Hosting Pets – Honest Thoughts & Seeking Advice 🐶

[Paras45]

Hey Airbnb fam! 👋

I’m Paras, host of Shankar Bhawan in Rishikesh. I’ve recently had a reservation with their pet dog, and honestly, I’m at a crossroads. While I do have a spacious and peaceful property, I’ve never hosted pets before—and I don’t own one myself.

Here’s me being real:
I’m a cleanliness-first kind of host. Shedding fur, pet smells (can stay i am so not sure), and fabric damage are concerns I can’t ignore. I’ve already removed my rug and a few fragile decor items just in case, but I’d love to hear from those who’ve been in this spot:

To be honest, I don’t have a pet myself, so I’m a little unsure. I love the idea of being a pet-friendly stay, especially since I have a large space that could accommodate it comfortably. But my biggest concern is cleanliness—especially shedding, odors, and possible damage to fabrics or decor.

So I’m reaching out to you all:

• Do you enjoy hosting pets, or do you find it more stressful than rewarding?

• What boundaries or rules help make pet-stays smoother?

• Any tips on managing cleanliness, hair shedding, or post-checkout cleaning?

I’ve already removed rugs and fragile decor, but I want to be prepared before saying yes. Would really appreciate your honest experiences—good or bad.

Thanks so much!

[Elegant-Homes-Retreat0]

Hi @Paras45,

Thanks for being so honest — your concerns are completely valid. As a fellow host, I really respect your thoughtful approach. Hosting pets can be rewarding, but only if you set clear boundaries from the start.

Here are a few tips from experience:

🐾 House Rules Are Everything
Clearly mention pet rules in your listing (e.g., no pets on beds/sofas, must clean up after pets, bring their own bedding, etc.).

🧹 Prep for Cleaning
Invest in a lint roller, pet hair vacuum attachment, and odor neutralizer spray. Keep cleaning costs and time in mind when setting your price or cleaning fee.

🛋️ Protect Your Space
You’ve already done great by removing rugs and fragile items. You could also use washable covers on sofas or restrict pets to certain rooms.

📷 Document at Check-In & Check-Out
Take photos before and after the stay in case there are damage claims. It helps keep things clear and fair.

💬 Communicate Beforehand
Ask the guest about their pet’s behavior, size, and if they’re trained. It gives you a better sense of what to expect.

Hosting pets isn’t for everyone — and that’s okay! Start with clear rules, test it out once or twice, and adjust as needed. You’ve already taken the right first step by asking the community.

Wishing you stress-free stays and happy guests (and pets)! 🐕

[Paras45]

Hey! Just to share transparently — yes, I absolutely love pets and welcome them at Shankar Bhawan 🐾 (as long as they’re well-behaved and house-trained). I already use a Dyson daily for deep cleaning, especially to manage fur, dust, and keep things spotless. I also have lint rollers and other protocols in place, but I understand that sometimes it’s not about fur—it’s more about the vibe, the smell, or subtle details. I'm constantly working on that too—from air fresheners to natural diffusers and fabric sanitization. Cleanliness is not just a task here, it’s a part of the daily culture. 🙌

Also, heads up—I’m currently facing some tech issues and errors while uploading or posting content. (not resolved)