Pet-Friendly Airbnbs in the Cotswolds: Earn 24% More With One Simple Change

Let’s start with the most important number in this article:

Properties that allow pets earned 24% more rental revenue than those that didn’t — based on our booking data from January 2024 to June 2025.

If you own a holiday let or run an Airbnb business in the UK, that’s a number you can’t ignore. Across more than 100 homes we manage in and around the Cotswolds, pet-friendly listings consistently attract more bookings, longer stays, and stronger off-season performance.

So why aren’t all owners allowing pets? And what do you actually need to do to make your property suitable? Let’s break it down.

Why Pet-Friendly Properties Perform So Well

The Cotswolds is one of the most dog-friendly regions in the UK. Guests come for the walks, the views, and the villages — and many want to bring their dog with them. But not every property allows it, which means demand for pet-friendly homes outweighs supply.

When you allow pets:

• Your listing appears in more filtered searches
• You capture midweek and shoulder season bookings
• Guests often stay longer and return more frequently

This aligns with Airbnb’s own guidance in their article What you need to know about hosting pets, which highlights that pet-friendly listings are booked more often and earn more overall.

What Owners Should Prepare For

You don’t need to go overboard — but it’s worth making a few smart changes to set your listing up for success.

Charge a Pet Fee

We recommend a flat fee of £30–£40 per booking, which helps cover additional cleaning and encourages responsible bookings. Guests are happy to pay it, and it’s standard practice on Airbnb.

Clean to a Good Standard

You don’t need a special cleaning routine, but you do need consistency. Our housekeeping team uses detailed checklists to make sure hair and pawprints don’t become a problem. Hard flooring, wipeable surfaces and minimal textiles make it easier.

Be Clear in Your Listing

Set expectations so guests know what’s allowed. For example:

• Is there a secure outdoor space?
• Are pets allowed in all rooms?
• Are there nearby walks or dog-friendly pubs?

We include this sort of detail in every guestbook we send, tailored to the individual property.

Consider a Few Pet-Friendly Touches

These aren’t essential, but they help:

• Dog bowls and a mat
• A dog-specific towel for muddy paws
• Dog waste bags

Guests love it when they arrive to find their pet has been thought of — and it often leads to better reviews.

Is There More Damage From Pets?

In our experience, no. Most dog owners are responsible and respectful. Damage and mess are rare, and when expectations are clear, it’s no different to any other booking. The main consideration is keeping on top of fur and cleaning — which our team does as standard.

Should You Make Your Airbnb Pet-Friendly?

If your property has a garden or easy access to walks, it’s likely well-suited. Even flats and townhouses can work, especially in popular towns like Bath or Cheltenham where pet-friendly listings are limited.

At Red Kite Hosts, we manage over 100 homes across the Cotswolds — and more than half of them allow pets. The results speak for themselves. That 24% revenue uplift isn’t theoretical. It’s based on real bookings, in real homes, over an 18-month period.

Let Us Help You Get Set Up

Whether you're launching a new listing or wondering if your current property could be doing better, we can help. As one of the best-rated Airbnb management companies in the region, we work closely with owners to increase bookings, streamline operations, and make homes guest-ready all year round.

If you’re looking for a company to manage your Airbnb property, or want a local Airbnb management service near you, we’d love to chat.

Want us to manage your holiday let?

We’re local, hands-on, and trusted by owners across the Cotswolds. Get in touch today for a chat about how we could help you!