Damage Claim Guide · Airbnb

How to file an Airbnb damage claim for Pet Damage

If a guest caused pet damage at your Airbnb rental, you have a limited window to document the damage and submit a claim. This guide walks you through every step.

14-day filing window

Evidence checklist

Wide shot

Full-room photo showing the damaged area in context — establishes the location and overall scope of pet-related damage.

Close-up

Close-up of each specific damage point: claw marks on doors or flooring, bite marks on furniture, urine staining on carpets or upholstery, pet hair embedded in textiles. Capture multiple angles per damage point.

Repair Quote

Written, itemized estimate covering all affected categories: odor remediation (if applicable), carpet or upholstery cleaning or replacement, furniture repair or replacement, floor refinishing. Itemize each surface and service separately.

ReceiptOptional

Invoice from a completed professional remediation or cleaning service if treatment was completed before filing. Pair with the original scope-of-work quote.

OtherOptional

Evidence of an unauthorized pet: pet hair in post-checkout photos, guest messages referencing a pet, or a photo of pet-related items left behind (bowls, leash, bedding). Establishes policy violation if pets were not permitted under the listing terms.

Airbnb filing steps

  1. File via AirCover for Hosts in the Airbnb Resolution Center within 14 days of checkout — or before the next guest checks in, whichever comes first.
  2. If the listing does not allow pets and the guest brought one without disclosure, document the policy violation explicitly: screenshot your no-pets house rule and attach any guest messages that reference the pet.
  3. Obtain a professional odor remediation quote (if urine odor is present) alongside any furniture repair or floor refinishing estimates — submit all damage categories as a single itemized claim.
  4. Attach pre-stay baseline photos of all affected surfaces; pet damage claims are frequently disputed on the grounds that damage was pre-existing.

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