I allowed pets in my Tesla Model Y. I charged the extra fee. Big mistake. The guest brought a husky that panicked and chewed through the rear headrest and scratched the door panels to shreds. Turo initially flagged it as “Pet hair/cleaning” (which is free since I allowed pets). I had to fight to prove this was physical damage, not a cleaning issue.
Key Takeaways
- Cleaning vs. Damage (Again): Pet hair is cleaning. Claw marks and chew holes are damage.
- The “Pet Fee” Trap: If you charge a “Pet Fee” (Extra), you waive your right to charge for cleaning pet hair. You do not waive your right to claim physical damage.
- Photos of the Animal: If you didn’t allow pets, find a photo of the dog in the car (from social media or a neighbor). It proves the violation.
- Repair vs. Replace: Turo will try to pay for “Vinyl Repair” (
100).Youneedtofightfor"SeatReplacement"(100).Youneedtofightfor"SeatReplacement"(1,500) if the leather is perforated.
The “Why”: The Interior Exclusion
Standard auto insurance often excludes “Damage by domestic animals.”
Turo covers it, but the burden is distinguishing it from “normal pet usage.”
If the door panel is scratched, Turo might say “Wear and Tear.” You need to show deep gouges.
The Investigation: The Estimate Battle
I took the chewed headrest to two shops.
- Upholstery Shop: Quoted $150 to patch it.
- Tesla Service Center: Quoted $450 to replace the headrest assembly.
- Turo’s Offer: $150.
- My Move: I argued that patching a Tesla seat voids the warranty on the airbag sensors (if applicable) or looks terrible. Turo eventually agreed to the replacement cost.
Comparison: Pet Damage Types
| Issue | Classification | Covered? |
| Dog Hair | Cleaning | No (If pet fee paid) / Yes (If unauthorized) |
| Urine Smell | Cleaning (Bio) | Yes ($150 fee) |
| Chewed Seatbelt | Safety Issue | Yes (Must replace) |
| Scratched Door Plastic | Wear/Damage | Borderline (Needs deep scratches) |
[IMAGE: Photo of a “Pet Shield” seat cover vs. a chewed seat, illustrating the difference between prevention and damage]
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Protect Your Assets: If you allow pets, buy a heavy-duty “Pet Hammock” for the back seat. It costs $40 and saves $1,000.
- Document Deep Gouges: Use a flashlight to create shadows in the scratches. Show that the material is removed, not just scuffed.
- Search for “Hidden” Damage: If a dog chewed the seat, check the seatbelts. A chewed seatbelt is a major safety failure and instant replacement approval.
- File as “Physical Damage”: Do not file under “Cleaning.” Select “Damage to Interior.”
FAQ
Should I allow pets?
Financially? Probably not. The extra $50 fee rarely covers the risk of a chewed interior or permanent dog smell.
What if it was a service animal?
You must accept service animals (ADA law). You cannot charge a pet fee. However, if the service animal causes damage (chewing), the guest is still liable. Service animals are trained not to destroy cars; if it destroyed the car, it’s likely not a real service animal.
Does ozone remove dog smell?
Hardly. Dog dander gets into the AC evaporator. You need an enzyme cleaner and a professional detail.