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It seems like the controversy surrounding Airbnb isn’t going to end anytime soon. A new example happened when a Philadelphia couple took their dog to a dog-friendly Airbnb only to be denied entry by the female host. The girlfriend shared a video of her and her boyfriend’s encounter with the host, which wasn’t exactly delightful. Apparently, the host tried to change the rules of her listing once they got there. She also tried to make it seem like they were misleading her, and that wasn’t the case. According to the girlfriend, they said that two guests and one pet would be coming. Their reservation was then confirmed, and they were even nice enough to provide a description of their dog, who is named Tony.
It turns out the host was running a dog daycare at the same unit. It’s not just that, but she only informed the Philadelphia couple of that fact right before they arrived. This is definitely frustrating since they did state that their dog wasn’t dog-friendly since it gets anxious when meeting new dogs. The reason the host denied them entry was that she claimed they hadn’t told her a dog would be coming with them. This is a lie. She then claimed that the listing states that guests should have an extended conversation with her first to confirm pets. This is another lie. Plus, even if you want this to happen, why don’t you start the conversation yourself? Also, who would want to book a unit where a dog daycare is being held as a “side hustle”?
What Happens Next?
The host was also trying to make the couple seem bad by telling them that she was “scared” and that they were “mad” and “dicey.” This kind of word choice made people believe that the host was being racist since the couple is Black. Not to mention that both the boyfriend and the girlfriend were actually calm. If there is anyone who could be described as mad here, it is the host herself, who refused to allow the couple with their dog. Mind you, she is the one who listed her property as a dog-friendly place. In another video, the girlfriend even provided screenshots proving that the listing is dog-friendly.
Once the couple saw how the host was treating them and that she denied them entry because of their dog, they headed back to Philadelphia. Thankfully, though, they managed to get a full refund. They provided Airbnb customer support with screenshots proving that the host was lying. Airbnb ended up apologizing and sending them their refund. The whole situation is frustrating, especially with how the couple was treated. This horrible experience made the girlfriend say in another video that she “won’t be using Airbnb again.” She also said, “I wish her nothing but the worst,” when talking about the host, which is something I can understand.
I just find it insane that the host would list her unit as dog-friendly, then reject the guests because they have a dog. Why did you accept their reservation in the first place? Also, if I were one of the couple, I would definitely file a complaint about how she is running a dog daycare. It’s not just that, but she doesn’t even inform the guests of this business until they arrive. Imagine how this could have ended if someone’s dog had been aggressive. People like this shouldn’t be trusted to run an Airbnb.
People Reacting to the Philadelphia Couple’s Story
It wasn’t just the Philadelphia couple who were left frustrated because people felt the same. They found it bizarre that the host of a dog-friendly place would reject guests for having a dog. The girlfriend wasn’t the only one who was done with Airbnb, though, since one person wrote, “I’m so over Airbnb. I’ve completely switched to hotel only.” Someone else agreed and said, “Can [we] normalize booking hotels again cause they getting ridiculous.” An Airbnb owner even told the woman that she should report the host for having her side hustle. “As an Airbnb owners. You should contact the local tourism agency and report the dog kennel. No where do the two go together. That is a huge liability,” they wrote. It would be deserved, honestly.
A lot of people also believed that the Airbnb host was being racist toward the Philadelphia couple. “This seems racially motivated .. 1000%,” one person wrote. Another person then said, “Glad you reported her! She was being rude and clearly targeted you.” Others also agreed, as one comment said, “This is not about a dog.” One TikToker shared the same opinion and wrote, “Ah, yes. It actually isn’t about a dog.” Someone else commented on how bizarre the situation was by saying, “Sad. You booked with a dog and they mad you have a dog. Andddddd all them damn dogs barking in the back is actually insane.” Whether the host was racist or not, the whole situation is disappointing. I just feel bad that the couple had to travel to go to the Airbnb, only to drive five hours to go back to Philadelphia.
