenue. Every decision I make is data-driven, and I’ve seen a massive improvement in the sales funnel as a result.
Removing one sales objection, like a pet fee, doesn’t guarantee success on its own. But it’s a step in the right direction. Each change moves the listing forward, reducing friction and increasing the likelihood of a booking. The key is continuously optimizing and removing barriers that prevent guests from committing.
Addressing the Concerns
Of course, allowing pets without a fee brings up concerns about extra cleaning, damage, and wear and tear.
How I Address Potential Concerns
- Higher Security Deposits: I implemented a higher refundable security deposit for guests with pets, which helps cover any unexpected damages. Guests understand they are responsible for maintaining the property.
- Clear Pet Policies: I clearly outline pet rules upfront, such as no pets on furniture or beds, to minimize issues and set clear expectations from the start.
Takeaway: Simplifying Guest Experience = Success
What I’ve learned from this change is that small adjustments, like eliminating extra fees, can have a significant impact on sales and guest satisfaction. Guests want a seamless booking experience, and by removing potential objections, you open up your property to a wider audience and increase your chances of filling those open dates.
If you’re considering removing similar fees from your listings, weigh the potential benefits and make data-driven decisions. Sometimes, the simplest changes can lead to the biggest improvements in your booking rates and guest reviews.
If you’re looking to refine your Airbnb strategy or finding your next investment opportunity, I can help. At Wealth Through Property, I specialize in tailored solutions to enhance your property’s potential. Whether it’s, let’s work together to achieve your property goals. Reach out today to take your investment to the next level!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Won’t removing the pet fee reduce profitability?
Not necessarily. Slightly increasing your nightly rate can cover the cost while improving guest satisfaction, which may lead to more bookings and higher revenue.
2. How do I handle potential pet-related damages?
Implement a higher refundable security deposit and clear pet policies to protect your property. Most guests traveling with pets are responsible and respectful.
3. Will this approach work for all Airbnb listings?
It depends on your property and target audience. Analyze your data to determine if removing the pet fee would enhance your booking rate.
4. What’s the biggest advantage of removing a pet fee?
The biggest benefit is reducing sales objections. Guests appreciate all-inclusive pricing, which makes them more likely to book.
5. Can I still attract non-pet owners without a pet fee?
Yes! Transparent pricing appeals to all guests, not just those with pets. Clear communication about your property’s cleanliness standards will reassure non-pet owners.
