Reservations

[Susan_Bill0]

We are new to Air B N B.  We posted our listing and had someone ask to reserve it yesterday for a month.  He has two huge dogs and although we Are pet friendly, I am hesitant about this because our property has been redone completely including new floors. I briefly chatted with him via messages. We accepted his reservation yesterday but he hasn't responded to commit.  Is this common? 

[Paul154]

This is not a guest issue. He's just doing what guests do. Inquire then procrastinate.

This is a host issue. You are conflicted. 

You have just redone you house ($$) and are pet-friendly.

Reduce your stress. Make an executive decision.

Accept pets and their consequences OR Don't accept pets

Ether way, it will be OK

[Susan_Bill0]

Thanks Paul! You're right, we are both older and really don't mind small dogs, but two over 60 lbs each can make a lot of noise!

[Sue-and-Andrew0]

Completely normal for guests to evaluate their options - particularly if they're staying for as long as a month... it's a long time to stay in a place so they of course want to make sure it's perfect for them and choose the best option.

If you raised any concern over their dogs, then they may well be concerned about bringing them - how would they feel if their dogs do actually mess something up...?

[Susan_Bill0]

Thats probably what happened. I don't mind small dogs but big dogs can do some damage. I have one!! These dogs were both over 60 lbs. The other thing that bothered me was he was going to be working an hour away so that would leave the dogs inside for over 10 hours.  

[Paul154]

I would deny his inquiry. 

It is not appropriate to have two large dogs and then leave them in a strange house.

Not cool.

This guest has shown you that he is poor judgement.

He wants to make his problem your problem.

[Steve2743]

Wrong. My 110 pound Lab/Bernard cross does just fine when left alone in a strange place. Are you calling me irresponsible because I've trained my dog well, know her temperament, and how she behaves in certain conditions, and act accordingly? Blanket statements don't do anyone any good, thank you. 

That said, there are many irresponsible dog owners out there, who don't properly train them, or will leave them unattended, despite knowing that their dog won't handle it well. This is why I no longer allow pets. If I were to allow pets again, I'd disable instant book, and only allow guests with pets after a detailed conversation about the dog. 

[Paul154]

It is never about the dog.

It is about the owner and the choices they make.

I'm sure your dog is very nice. I'm sure you are very nice.

However, you are a stranger to me.

The host here must make a quick decision about accepting 2 large dogs in his newly remodeled house.

In these situations, he must rely on "The standard" of the competition about what is "reasonable" 

In my area, many hotels and apartments have a size limit - about 35 lbs. If a host goes beyond this standard he should be charging a premium, have a very pet safe house and a more sophisticated method of determing veracity.  Else he risks being scammed.

Please follow my logic.

"I like to travel and I like to stay at Airbnb" +

"I know that many hosts don't like pets, or many pets or large pets" =

"I've got it! I'll get 2 large dogs AND stay at Airbnb. That will make me a good easy guest!"

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Susan_Bill0

if they have sent you an INQUIRY and you preapproved it and they did not book after that - you can still unapprove it. 

if they have sent you an REQUEST and you approved then they booked. If you cancel now all those days will be blocked for future bookings, you will get automated review and 50-100€ fee. 

[Steve2743]

My very first guest brought a dog that ended up going getting scared, and went ape on the blinds. After that I said no more pets (as much as I love dogs...). 

[Lisa367]

we actually dont allow pets or kids.  you just never know how parents are these days.  i have let friends dogs stay at our house, but they were therapy dogs, very well trained and behaved.  in a month, 2 huge dogs could do a lot of damage.  if you dont feel comfortable, cancel the offer.  it wont hurt your ratings.