Pet Rules/Fees

[Carolyn724]

I seriously cannot make this up.  I have a strict no pet policy.  My partner is extremely allergic to most things-this is our home-not only an airbnb property.  I am thankful for our exterior security cameras!  My property is in GA-they came from TN.  Our security cameras showed the guest walking out of our living room (which has all white sofas etc.) onto our enclosed porch/office areas-following her was a chicken-yes, you read correctly a chicken!  When I spoke with the guest about this, she stated that the chicken babysitter cancelled at last minute so they had no choice but to bring the chicken (from their home 8 hours away)....she assured me that the chicken was kept in a cage.  I said, clearly that is not the case when I have it on video flapping out of the living room, onto the enclosed porch, entering the office area.  Now, in addition to this -when I said om gosh, a chicken pooping all over my house, she told me that the chicken wears a diaper-pls. note-chicken in video not wearing a diaper...... she is still at property and i have to worry about her destroying my house!  She stated the chicken left with her in-laws so, question is i now have to have my cleaning company do a really thorough disinfect-which I will insist guest pay for-but i feel she should pay a pet fee-total disregard for rules and our home really upsets me.  Please note that this is not a therapy/comfort animal

[Dave-and-Deb0 · Accepted solution]

Oh @Carolyn724

II am so sorry to hear about this "fowl experience".  For some reason, things just no longer surprise or amaze me. 

You should not have a problem getting an additional cleaning payment from the guest provided that there is in fact extra cleaning required.  Please make sure that you take detailed photos in case of extra cleaning required or any damage.  You will of course have your video evidence as well to provide to Airbnb if required.  No matter what the circumstances, a guest should not be bringing in a chicken in an Airbnb listing.  I am however not sure how successful you would be in collecting a pet fee especially since you do not allow pets in your listing but you could certainly try.

[Joan2709]

Wow...just wow! But like @Dave-and-Deb0 said; I shouldn't be surprised. I have actually added to our pet policy in additional rules we only accept dogs (no puppies). I'm gonna have to add "no other animals except dogs (no puppies)" now. 😒

I would add a statement that you do NOT accept pets of any kind. Then add a fine for undisclosed pets of any kind.

Be advised that unless you are a home share situation (which it doesn't seem you are), or you receive an exemption for your health reasons (which it sounds like you would), you must accept service animals (including miniature horses and dogs) per airbnb policy. They do say you need to notify them "proactively" to obtain the exemption. Not sure what that means? You might want to get that nailed down in writing with CS before a situation arises with a guest showing up with a "service animal" or "service chicken". Although it looks like only dogs or minature horses can be classified as "service animals" 😂😂

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1869

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3052

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

Service Animal: A dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.

• What we allow:
• Guests are allowed to be accompanied by service animals during a stay or Experience and are not required to disclose the presence of a service animal before booking. A Host may qualify for an exemption in certain circumstances — for instance, if the service animal directly threatens their health or safety.
• Host health or safety exemptions for service animals: If a Host is unable to host service animals for reasons such as the animal would pose a direct threat to the health and safety of a permanent resident at their home, Hosts may be granted an exemption if they notify us proactively.