Unexpected pet

[Phil3544]

Hey friends just looking for some thoughts on this scenario 

we have some guests that just arrived from Greece. Super friendly and respectful.....but, they showed up with a dog. Our listing says we don’t allow pets, but I’m guessing they just didn’t read the rules. We live right next door (also stated in the listing) and they def aren’t acting like they are trying to hide the dog from us. The dog seems very mild mannered btw. Not a puppy or aggressive breed etc 

I feel like this was probably a misunderstanding, and I wouldn’t kick out an international traveler over it, but wondering how other hosts would proceed. We are new and still trying to build our base of 5 star reviews. First time anyone has neglected a house rule

Thanks in advance for any thoughts!

-Phil

[Phil3544]

just like you guys said, when I talked to them about it they said it was an ESA. Thanks everyone for the heads up, it made me better prepared for the convo

I said no problem (what else can I do) and just asked that they clean up after it. apparently you can just buy a ESA cert for like 70 bucks online, the whole thing is a joke

Gave my cleaner a heads up to come early and tipped him 20 because there was fur everywhere when they left. Fortunately it was a older dog that just laid on the rug all day, didn’t cause any damage or headache. it worked out that they were super grateful we let them stay, and left us a great review. 

I think I’m going to update my listing to say we are a bad fit for animals (no doggy door, no yard, kids running around etc) and try to discourage people with ESAs from choosing our place. 

Colleen thanks so much for posting that resource!

[Brooke323]

Good evening y’all. This is my official first post & I am so frustrated with people already. Lol 
I have my 2nd booking now & they showed up to my listing, (pet friendly…just announce it) and of course let their Dog free on the property much to my surprise. Here’s the 2 part problem… I am a Farm. I have no problem with your animal, however, respect would have announced it (yes charging them) and allowed me to have the farm ready for your animal. Right? Gates were open etc. How do I move forward with this one…gently as I am taking deep breath’s just having caught a loose dog. 
I know I sound snarky in text but please imagine me in my boots chasing animals… and well trust me I’m laughing. I just NEED a solution… I have the 1st thing on the check in instructions as a “gate” acknowledgment… I spell out that I am a fully fenced Farm 😁 I really want this to work as I know it’s a special place, but it’s the farms live ly hood… see what I did there. I’m trying y’all! Help me please…

[Jane3321]

Thank you, Phil, for raising this issue. I also have a stated no pet policy, but my current guests brought their dog--in blatant disregard of my house rules. My dilemma is that I became aware of this issue because I noticed the pet on my outdoor security camera feed. So to address this issue with my current guests seems creepy, like I'm spying on them. Any advice? Thanks.

[Sarah977]

@Jane3321  Do you have neighbors  nearby you are friendly with? One strategy is to tell guests that your neighbor, who is well aware you don't accept pets, informed you that they have a dog there.

[Emilie]

Hi @Phil3544 and all,

I wanted to let you know that our policy had now been updated to honour your concerns in regards to emotional support animals, giving you more control over pet fees. You can find more information here. 

Thanks again for sharing your experiences and feedback with us!

Emilie