Huge problem for me and for many others.
Airbnb is now asking guests if they have a pet, service animal, or ESA.
People do not realize that an ESA and a service animal are two totally different things.
ESA's do NOT have the same rights as a service animal.
Anyone that is familiar with the law (ADA) knows this and knows that ESA's are a bogus excuse to bring their pet.
Granted, there are legit ESA owner's, BUT they also have to provide a legal letter from a licensed doctor stating that the pet needs to be with it's owner. Many do not know this!
It is clearly stated on the ADA website.
Plus, what happens if a pet is not up to date on it's shots and it bites someone?
Does Airbnb ask for proper documentation of the vaccines for the pet??
What if you have a strict policy "No pets allowed" and a guest lies and say's "Oh he/she an ESA" and provides no documentation?
What if the pet destroys your property?
Is Airbnb going to handle this?
For instance, our resort does not allow pets, period.
Service animals by law have to be accepted at any establishment.
ESA's are pets, and if us owners/hosts get caught with having a "pet" in our property, the HOA will fine us owners, $250.00 PER DAY for as long as the pet is in our property.
Is Airbnb going to stand behind the host/owner and pay this fine??
I bet not!
Is Airbnb going to ask for a legal letter from a doctor stating that this pet needs to be with the owner???
I'm 99% sure they will not.
Anyone knows, AND can tell the difference between a service animal and a pet.
Service animals are trained and stay by the side of the owners.
ESA's wonder off or go off far on a leash. They bark, jump on people, get distracted easily and personally, I really do hate when people use their pet as an excuse that they are an ESA.
Tons of hosts are now in a dilemma.
Tons of hosts are going to be leaving Airbnb because of this new question they are asking guests.
We have strict policies for a reason.
How to we address this to Airbnb?
I've already talked with them on the phone and messaged them.
Guess what?
NO response and the case has been closed with no comments.