I’ve only had 2 booking requests in 10 years that said they couldn’t stay if dogs had been in the house. Initially I said no dogs but then realized requests who had that caveat were FAR fewer than those asked if they could bring their dog. Plus, I am a huge dog lover. So I decided to word it that I prefer no dogs but if they want to bring one to let me know. So I always say yes, but that means I get specific information about the dog and can send a few of caveats (flea free, won’t be left outside to bark, not allowed on furniture and beds, and won’t claw the doors). I charge a meagre $25 extra but it’s enough to feel okay about some extra dog hair. I do have wall to wall carpet in portions of my house but I use FOLEX spot carpet cleaner - it is truly miraculous.
I have two large, wonderful, friendly, beautiful, white English labs. We live in the house where our Airbnb unit is. Our dogs have been trained to never go downstairs into the Airbnb unit. They have never , ever set foot in the Airbnb.
I don’t allow other dogs in our unit, why? Because the next guest may be allergic to dogs.
Our dogs are available to be pet and greeted either at the top of the stairs or outdoors in our very large yard.
We’ve had guests come BECAUSE they saw photos of our dogs and wanted to meet them.
So you don’t put poison plants in your unit to deter animals- and yes done anxious dogs may eat them, but so may small children if you allow guests to bring their babies or toddlers as we do-
If you want to broaden your horizons make your unit kid /baby friendly - we get people specifically for that reason.
So “no dogs allowed because the next guests may be allergic and our dogs have never been in the unit” is the easy answer.,
Good luck!
Margi
I have a home share, and have a large friendly dog, who has the run of the house except for the guest room. I allow guests to bring a dog, but they must agree to having the dog with them at all times. They are not allowed to leave the dog in their room (or roaming the house) when the guests are not there. That discourages a lot of people.
So far, I’ve had good luck with the furry guests–with the exception of 1 guest whose dog POOPED ON MY COUCH. They were there at the time, and paid for cleaning. It was a tiny dog, thank goodness.
I’d rather have my house sit empty than allow dogs. I will only permit genuine service dogs.
In my experience, tiny dogs are much more likely to be poorly trained. Can you imagine a 70 pound dog trying to squat on a sofa to take a dump? It’s a pretty good bet that would never happen.
Yes small dogs certainly get away with being aggressive, poorly trained or worse. Partly because their owners always pick them up to protect them.
A large dog doesn’t have small dog mentality in that way, somewhat because their owners know how important it is for their dogs to be good citizens and ambassadors for their breeds.
We just had another Service animal experience that went smoothly.
uh, an accident, I’m getting used to this format.
thanks for your help.