Spanish Phrase
Puede que pidan un depósito por mascota.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘They may ask for a deposit per pet.’ It is typically used when discussing rental agreements, hotel policies, or any service that might charge an extra fee for each animal.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to warn or inform someone that a landlord, hotel, or other service provider could require an additional security deposit for each pet that a guest brings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Puedequepidanundepósitopormascota
Puede que + subjunctive
The construction *puede que* expresses possibility and always triggers the subjunctive mood in the verb that follows.
Pidan (subjunctive)
*Pidan* is the present subjunctive form of *pedir* (they may ask). It is used after *puede que*.
por + noun (per/for each)
The preposition *por* can mean ‘per’ or ‘for each’, indicating that the deposit is required for every pet.
🗨In Conversation
¿Hay algún cargo extra si llevo a mi perro?
Is there any extra charge if I bring my dog?
Puede que pidan un depósito por mascota.
They may ask for a deposit per pet.
✕Common Mistakes
Puede que piden un depósito por mascota.
After *puede que* you must use the subjunctive, not the indicative.
Puede que pidan un depósito de mascota.
The preposition *por* (per) is needed, not *de*.
Puede que pidan depósito mascota.
You need the article *un* before *depósito* and the preposition *por* after it.
↔Alternatives
Es posible que soliciten un depósito por cada mascota.
It’s possible they will request a deposit for each pet.
Tal vez requieran un depósito adicional por mascota.
Perhaps they require an additional deposit per pet.
Podrían cobrar un depósito por mascota.
They could charge a deposit per pet.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, landlords and hotels often ask for a *depósito* (security deposit) when a pet stays on the premises. The phrase is usually said in a neutral or slightly formal register, so using *puede que* + subjunctive sounds polite and non‑committal. Remember that the amount and the requirement can vary widely by region, so it’s always good to ask for the exact terms in writing.