Guests wanting to book with no reviews and 2 verifications.

[Tasha20]

Hi All,

Looking for some reassurance and feedback from seasoned hosts.  I have a guest that is looking to book for a long weekend this week.  She seems lovely and genuine in correspondance, but has no previous stays, so no reviews and only 2 basic verifications.  I was okay with all this, but then asked if she was bringing a dog (noticed profile mentioned 'fur baby'), to which she responded 'no, but as pet-friendly was hoping it's okay to bring cat'.  Is this usual?  I've never heard of a cat coming on holiday...but we are not pet people ourselves, so...you know!!  Any thoughts welcome before I hit  that 'Accept' button!!

[Alexandra316]

@Tasha20 If you want her to add more verifications before you accept, you can request that she does so. However, lots of guest don't have any reviews yet or much in the way of verification. It's up to you: if you're not feeling comfortable, ask for more.

My primary listing is dog friendly, but we don't accept cats. They are prone to damaging furniture and there is the issue with cat box smells. I do still get requests from people who want to bring their cats, even though we specifically exclude them in our house rules, so people definitely do bring their cats with them on trips. Only you can decide whether or not you want to accept them. I woudn't, but that's me.

[Mike340]

@Tasha20

People do bring cats especially if they have no one to look after the cat whilst they are away. Your guest may in fact be bringing the cat because they have no other option. I hope your guest brings a towel or something so you dont get a lot of cat hair to brush up. If you dont have an out of the way place for the cat litter tray then maybe search for a larger cardboard box to surround it with....that is what I do....

[Rebecca181]

@Tasha20 The most important verification is the Government-Issued photo ID. I will not accept guests who have not submitted this to ABB.

Next: Does the UK have any laws / ordinances around Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)? ABB's current anti-discrimination policy requires hosts to accept ESAs even if we are not legally required to do so, so watch out for that. If this guest did not mention the cat is an ESA, you have to decide if you want to take the risks of having a cat there. If it is not an ESA, you can send a request through ABB that a pet fee be paid (for cleaning or any damages that ensue). Or, if you are concerned about damages, smell, or future guests experiencing health issues due to allergies (hard to find every single hair everywhere, no matter what some people claim) you can simply refuse to book her and decline. However, this will impact your Acceptance rate, but if you don't decline often, that should not be too big of a concern.

[Sarah977]

@Tasha20  If you're okay with the cat, there is no reason to decline the request just because the guest is new and therefore has no reviews, and especially since you say you get a good vibe from your messaging with her. When we first start out hosting, if no one booked with us just because we had no reviews yet, we'd never get that first booking and review. I've had several new users and they were fine.

[Lawrene0]

What did you decide, @Tasha20? I had a cat request as well last week for a weekend this summer. We are a camping spot in the woods. Like you, I hadn't heard of cats coming on holiday, but I'm not against it. I just warned them that it might be the last they see of kitty if she takes off. They booked anyway, cat and all. The coyotes couldn't be more excited. 

[Tasha20]

Thanks for all your feedback.  I messaged the guest again and mentioned house rules states no pets on furniture and could she bring a bed and litter tray to ensure house was kept tidy during her stay.  Yes, guests have to start somewhere with their profile/feedback and as cohost I eagerly awaited that first booking and review to get us on the first rung!!  So, I've accepted booking, which guest is thrilled about!  Will check ESAs...thanks for bringing that up @Rebecca181 Had not thought of that...and that's bound to crop up in the future, so will make sure I know legalities for then.