I once saw a woman at a playground in San Francisco with a pit bull. It was illegal for the woman to be at the playground, because she was alone (adult not accompanied by children). I asked her to take her pit bull out and when she refused, I called the cops. They showed up and said if *I* didn’t leave they would arrest me and turn my (special needs) child over to child protective services, because it was a crime to ask someone if their animal was a service animal. I understand a thing or two about rights and discrimination, but this system is broken.
Whaaaaat?! That's honestly just crazy! Like you said, the system is broken. There has to be some kind of identification for service animals. Something small that you can carry in a wallet or a serial number to look up. Something! Anyone can pass their animal off as a service animal if you don't need some kind of proof. I'm sorry you had to go through that though. Woah.
Fr tho, my home is going to have 3 beds 1-2 guests each… there’s a decent chance over the next few years I will have a guest with allergies and a guest with service animals. In this circumstance I must accommodate 2 people who can’t co-exist. Not to mention the potential financial costs involved with cleaning after animals.
I did my research and by Federal Law you do not have to allow service animals in your primary residence when you use your home as a rental. That includes all rentals. Nobody has any allergies, I just refuse to host any animals. I even had a guest try to hide a dog, and I made them check out and they paid for the night they stayed. As long as you stand firm with your rules, and convey that to Airbnb, they will work with you and side with you as a host. However, yes it must be listed as a rule.
Hi Nancy, You're totally right and I was in the wrong for not mentioning this on my listing in the first place, but I do have it on my listing now. Airbnb was great and did work with me on the matter. Haven't had a problem since. Thanks for watching and your comment ♥️
As someone who lives with disabilities and has a SDIT(serv dog in training), you are very lucky the guest was understanding, and I don't say that lightly because I don't think you realize the bullet you dodged. Here is the problem: allergies are not a disability, and you are running a 'public accommodations' business which means it is your job to know the laws in your state, the policies you have to follow while operating under the AirBnB name, knowing your rights and knowing the rights of your guests. Those are all of YOUR burdens, not the guests. Before I became disabled, I worked in the pub accommodations industry for most of my life. Bars, hotels, car dealerships, retail, customer service and so on; and I have worked on and off for my family's business too. The reason we don't need to tell you we have a SD(service dog) because under the law, a SD is considered as "medical equipment/medical treatment". Ok lets reverse the situation and lets say you are booking with my listing and you have a broken leg so you have to use crutches or you need an oxygen tank to breathe; would you inform me about it? Probably not. Those crutches could ruin my floors, or your oxygen tank could blow up in my house; both scenarios would cost me extra to repair/replace/clean etc. Still, is it the same thing? Allergies are not a disability where you are in need of medical attention 24/7. And I also want to point out a few other things too... 1. Cats are not the same as dogs. And most people are allergic to the cat due to its saliva which can get on their fur. And the good news is that the ADA and federal law only consider service animals as DOGS or MINI Horses. No cats. 2. More and more SD handlers are switching to or are starting with a hypoallergenic dog which means it doesn't really shed or leave a lot of dandruff on furniture. They are smarter which means they are easier to train and real SD are known for their obedience skills. Its because they HAVE TO BE INVISIBLE when in public. There are more chances of someone's pet or kids ruining your home vs a real SD, and most handlers are very conscious of these things when traveling and using an AirBnB (my reviews speak for themselves lol just sayin) or staying in hotels. We feel your eyes watching and judging us, trust me. We are aware of the stigma so the last thing we would want to do is to make any of that worse; however with all of that said, it doesn't mean that we shouldn't be able to enjoy a stay just because we have a disability that is out of our control. Allergies are something you can control, and shouldn't be compared to someone's disability. It doesn't mean that your husband's breathing is not a serious issue because it is and I am so glad that you ARE making this video because it starts the conversation. Both sides need to be able to understand one another a little more clearer. Yes, we do get discriminated against all the time when we tell someone we have a SD (and yeah, we are doing YOU the courtesy by letting you know). Yes, hosts try to charge people illegally for their SD to stay at their listing. And no, we don't want to explain our disability to you or why we have a SD because its no one's business. It violates our HIPPA rights. This is why there is also no LEGAL DOCUMENTS SHOWING PROOF that this is a legit SD. And if someone DOES show you an ID or says their dog is registered and here is their info: THAT IS A FAKE AND YOU MUST MAKE A REPORT. I would like to refer you to the ADA (American's with Disabilities Act) because that is where all the info is for the FEDERAL SD laws can be found. And then you follow that up with what your state laws are and go from there. Please, don't be one of those hosts that makes it all about them and their rights only, because you seem like a legit good person who just doesn't fully understand the situation. Hey, if you don't know then you don't know, but now that you do know; I suggest just looking into it a little more ya know? Try to see from our side of things too. Thats how situations like this one can be avoided in the future AND it helps you as a business owner too! Maybe offer an air purifier in the home where it can cut your cleaning costs down a little, and if you invest in a good one then you don't have to worry as much about your husbands allergies. Its great that you updated your listing, but that still doesn't stop anyone with a SD from being able to access your listing, and hopefully decent people will respect that but sometimes things happen and what if your place is the only one affordable for them and available? As a business owner, I would think you would try a little harder to work with the situation instead of trying to find a loop hole. And by making those extra accommodations, that only makes your business grow adding more revenue. And if you are not willing to do any of this, then maybe this isn't the business for you and you guys should try something else, because this is the gamble you take when you open your primary home up to the public in this way. Anyone who runs a BnB of any kind, or even if you own part of a franchise hotel or something, knows these things and this is also what insurance is for too. At the end of the day, you did discriminate against someone with disabilities only you didn't realize you did it. Now you know, and how you act moving forward with your business will depend on you and your choices. Tell your husband to get on an allergy medicine if you guys are going to open your home up because this is part of the job and you are not special enough to be above the same laws that all of us have to follow too, including disabled people. If they trash your place, then obviously not ok and they deserve to be punished for it. Believe me when I say that I don't like the current established rules either, because it doesn't really protect the real SD out there. I hope this helps and I wish nothing but the best of luck for your BnB!
‘Service animals” I can understand, but nowadays there’s what people call “emotional support animals” which is something not proven clinically and you can get a letter online by paying a ridiculous fee and now your animal is “certified”, and the worst part is that Airbnb supports this joke… so it’s a free for all, anybody can travel with any kind of animal there’s an amazing article on the New Yorker called “pets allowed” by Patricia Marx… look it up it’s hilarious!
Thank you OP for this comment, I don’t know why people are so ignorant about service animals. They are like having a cane or wheelchair. As a host it’s their job to know the law and it’s pretty clear. If someone needs that to function you take on that responsibility by signing up to be a host just like how hotels do and any other store that allows people to shop.
@@lalimom Its simple: if you don't want to run the risk of someone having a service dog in your precious ABnB, then don't be a host. All the other hosts have to do this, this person is not special when it comes to obeying the laws that WE ALL HAVE TO FOLLOW. And if you don't agree with the laws, then advocate/get involved/start a petition/attend a town hall meeting/get a lawyer. Is it easy to do? NO. Never said it was, but is it worth it? Absolutely. Allergies are not a disability and shame on this person for being such an entitled bitch about it. There are tons of people in this world with physical and mental disabilities that go on to do great things IN SPITE of their set backs and challenges. Maybe this person should pop an allergy pill and get over themselves. People with disabilities are allowed to go on vacations too. And instead of punishing them for a situation that they can't help, you could educate yourself about what it takes to be in the hospitality industry first before jumping in ass backwards. If I had to use certain medicines that you are uncomfortable with, do you still have a right to stop me from using said meds in your ABnB? Nope. And do you have a right to discriminate against me for needing those meds and denying me access to a place to stay for the night? Nope. So why should a service dog aka that person's medical equipment/life saver be any different? If its a real Service Dog, then the hosts shouldn't have a mess to clean up. This is the bigger problem. No one understands the training a SERVICE DOG goes through is like training for the Olympics compared to the training an average pet goes through. Service dogs provide a VERY REAL purpose to those who need them. So yeah, those dogs have special training that goes on for years, not including the additional training they may need as they get older. Service dogs are more behaved and well trained than a dog show champion. And yet they get treated like they are strays that wandered into the owners life. That's not how it works. My advice to the person who posted the video: if you are going to involve yourself in a business that serves THE PUBLIC, then you may want to consider ALL of the baggage that comes along. Get a lawyer and make sure you understand the laws. And do your own due diligence when it comes to customer care and how to provide adequate accommodations for any guest, INCLUDING those who are disabled. Otherwise get out of the hospitality business.
Same as restaurants in Washington State. You can’t discriminate. The thing with service animals is they are supposed to be basically nonexistent. Unless that person is having an episode. If the animal is jumping up or barking or anything like that it’s not a certified service animal.
Hey Megan! I completely understand the purpose of having a service animal and I think they are truly helpful for people who need them. But, to not notify a Host seems strange, but I can maybe see how Hosts could discriminante and that being a problem. But, my biggest concern is guests not having to provide documentation?! I feel as though people will abuse this for sure. Even if they don't show proof to the Host, they should have to provide documentation to Airbnb, just like they have to provide documentation like their ID or passport, etc.
@@YourHostJ I agree. I personally know of a friend of a friend who went and got their dog certified just so the dog could go everywhere they go. The dog doesn’t behave it’s self is on the table and barking at people walking by. This is not a service animal. I’ve seen plenty and the owners Al’s ask you not to engage because they’re working and not meant to get attention.
@@megantye9889 That's what I am saying! Ugh, but we'll always have the rule breakers. Remember the airlines having a crazy amount of complaints and problems a couple of years ago with "service animals"? People had every type of service animal! Reptiles, birds, etc. It was so ridiculous, it was funny. But, just to say, there has to be some middle ground to protect all parties. To be honest, I definitely don't have the answer, but Airbnb has a huge team and I'm sure someone in there can come up with something 😂
Not always, I mean you have to remember, SD are still dogs at the end of the day lol they will bark; however its the handlers job to gain and keep control. You have to remember that SD also need to be trained and in order to do that they need to go into the public. I think we need to define the behavior and if you see a "service dog" relieving its self in the store, growling and barking relentlessly, constantly agitated and not even focused on the handler, acting aggressive by lunging at others and showing their teeth. If the dog doesn't even look safe then I would call the police. If the dog looks out of control, untrained, and loud then yeah, chances are its probably not a service dog lol
Service dog is one thing, but it’s now getting ridiculous, now you have to accept what they call “emotional support animals”, and you can basically get a letter to “certify” emotional support animals online by just paying a fee not even having it prescribed by a therapist, it’s a scam and Airbnb supports this joke.
Oh boy, so I think my last comment got blocked automatically, no idea what I said, but basically … Those policies are ridiculous, what if you as a Guest arrive to a property where the previous guests had animals and you thought you were booking a property allegedly not pet friendly so you wouldn’t suffer from any allergies? That would be a problem. As funny as it may sound, most likely we would hear something like “you as a person with allergies should disclose that before booking”, and not the other way around… Soooo animals have privilege before people now. Personally I own a wonderful dog and I wouldn’t book a place that is not pet friendly just because I don’t want to stay at a place where my dog is not fully appreciated and I’m not about shoving it on everybody’s face because I feel entitled to it.😊
Hi Carlos! Yes - I think there has to be some type of disclosure. I know people with service animals might not feel the same way. Hosts are also not allowed to charge extra for any pet cleaning so if there is dander, etc and it takes longer for the cleaning crew to clean, it's on the Host's dime. I grew up with dogs and cats all my life and am a huge animal lover in general, but since my partner is allergic we've unfortunately aren't adding one to our family any time soon.
I really appreciate your story. It makes my decision to NOT start one more clear. The home we're building has a specific location for a guest room, private bath and separate entrance. Perfect for an AirBnB, right? However, after learning more about this policy I am not sure I'm interested. My guess is that I would have to tell every guest they're not welcome in the dining hall, the deck, the yard etc. Because "where the guest is allowed so is the animal". It's already tricky being in a State that thinks penalizing landlords helps create affordable housing. BTW. We do allow animals at our longterm rentals. I don't want your animals in my house so... no AirBnB.
Hey Von! I actually think if you share spaces in where you live (if I'm reading your comment correctly) then I *believe* this rule doesn't apply because you live there. Again, that's only if you live there and also share spaces with guests. I actually have loved Airbnb and it has been great over the years for me, but this was a surprise and I wish Airbnb addressed these things better. I'd still consider it if I were you. You could always sign up for a for rent by owner website. I have quite a few friends that do that for short-term renting and they love it!
That would be ideal. Unfortunately, pet fees are not allowed for service animals because they aren’t pets. (Even though they mostly are pets). Cleaning fees for service animals are also not allowed. It’s insane. Airbnbs are not hotels either, as you know. It’s all craziness out there. ✌🏼😊👍🏼
This situation is happening in real time as I'm researching everything. I have severe allergies to pets and someone is basically telling me that I have to have their dog in my home because it's a service animal. I'm like do you want me to go to the hospital?! So... I just updated my listing but let's see what happens...
Hey Joe! Exactly our story! If you look at the comments below - you'll see people literally say "just take your stupid medication and shut up" 😂😂😂😂 I didn't even respond. Ignorance at its highest level. My girl friend is so allergic to shell fish that even when she is in close proximity to it - she breaks out in hives. Her mother taught me in 7th grade how to use an epipen because we hung out all the time and in case she ever accidentally ingested shellfish - I'd have to know how to stab it into her thigh and call 911 😳 So....not all of us can just take our medication and shut up. My partner literally starts wheezing being around animals for short periods of time and if there is any pet dander laying around it could definitely take him to the hospital. How did your situation turn out?
We had guests bring 5 animals into our Airbnb, claim 1 was a service animal and left over $1000 of damages (which they had done to other hosts). We had to pay for the damages ourselves indirectly out of the rental fee which was taken away from us by Airbnb. They also suspended our listing for a week and wouldn't allow us to inspect our own property or come in contact with the animal that was supposed to be a well behaved service animal. They threatened us with a "final warning." If anyone comes with an animal whether the animal is a pet or a service animal, we know that Airbnb will not listen to our side. My advice is to just to completely go along with it, after they check-out, write the worst possible review ever on those guests so that other hosts are warned and they are blocked from instant bookings.
Going thru this for the first time Its a emotional pet but claiming its a service dog Not only is my house not pet friendly but i have people with asthma and allergies at my home On top of that this guest brought her dog to a shared bedroom with other guest without saying anything
The thing is that there is no "documentation" that can prove an animal is a service animal. Legally, a service dog is required to perform specific tasks to assist a disabled handler and to be trained to be well-behaved, house-broken, and under the control of the handler at all times (animals normally need to train for years to achieve this level of training). There is no such thing as a registration or certification for service animals. Legally, businesses are allowed to ask if the animal is a service animal and what tasks it has been trained to perform. So apart from asking those two questions, I don't know what other kind of documentation people could be required to provide. Also, animals besides dogs aren't allowed as service animals (except for a small number of legal protections that apply to service miniature horses, but I don't know that those protections would extend to allow service mini horses in an AirBnB), so guests aren't allowed to claim that their cat/monkey/ostrich/rabbit/etc is a service animal. As far as notifying beforehand, I think it's the right thing for a service dog handler to do because it's courteous and also because of situations like this where it could have been a health problem for your husband. I do understand that some people might feel hesitant to disclose beforehand, though, because a host might not let them stay there because of the service animal but claim it was for another reason.
Hey Kennedy! Since I don't have a service animal I'll be the first to admit I don't know much about documentation, etc. for having these type service animals. But, I'm here in Costa rica and we went to a park called Manuel Antonio National Park yesterday. In the "information packet" you receive when you purchase tickets - it states no animals allowed and only service animals. Then there is a whole section pertaining to service animals and it says you need to provide proof of documentation showing the animal is a service animal. Here is the excerpt from the info packet: "(a) The assistance animal must carry *identification* , a leash and be properly monitored by its owner, in order to avoid any setbacks with wildlife that may jeopardize the integrity of both the assistance animal and wildlife." So, it seems like they do have to provide some type of identification showing they are in fact a service animal. Again, I'm at a Level 0 for information and because of my Airbnb experience I will be diving deeper into all this info to help myself become more aware. I'm all for service animals and I completely understand their importance and this has nothing to do with that. But as you stated, I think there has to be some kind of notification to Hosts or if Airbnb is afraid of discrimination, maybe Airbnb can ask Hosts if they live at the home or property. If there are any allergies, etc so that people who do have service animals can only book with Hosts that may accommodate them. As I said in the video - I don't have the answer, but I'm hoping for a better solution. Sorry for the long reply 😂 Thanks for watching! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
@@YourHostJ Thanks for the reply! I didn't realize that you were in Costa Rica. I don't know a ton about internal service animal laws. What I meant was that according to US law, service animals have no form of ID. Service dogs are granted legal protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and in section 36.104 is defined as "any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability." The ADA then goes on to clarify that there is no official registration or certification so long as the animal meets those standards (see FAQ #17 on the ADA service animal FAQ page here: www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html). There are all kinds of internet sites that sell "service dog IDs" for $100, but they don't actually attest to the dog's training or have any legal bearing, at least in the US (like you could literally register a banana as a service dog with these websites). However, because people do buy online "certification" for their pets and claim that they're service dogs, there is a very common misconception that service dogs have some sort of certification. I'm a service dog handler and have people asking to see my "service dog papers" all the time, even though I'm in the US and that's not a thing here. My last access issue was actually with AirBnB for a trip to Puerto Rico (which falls under ADA jurisdiction because it's a US territory). I always inform hosts ahead of time about my dog because I think that's the courteous thing to do, and my host asked for her registration and was insistent that she had to have some form of ID.
Yes, in Costa Rica for a few weeks on our way to Portugal to visit family. Honestly, I really appreciate your response and info. It's really helpful and now I realize - documentation is out of the question 😂 Anyway, thanks again and thanks for taking the time out to watch and comment ❤️
Yes I once disclosed that I have a service dog and the host canceled on me after I told her that because she said that she forgot to block the date out but she was having a family gathering that night and couldn't host us after all. So now I do not disclose her anymore. I'm not going to be discriminated against again. I know she was lying It was so obvious.
Did Airbnb make you submit documentation, or can anyone just write "no service animals due to host's severe allergies" in the house rules and then be free to kick out any guest who shows up with an animal, or how does that work? This is one of the main reasons I've been hesitant to become a host.
I do have a little bit of a problem with Airbnb's policy on not having guest disclosed that they have service animals. Which is why every time I stay at an Airbnb I always mention that I have a service dog after I make the reservation. And in some cases I'll even do it in advance if I'm not in a great hurry. I also typically try to stay at Airbnb's that allow dogs, But in some cases that is not possible. Honestly I have no problem with disclosing I have a service dog, And I don't see how that should be an issue for anyone else that books. It would cut down on the likelihood of fake service dogs, because the animal can't be snuck in If they are required to disclose its presence.
That's good to know. I'll have to study Hawaii properties further, but now that I have it on my listing, it's ok moving forward, but wonder if it's already a law on island. Thanks for watching and your comment
I think my previous post got blocked because of a link I shared but feel free to Google it it’s a very fun read it’s called “Pets allowed” published by the New Yorker and the author Patricia Marx, it’s just hilarious!
I am currently hosting someone who did not mention they were bringing a dog. We are pet friendly, welcome dogs (2 max) and do not allow cats (allergies). I have seen the dog on the ring, honestly not bothered by the dog but how do we know these guests just didnt feel like paying the extra pet fee? I feel like I can't even ask about the dog! But as a host now my hands are tied and I have to pay out of my pocket extra for cleaning due to pet hair! I would just appreciate knowing in advance to be able to plan for cleaning.
They do not have to disclose if a service animal is coming. Also, in CA and NY it's illegal to charge pet fees for service animals. It's also illegal to decline guests due to service animal, its discrimination.
Hey Nat! We actually both went to a preventative doctor in Denver soon after I made this video and we both learned so much about ourselves. We eat incredibly healthy (try to stick to whole foods/little to no meat/nothing processed) and our blood tests show this, but we were both out of wack with different things we weren't expecting. I'll have to make a video on it as it's too much to type, but we are doing some follow up tests in a few months and we'll see if we have improved. His iron levels are looking much better though which is awesome! Thanks so much for taking the time to watch this video and your suggestion ❤️
