A pet’s ‘cuteness’ can influence intentions to book Airbnbs and rental stays, suggests new study

Book with a Pup? How Pets are Boosting Airbnb Bookings

Scrolling through Airbnb and see a fluffy face? You’re not alone! New research reveals that a host’s adorable pet could be the secret weapon to a fully booked calendar.

A study published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management shows that cute pets can significantly influence booking decisions. The research, led by Lu Lu from Temple University, found that seeing a cute animal reduces the “psychological distance” between host and guest, making the host seem more approachable and boosting booking probability.

Think big eyes and cuddly features! Lu explains this phenomenon through the “baby schema” concept: we’re naturally drawn to features that remind us of babies, triggering a protective instinct. This translates to pets too, making us perceive hosts with cute animals as kinder and more trustworthy.

The study, which used photos of varying animals like cats, dogs, rabbits and lizards, categorized by “cuteness,” revealed that listings with conventionally “cute” pets saw higher booking rates. So, a picture-perfect pup might be your ticket to becoming a superhost!

While the “need for uniqueness” guests may be less swayed by a pet, the research highlights the growing importance of pets in our lives. With pet ownership booming since the pandemic (thanks in part to their mental health benefits!), a furry friend might just be the edge a host needs to stand out in the competitive home-sharing market. So next time you’re browsing, maybe that wagging tail will be the reason you click “book.”

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