According to Airbnb, most guests search for pet-friendly vacation rentals.
However, if they don’t find one at their destination, they may fail to disclose that they will bring along their pet. This can be a huge problem if your space is not pet-friendly.
Sometimes they travel long distances only to show up with pets without permission. If that happens, you might ask, what now?
In this article, you will learn what to do if your Airbnb guest brings pets without permission.
Most importantly, you will learn to implement stricter screening and booking procedures to prevent unauthorized pets in the future.
How to Deal With Airbnb Guests That Bring Pets Without Permission
Don’t worry. There are many ways to deal with Airbnb guests who bring pets to your premise without permission.
You can add a pet fee to your charges, confirm if the pet is causing damages or discomfort to property or others, and seek reimbursement for pet damages.
You can also involve Airbnb customer support to resolve the situation amicably.
1. Add a Pet Fee to the Guest’s Nightly Charges
To deal with Airbnb guests who bring pets without permission, consider adding a pet fee to their nightly charges. This fee should cover any additional cleaning or damages caused by the pet during the guest’s stay.
Clearly state your pet policy in your listing and communicate it to guests before they book. If a guest arrives with a pet, have a conversation with them to explain the fee and ask for their agreement.
If they refuse to pay, ask them to leave.
In some cases, guests may miss reading your no-pet policy. So it’s crucial to handle the situation with empathy and professionalism. Nonetheless, a clear pet policy can help avoid surprises during a guest’s stay.
2. Seek Reimbursement for Pet Damages Through Aircover for Hosts
As an Airbnb host, dealing with guests who bring pets without permission can be challenging. Enroll in Airbnb’s Aircover for Hosts program to protect your property and seek reimbursement for any pet damages.
It is an insurance policy that covers damages caused by guests, including those caused by pets. To file a claim, take photos of any damages and submit them to Airbnb along with a description of the incident.
Airbnb will review the claim and, if approved, will reimburse you for the damages up to the coverage limit. Remember, clear communication and a plan are vital to avoiding surprises.
3. Determine if the Pet Is a Service Animal or an Emotional Support Animal
First, determine if the pet is a service or emotional support animal to handle this situation. Service animals are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act and cannot be denied entry.
On the other hand, emotional support animals are not protected, and you can choose to decline them. When in doubt, request guest documentation to verify the animal’s status.
Although you may allow service animals, inform the guests not to leave the pet alone in the room.
You should also review your Airbnb listing’s pet policy and enforce it consistently to avoid confusion and ensure a pleasant guest experience.
4. Help the Guest and Their Pet to Find an Alternative Accommodation
Another solution is to assist the guest and their pet in finding alternative accommodation. You can do this by providing a list of pet-friendly hotels or Airbnb listings in the area.
You can also assist in booking and ensure the guest knows if there are any additional fees or policies related to pet stays.
By helping the guest and their pet find a new place to stay, you can maintain a positive relationship with the guest while also upholding your no-pet policy.
This approach can prevent negative reviews and ensure a smooth resolution for both parties.
5. Ask Airbnb to Cancel the Guest’s Booking
Cleaning pet dander and dealing with their damage can be frustrating and time-consuming if the guest did not communicate beforehand. Besides, pets can make your room dangerous to allergic guests.
Therefore, it is essential to communicate your pet policy to guests beforehand.
But if a guest brings a pet without permission, you can reach out to Airbnb’s support team and request that the booking be canceled. Explain the situation and provide evidence, such as photos, if possible.
Airbnb may require the guest to find alternative accommodations and refund you for the inconvenience. Also, follow Airbnb’s policies and procedures to avoid any potential conflicts.
6. Update Your Airbnb Listing Details
If a guest brings a pet without permission, consider updating your Airbnb listing details to ensure that future guests know your policy.
You can include a strict no-pet policy or specify the types of pets allowed and any associated fees.
Updating your Airbnb listing details can also help reduce the risk of damages or allergens for future guests.
Additionally, consider including a section in your listing description specifically for pet policies to emphasize the importance of following the rules.
It will prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. However, you may still have to deal with guests who did not read the listing. In that case, consider a pet fee for deep cleaning the room afterward.
7. Involve Airbnb Customer Support to Resolve the Situation Amicably
As an Airbnb host, it is important to address pet-related incidents promptly and professionally.
If a guest brings a pet without permission, you can contact Airbnb’s customer support to resolve the situation amicably.
Airbnb’s customer support team can mediate the situation and guide how to proceed. They may require the guest to find alternative accommodations, issue a refund, or impose a penalty.
Remember, it’s essential to remain calm and respectful during these situations.
Involving Airbnb customer support can help ensure a fair resolution for all parties involved and maintain a positive experience for future guests.
8. Involve Local Law Enforcement to Resolve the Situation if Necessary
As an Airbnb host, it is crucial to protect your property and the safety of your guests.
If a guest brings a pet without permission and cannot resolve the situation amicably through Airbnb’s customer support, you may need to involve local law enforcement.
Before involving the authorities, ensure that you have followed Airbnb’s policies and procedures and have clear evidence of the violation.
Provide law enforcement officials with the necessary information, such as the guest’s name and booking details.
In some cases, the authorities may require the guest to vacate the premises immediately or may take legal action against the guest.
Involving local law enforcement should be a last resort, but it is an option in extreme circumstances.
Conclusion
If your Airbnb guests bring pets without permission, add a pet fee to their nightly charges or seek reimbursement for pet damages through Airbnb’s Aircover for Hosts.
You should also determine whether the pet is a service or emotional support animal. If it is the latter, assist the guest and their pet in finding alternative accommodation.
Effective communication, empathy, and a clear pet policy can help avoid incidents and ensure a fair resolution.
Do you have a no-pet policy? How did you deal with your guest and their pet? Share your experiences with me in the comments below.
