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.

'dogs in the vicinity' could mean dogs anywhere within a 5 mile radius!

Please be advised that the owner stays in the property from time to time with her dog who has full access to all rooms.

You need to change your wording.

' Guests' dogs are not allowed at this property.
The owners occasionally stay in this property and bring their dog with them. Therefore if this is a concern for any reason, such as allergies, or you prefer a property that is dog-free, this property is not likely to be suitable.'

The dog bowl was on a shelf (in the unlocked cupboard). We leave it unlocked as it’s also where the mop, hoover, ironing board etc. are located!

We don’t allow other dogs for the same reason we also don’t allow children (no under 12s) and that’s simply because people seem to let their dogs and children run amok in holiday cottages (dog pee upstairs which cost us £££ for a new carpet, children’s drawings on the walls etc).

As mentioned, we will update the listing. And I will respond to the review along the lines as a PP suggested.

And now I know that paraphernalia does not always mean sex, drugs and rock and roll.😁

The wording you are using is not clear.

List in the no dogs allowed section but say:

Guests are not permitted to bring pets but this property is NOT DOG FREE as the owner has a dog who stays in the property when the owner is present.

Repeat this within your confirmation email.

Not everyone reads all the info sent OP.

It's slightly naive to believe that even if you mention something twice, many people skim-read and just won't read or absorb that information.

Just because they can book a week at a property and pay online does not mean they are good readers.

You could make it a lot clearer eg
Although this property does not permit guests to bring pets, pleased be advised the owners have a dog that stays with them when they use the property

I agree this might help to remove any cause for doubt, but there'll still be idiots who don't bother to read even the basics

There always are, and inevitably they try to blame someone else

I don't understand why they complained about the bowl. It's not going to be allergenic and it might be for hedgehogs.

If they had an allergic reaction or smelt a doggy smell, they should have complained about that (and with more justification). If not, why complain about the bowl?

People are so mysterious!

PS Your listing is unclear. Should say No Guest Pets! Unsuitable for dog allergy sufferers!

When I hear the word paraphernalia I think drugs - work related

@ChristmasCameEarly
I have just come back from a touring holiday 3 x 5 nights in different self catering residences: 2 houses, 1 apartment. In none of these places was stuff left out or in an open cupboard that was not for our use. In all of them was a locked cupboard with presumably the owners stuff in them.
I always book dog free accommodation and do expect it not to be used by dogs. Fair enough if you say you have your own dog and I would not book it.
I think you may be limiting your market. Most people who don’t mind doggy environments have a dog.

Noooooooo!!! All of these suggestions (including the OPs please note that a dog has unrestricted access to the property 😂) sound like the owner and her dog are going to be wandering in and out of the house as they please!

It needs to read:

Please note that although this property does not allow pets, the owners do have a dog and so it is not be suitable for anyone with allergies or requiring a property which is completely pet free.

Were you thinking of "Paraphilia" op?

Did they perhaps leave a review saying you were a furry, or a leather pup? 🤐

Genitalia, paraphernalia... easy to mix up

@ChristmasCameEarly where is your listing? Is this via an agency, your own website or Airbnb?

It makes a difference.

If it's your own website, and you write the content, do guests know that you sometimes stay there? I think this is important in itself. Are you writing about 'you'?

'We sometimes stay in this property with our dog. We do not allow guests to bring their dogs.'

If it's on a website not managed by you, the company should say 'The owners use this house for themselves too and have a dog. Guests however are not allowed to bring dogs.'

You're on a bit of sticky wicket to be honest in terms of guests searching for pets/ no pets on a website.

Your property doesn't fit in the 'no pets' bracket but neither does it fit in 'the pets allowed' one .

Yes, but the listing also needs to say that the owners stay in the house themselves at times not just that they 'have a dog'.

@Starlight1984 the point about unrestricted access was to make it clear the dog is allowed everywhere (when she is there), including on furnishings! But I can see how it may confused so have said I will amend it 😊

And yes (to those who have mentioned it) I know not allowing dogs but having a dog will put people off, but it’s still does reasonably well 😁

Drug paraphernalia I’ve heard of but not sex paraphernalia lol 😂

Same here. Plus I've only just realised that there is a second "r". I would say I've been spelling it wrong for the past 50 odd years but I'm not sure I've ever had cause to write it down.

Paraphernalia is just clutter. Nothing sexual.🤷‍♀️

Paraphernalia comes from the Greek meaning ‘beyond the dowry’, and applies to personal posessions. It just means ‘stuff’.

I think you are confusing it with paraphilia, which is where you are sexually attracted to inanimate objects.

Sorry your post makes no sense

the point about unrestricted access was to make it clear the dog is allowed everywhere (when she is there), including on furnishings! But I can see how it may confused so have said I will amend it

Can I kindly suggest that you consider using someone to write your blurb.
There are people who do this (copywriters) and will describe your rental without any ambiguity.

Not sure why OP is getting stick for her writing - was clear as day to me when I read it. I have a holiday cottage that operates on a similar premise and have found people usually make these ridiculous reviews and claims in the hopes they get a refund (because they’re CF).

Aside from the fact that ‘paraphernalia’ is almost always applied sexually...

What?

Can you post your reading list, please?

Well it’s not clear as day to an awful lot of the rest of us. It’s highly misleading and confusing.