What to do if a listing didn't list their pets and you are allergic?

[Cori15]

I booked an airbnb home that never listed that they have a cat. Upon arriving I noticed that they have a cat. The cat is allowed everywhere in the house. I am allergic to cats. I have been sneezing, and itching since I arrived. I also have seasonal allergies on top of being allergic to the cat. I bought some allergy medicine, Zyrtec, but it hasn't seemed to help with the cat allergy. We have the place booked for 42 more days. I am not sleeping due to the allergies keeping me up. Host offered to clean and vacuum daily which is kind, but it won't take my allergies away. Is it possible to get a refund for all the days we have left and find another booking? I am go ooooh ng to be working and can't afford to have these allergies to the cat keeping me from doing so.

[Linda108]

@Cori15   You have already discussed the problem with the host and the host action is not sufficient to alleviate your allergic reaction.  Your next step is to contact Air BNB by phone and request assistance with relocation and refund.  You should have the contact information, but just in case you need it, here is a guide for contacting them.

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Contact-Airbnb-A-Community-Help-Guide/m-p/16165#M728

[Cori15]

Linda, thank you for getting back to me with this information. Due to the allergies there isn't much the host can do at this point. I'm allergic and a cat was not mentioned anywhere on the listing.

Thank you for the contact info as well. I'm new to the Airbnb world and appreciate your help and feedback. 😊

[Sarah977]

@Cori15  Hosts should definitely mention in their listing if they have pets. So hopefully Airbnb can take care of getting you rehoused.

But in the future, please keep in mind that if a guest has allergies or other physical disabilities that the guest should also be pro-active when looking to book an accomodation. In other words, don't just book a place without messaging the host first to confirm they don't have cats or anything else one might be allergic to. It's your health that's at stake, so best not to make assumptions. Doing this could have saved both you and the host a hassle.