Service dog request

[Elizabeth2327]

I have a series of messages from a guest with no profile photo and limited information in their profile asking to bring a service dog.  My listing states no pets.  Is there ain AirBnB policy/reccommendation on service pets?  Can I decline a booking if the person looks kinda shady? (This is my first time listing.)

[Anonymous]

@Elizabeth2327  Read through this article to see Airbnb's position on this:  https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1869/assistance-animals

Basically, if you're renting out an Entire Home without shared spaces, you're not allowed to refuse a service animal. And Airbnb takes a broader view of what constitutes a service animal than the ADA requires, since it makes no meaningful distinction between a seeing-eye dog and an "emotional support" hippopotamus. This won't be the last time the issue comes up, and in the future you'll eventually have guests bringing an animal without disclosing it beforehand. You might want to think carefully about whether Airbnb's policy is a suitable fit for your needs here - there are other listing platforms to consider if it doesn't.

Even so, Airbnb does not have any authority to force you to accept a booking you're uncomfortable with. If you choose to decline a request, be careful not to give a reason that could be construed as discrimination. Perhaps you have an unexpected schedule change, and have to block off a date within the requested time frame....

[Elizabeth2327]

Just got a message asking for my phone number now.  I think this is a scam or something.  Is there a way to block them from booking?

[Anonymous]

@Elizabeth2327 https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2020/how-do-i-report-a-message-or-block-someone-on-airbnb