Holiday let does not allow dogs…

[ChristmasCameEarly]

…but it states twice on the booking that the owner stays there and does have a dog, that you cannot complain afterwards that there was ‘dog paraphernalia’ in the house?!

Aside from the fact that ‘paraphernalia’ is almost always applied sexually, if there’s clear warnings (including on the booking email!!!!) that the owner has a dog and so the property is not suited to those with dog allergies or sensitivity, surely if you have such allergies or someone you are bringing with you does then you would not book?!

YABU: they have a right to book.
YANBU: they are idiots and didn’t read the note properly.

@UltraProcessedLifeGoals Sorry, would you rather I used crass language? Heaven forbid I try and be polite, but please continue your witch hunt. 😃

You shouldn’t describe the property as dog free. The property has a dog. You should describe it as “You are not welcome to bring pets to this property. Please be aware the property owners dog has full access to the property”

'Aside from the fact that ‘paraphernalia’ is almost always applied sexually.' Since when?

The wording needs to be clear: 'No dogs allowed (however please note owner stays with their dog so unsuitable for anyone with dog allergies'. If they complain then they haven't read the property description correctly so not to owners fault.

Okay! Finally got it. OP owns a cottage. Her dog stays the (not locked in a cupboard). Other dogs not allowed because they can cause damage. People who have stayed have now complained that there is dog stuff around because they thought it was dog-free. Although they were warned.

Yes, I think they are unreasonable to complain. In their defence it gets so hard to keep track of details when looking at a million holiday cottages. And crappy Airbnb website etc does not help.

Maybe as someone says it's the paraphernalia/paraphilia confusion. To be fair paraphanalia is often used when someone is mildly outraged e.g. drug paraphanalia etc, but to me it's just all the stuff associated with any activity.

The problems are arising because your ad is about as clear as mud. Do you mean the property is completely dog free when rented but the owner’s bring their own dog when they use it themselves or do you mean the renter can’t bring a dog but the owners live in an adjoining property and allow their dog free access to the rental property throughout guest stay?

I think you should just market it as a dog property. The people who want a dog free property want somewhere with no wet dog smell. It doesn’t really matter how well it is cleaned you can still smell the dog. (I have a nose for dog at holiday cottages)

The only people who want to holiday in a house a dog has free access to are dog people so it is completely illogical to market it as no dogs.

Thanks! It is actually in the category of ‘dogs not allowed’ (the site gives two options - allows dogs, or dogs not allowed). I thought that would have made it clear but will request the holiday cottage company amend!

TBH I’m not sure how anyone can get worked up by a dog bowl under the stairs, but it takes all sorts I guess! If I was them I’d be more annoyed by the fact the dogs allowed upstairs!

Paraphernalia just means bits and bobs. Nothing to do with sex. How odd

anyway it would be very wrong to assume you can book and take your own dog. It’s not just about allergies, etc. the owner knows his own dog presumably isn’t going to wee on the carpet, scratch doors, chew furniture, etc. bark and annoy neighbours? Owner won’t know that about random dogs so has made a decision not to allow them. Which is fine.

Me either.

Is it your property, you have the dog? Someone has booked it and they have a dog?

“Aside from the fact that ‘paraphernalia’ is almost always applied sexually” don’t tell my DM🤣

I’m allergic to dogs so wouldn’t be booking anywhere where a dog has had access to upstairs/bedrooms. Your advert seems confusing and I’d read it as dog free = safe for me.

You need to re-word the advert and remove the words “dog free” and make it clearer that guests cannot bring dogs/pets “pets are not welcome” but the owner’s dog has access to the property.

I would also put a line into your email confirmation, underlined and in bold. You could even attach a section where they have to tick a box that they understand.

People don't read anything much past the first line or 2. I wouldn't bother mentioning the paraphernalia at all because if you have made the situation very clear then you shouldn't need to.

I think the following sentence would benefit from a subheading to make your intentions clear.

Allergy advice
Although this property is dog free, pleased be advised the owners have a dog which has full, unrestricted, access to the property.

I'm allergic to dogs and would appreciate your warning in the description. However I do agree with others that the words "dog free" aren't accurate, so I'd reword that bit.

I have never heard that paraphernalia has a sexual connotation. I refer to the cupboard where I keep my cleaning things as the paraphernalia cupboard. It just means stuff, with a cluttered undertone.

This all seems fine.

I wouldn't expect to find personal 'paraphernalia' in a holiday let, so was imagining dog beds and dog toys all over the place, but a dog bowl in a cupboard under the stairs wouldn't bother me.

I'm just picturing OP coming round yours for a cuppa and leaving horrified because you told her about your paraphernalia cupboard...

This is so confusing, the property is dog free but a dog has full access to it? Does the dog have access from an adjoining property whilst guests are there?

”Dog free” means no dogs present - do you mean to say that guests are not allowed to bring dogs but the property is home to a dog at certain times of the year so allergens may be present?

I suspect you’ve had a complaint because you’re not describing your property clearly and therefore your guests feel misled by the “dog free” statement.

I do agree that 'dog free' is incorrect.

His holiday home, his rules.

Also paraphernalia is a word often used to describe evidence of drug use ‘Drugs paraphernalia was found in the park’

You’re thinking of paraphilia 😂

of course they’re being unreasonable

Which is fine because the owner sets the rules for their property.

There are good dogs and naughty dogs that trash properties. I assume the owner trusts their dog but doesn’t want the property damaged. They also are warning people with allergies not to book.

There is usually lots of properties that allow dogs, just keep scrolling.

I think everyone has got the memo about paraphilia now 🙄

The host sometimes uses the property herself and the dog goes then.

She does not allow guests to stay with their own dogs but issues a warning that a dog is sometimes present in the house so those with allergies can take their own view as to whether they wish to book knowing this.

Paraphernalia means miscellaneous stuff relating to an activity.

Amusing to see those who associate it with sex and drugs (no rock and roll yet!) 😂

The real issue is the inconsistency. It’s not dog free but guests’ dogs aren’t allowed. It’s the worst of all possible worlds.