Emotional Support Dog

[Ann29966]

I was just informed by my guest upon arrival to my no-pet Condo that they brought a Pit Bull as an emotional support dog. The documentation that was given to me (over email) wasn't in the name of the guest who made the reservation and also my homeowners insurance doesn't cover Pit Bulls. Where is the fine line that defines my rights?

Any comments are welcome, excluding those who are focused on the breed, which I have no problem with personally.

Thank you.

[Jillian115]

@Ann29966 AirBnb says guests do not need to disclose or provide documentation. You can file a claim if the animal causes damage that seems about it.  I'm actually a bit surprised by this. It seems with so many false claims of support dogs these days documentation should be a requirement. https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1869/assistance-animals 

[Colleen253]

@Ann29966 Airbnb lumps ESA's in with service animals in their policy, so if you wish to prevent your listing being suspended, you'll have to accomodate. Unfortunate, I know. As Jillian mentioned, there is allowance for compensation if the animal damages anything. Also note,

A Host may ask a guest to remove a service animal if:

1. The animal is out of control and the animal’s handler does not take effective action to control it
2. The animal is not housebroken

In either scenario, the Host must still give the guest the opportunity to stay at their place without the animal. And given their role in providing service or emotional support, assistance animals shouldn’t be left alone at a listing.

[Jen-and-Garrett0]

Crazy that we have to accept any animals banned by our business insurance? Who is liable in case of a biting incident?

[Fred13]

I am looking forward to the day that some fool wants to bring a Boa Constrictor as an Emotional Support Animal from 'The Land of Confusion'.

[Sarah977]

@Fred13  Well, seeing as how Airbnb is now telling guests they can show up with 5 pets, it'll be the boa constrictor, the dog, the cat, the cockatoo, and the pot-bellied pig. At least the boa constrictor doesn't constantly poop all over the place 🙂

[Fred13]

Five (5) pets, you can't be serious? This is so childish it is little wonder why most sane people do not take the whole thing seriously, till they have to sit next to a pig in an airplane.

[Ted307]

@Ann29966 I agree with the others who have posted here -- Air BnB lets these animal owners bring their ESA, the animal gets to stay no charge, and the owner does not even have to let us know that they are bringing it. Our only recourse as hosts might be in the review, to let other hosts know that this guest travels with an emotional support pit bull. We are not allowed to discriminate against such renters, which is why they do not have to disclose that they will be bringing these animals. I would find another reason not to accept such a booking if I could, after reading your review. Leave an honest review on the guests, ALL of them, including the animal. I have reviews regarding the African Grey parrot I travel with, and welcome them. I always tell the host when we are bringing the bird, and clean up all seeds or feathers that she contributes!

Chris