‘AITA for kicking my sister and her newborn out because she keeps calling my dog ‘dirty’?’

Your situation brings up an important discussion about household boundaries, pet etiquette, and newborn health concerns. While it’s understandable that your sister wants to protect her baby from germs, her approach was extreme and disrespectful in your own home.

1. Are Dogs a Health Risk for Babies?
   • The concern about dogs being “dirty” isn’t entirely baseless. Some studies suggest that dogs can carry bacteria like Salmonella or Campylobacter, but these risks are minimal in a well-groomed, indoor pet. In fact, studies from the Journal of Pediatrics (2012) indicate that babies who grow up around dogs actually develop stronger immune systems and are less likely to suffer from respiratory infections.
   • The CDC advises normal hygiene practices (e.g., washing hands after handling pets) but does not recommend avoiding dogs altogether unless the baby has a compromised immune system.
2. Household Boundaries and Mutual Respect
   • Guests—even family—should respect the house rules. Your sister moved in temporarily and immediately began dictating changes, which is unfair. Expecting you to lock Max away or remove him from the house entirely crosses a line.
   • It’s one thing to request reasonable accommodations, but spraying disinfectant on furniture and kicking the dog are blatant signs of disrespect. Had she discussed her concerns rationally, a middle ground might have been possible.
3. Cultural and Emotional Aspects of Pets
   • Many people view their pets as family. Studies show that 70% of pet owners consider their pets “fur babies” (American Pet Products Association, 2023). Her dismissive attitude toward Max was likely hurtful, especially if she acted as though her child mattered more than your emotional connection to your dog.

More info from OP in the comments:

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Here’s what people had to say to OP:

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After reading the comments OP added this:

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You were incredibly accommodating, and your sister overstepped badly. The safety of his child is important, but so is your apartment, your animal, and your right to say no. She could have gone to another place, or reached to a middle ground rather than being outright disrespectful to your dog. But forcing her to leave was not callous of you—it was enforcing boundaries. Your parents might be mad, but I wasn’t living with her complaining about those things every day in my house.

Would you still feel differently if she only respectfully voiced her concerns instead of escalating?