STR hosts who allow pets, ever had a flea problem?

Question

I have several STR's and do not allow pets in any of them. I am thinking of allowing pets at one of my SFH STR's. I would ask any guest bringing a pet for a shot record to prove that they are a responsible pet owner. I'd also require that the pet is on flea & tick preventative. My biggest worry would be a dog that brings fleas into the house.

Any of you Air Bnb or VRBO hosts who allow pets. Has your STR ever been infested with fleas from a guest's pet? If so, how did you handle it?

Paul Sandhu · Answer

Not from pets, but from stray cats.  Had some refinery contractors stay in a house for a few months.  When they left, my wife and I went over to the house.  We open the door and walk in.  The place was pretty clean.  Two stray cats walked in right behind us.  Like they had done it before.  2 or 3 days later, all the flea larvae hatched into fleas.  Now I have a warning sign on every fridge.  One of the warnings is to not let stray animals in the house.

Michael Baum · Answer

I am with @John Underwood on this. Same here. Plenty of dogs, zero fleeeeees!

John Underwood · Answer

I have had tons of pet dogs. Made good money on pet fees and never had any problems with fleas.

Jerry W. · Answer

I have done VR for 3 years now and have always allowed pets, no flea problems yet.

Sofia Sharkey · Answer

@Dan Johnson I’ve allowed pets since March, never had an issue with fleas

John Morgan · Answer

I’ve had a pet friendly vacation rental for five years and never had a flea reported. I was skeptical at first. But glad I went pet friendly because my cabin rents out way more than the others in the same area in Branson. And it never smells bad when we use it. Only had dog pee smell on carpet one time, but that’s it.

Glenna Wood · Answer

In 25+ years of vacation rentals allowing dogs I've had flea problems twice. Easy to fix by having the house professionally sprayed. Cover those costs with part of your pet fees. Through the years the number of pet rentals has increased so I now treat twice a year. This is in a warm beach climate. In colder areas you might get by.

STR hosts who allow pets, ever had a flea problem?

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