The 'pet friendly' label on a short-stay listing guarantees nothing concrete. There's no standard definition, no regulation, no verification. One host means you can bring a Chihuahua, another is thinking of Labradors, a third isn't thinking of anything β they just copied the filter from the platform.
Before booking any short-stay apartment with a pet, it's worth asking the host directly. Here's a list of 10 questions that reveal the real situation.
Questions about your pet
- What type and size of pet is allowed? β Check whether your dog or cat fits the restrictions.
- Is there a weight limit? β Many apartments only accept dogs up to 10 or 15 kg.
- Is more than one pet allowed? β If you have two dogs or a dog and a cat.
- Can the pet be left alone in the apartment? β Important for going out in the city.
Questions about pricing and conditions
- Is there a pet fee and how much is it? β Some are reasonable (β¬10-20), others aren't.
- Is there a pet deposit and how is it returned? β When and under what conditions.
- What happens if the pet causes damage? β Define responsibility clearly.
Questions about the space
- Is there a yard, balcony or terrace? β Key for dogs that need outdoor space.
- How far is the nearest park or green area? β Check on the map before arriving.
- Are the furniture and floors pet-adapted? β Hardwood that scratches or fabrics that absorb smell can be a problem for both sides.
Red flags β when to look elsewhere
There are situations where it's better to find another stay, regardless of how attractive the listing looks:
- The host doesn't answer direct questions or changes their story
- The pet fee differs from what's stated in the listing
- No clear answer to the deposit question
- The host adds conditions that weren't mentioned in the listing