How to Make Your Airbnb More Family and Pet Friendly (and Boost Bookings!)

If you own a short-term rental property and you want to appeal to families with children and guests travelling with pets, this blog is for you. Making your rental both family and pet friendly is one of the simplest ways to increase bookings, broaden your target market, improve guest satisfaction, and earn glowing reviews. At Air Design, we see firsthand that hosts who consider children and pets often outperform those who don’t.

Here we’ll walk you through practical, easy-to-implement steps you can do now:

Why ‘family and pet friendly’ actually makes a difference:

Families often search specifically for “child-friendly” or “pet-friendly” stays when choosing an Airbnb, because they want peace of mind.

Pets are part of the family for many guests, so excluding pets can rule you out of a large segment of potential bookings. For many travellers, being able to bring their pet along means they can relax and truly enjoy their holiday, without the extra stress or cost of organising pet sitters or kennels.

At Air Design we’ve found that rentals that are marketed as family and pet friendly receive longer stays and fewer last-minute cancellations.

Quick checklist: Family-friendly criteria

Make sure your property ticks these boxes:

• High chair, cot or travel crib available on request
• Baby gates for stairs or balconies
• Covered or padded sharp edges on furniture and benches
• Secure fencing around pools or water features
• Easy-to-clean surfaces such as washable sofa covers and wipeable tables
• Board games, books and cards to play as a family

Quick checklist: Pet-friendly criteria

• Secure outdoor play area (fenced or safely enclosed)
• Food and water bowls provided
• Furniture covers or washable throws on couches
• A designated pet zone with a mat or bed
• Towels by the door for wet or muddy paws
• Clear rules about pets in your listing (for example, number or size allowed)
• Local recommendations for nearby walks, parks, and pet-friendly cafes

You can even leave a small “pet welcome pack” with a treat, a toy, and local tips — guests love thoughtful extras like this.

Blending the Two Naturally

Family and pet-friendly doesn’t have to mean cluttered. Choose durable, low-maintenance materials such as leather, denim, or outdoor-grade fabric that’s easy to wipe clean.
Keep storage baskets or bins nearby to tidy toys and pet items quickly before new guests arrive.
Be clear in your listing that the property welcomes both children and pets, and include photos that reflect that.
Show the fenced garden, the bright living area, or the safe pool area with barriers.

Air Design Australia Can Help

Air Design Australia manage every detail of your short-term rental, from styling and guest communication to cleaning and maintenance. We know how to highlight your property’s best features — whether it’s family comfort or pet-friendly space — to attract the right guests and maximise your returns.

If you’d like your home to truly stand out, contact our team today and discover how easy it can be to welcome every guest, big or small, two-legged or four.