Automated air freshener dispensers and cartridges therefor are provided herein. Air freshener dispensers include a housing having a cavity for receiving a cartridge containing an air freshening substance for release, a fan that induces an airflow through the housing and directs the airflow to an area outside of the air freshener dispenser, such that released air freshening substance is entrained in the airflow, a motor for driving the fan, at least one sensor, and a controller that receives a signal from the at least one sensor and directs operation of the fan in response thereto.