Assistance Animal (non-service animal):

[David969]

I had a problem with an assistance animal.  Actually the guest had stated that had a pet and I informed them we allow pets and charge a pet fee.  I also informed the guest we didn't allow animals in the carpeted areas of the guest room, the bedroom being the only carpeted area.  Animals are allowed in the private hallway outside the bedroom.  The guest demanded the pet be allowed in the bedroom and I explained this is not allowed.  The guest cancelled and wanted a refund.  Then after the cancellation request came through for the first time the issue of an assistance animal was raised.  The subset of assistance animal was emotionap support.

We don't allow any animals in the bedroom.  I live in the home where we do AirBnB.  It is a shared space and I am in my home when the guests are here.  AirBnB's assistance animal policy has not been written to allow reasonable accomodation and the staff at AirBnB don't allow for reasonable accomodation.  They have a non-discrimination policy that allows limits for shared spaces such as a women only shared bathroom situation.  They don't currently have an equivalent policy for hosts.

AirBnB is treating hosts in a manner the ADA does not require.  I wish they would fix the policy.

[Ange2]

@David969    I agree it's an irresponsible, ill-considered policy, broad based for Airbnb to avoid lawsuits—myopic at best.  Because, ironically, it will end up backfiring on everyone , encourage intolerance, and in particular against those it is meant to protect, i.e. people  who really do require emotional or therapeutic assistance animals for valid reasons plus  it encourages and allows more abuse by guests  -  i.e. those who want to travel with their pets and lie about them being support animals.

Airlines are now limiting what can and cannot be regarded as an assistance animal (due to people abusing the system) and there is even talk of certificates  being mandated to prove validity. That is one way  to resolve it, but  it could well become an invasion of privacy depending on how it is approached, as well as being an onerous burden to those who most need this kind of support.

The only clause in Airbnb policy that may apply to you is:

"if your listing includes a shared space and an assistance animal would create a health or safety hazard to you or others (e.g. allergies and pets who are unable to share space with other animals due to a safety concern), we will not require you to host the guests with the assistance animal."

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1869/what-is-an-assistance-animal%3F

Another problem is,  even if your place says no pets (no animals) Airbnb forces you on pain of penalty to host them under this policy.  This could well cause problems for other guests who booked expecting an animal free environment—thus the listing becomes inaccurate because of Airbnb policy.  It's a catch-22 for a host. No doubt the guest would be refunded so again the host is forced to absorb all risk and be de facto free insurance agent for Airbnb.

[Yvonne191]

Pet fur or hair isn't the worst part of allergies. 

Pet Dander is and it can be an ardous task to completly get clean and  eraditcate.

I have guest and family who count on staying in a dander free enviroment. Their rights count as well.

I can't afford the time nor do I want to clean like this everyday and no one should have to.

How To Clean Your House to Rid It of Pet Dander

1. Wash your walls and ceiling with hot soapy water.
2. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter and vacuum everything. ...
3. Operate an air cleaner with a HEPA filter in your bedroom and main living areas.
4. Steam clean carpets and upholstery...

[Kenneth12]

Note ABB's page on this:  https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1869/what-is-an-assistance-animal

and that there is little clarity on whether hosts can require documentation for an emotional support animal if that is the claim.

Also note that assistance animals are,  according to the page,  not to be left alone-- a bit odd,  but it says that-- no idea how CSRs might handle an actual situation.

[Allison372]

AirBnb's policy should be using the same definitions and privileges outlined by the ADA. Per adata.org "While Emotional Support Animals or Comfort Animals are often used as part of a medical treatment plan as therapy animals, they are not considered service animals under the ADA." It is unfair that AirBnb makes up their own term "Assistance Animal" and provides the same privileges as highly specialized service dogs. While we feel Service Animals are a huge tool and benefit to individuals with disabilities - some, not all, emotional support dogs owners are abusing the situation and spoiling a good thing. AirBnb is allowing, seemingly encouraging, guest to circumnavigate a host's pet policy.