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Service dogs are highly trained animals that assist their handlers in various ways, from comforting them during a panic attack to retrieving fallen objects from the ground. While it may seem like any other dog for some, a service animal improves the handler’s life significantly, and federal law grants these assistance animals certain legal protections.
One common topic for service dog owners, as well as hotel management, is whether hotels can charge for service dogs. Our article will answer the question, “Can a hotel charge for a service dog?” and dive deep into this matter. Read to the end to learn if hotels can charge extra for service animals. We’ll also answer the same question for other types of accommodations.
Legal Protections of Service Dogs in Hotels
Service dogs aren’t pets. They are considered medical tools that are there to support individuals with a disability. Regardless of the type of service animal, hotels must accommodate them. Hotel management cannot deny a service dog because of pet policies.
As for whether a hotel can charge for a service dog or not, the answer is no. These animals are exempt from added fees aside from the standard room fee the handler will pay. The same applies to cleaning fees. A hotel cannot charge the handler extra to clean up dander or fur shed by a service animal.
Additionally, hotels must abide by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) when verifying whether a dog is a service animal. This means that hotels cannot ask the handler to demonstrate what the service dog is trained to perform or require documentation such as service dog registration or licensing. According to EmotionalSupportAnimal.com, hotels can only ask the following two questions to determine if a dog is a service dog:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
The Americans With Disabilities Act is very clear about all these requirements and outlines risk penalties for hotels that don’t comply with the law. Additionally, note that individuals with a service dog aren’t required to disclose their assistance animal prior to checking in. They can simply show up with their service dog without informing the hotel ahead of time.
Also, hotels can’t assign designated “pet-friendly” rooms to guests with service animals. The ADA requires that hotels allow disabled individuals to reserve any room as other guests without disabilities. Hotels can’t require individuals with a disability to choose from a selection of pet-friendly accommodations because they have a service dog.
Service Dogs in Other Types of Accommodations
Hotels aren’t the only type of accommodation. The same applies to motels, resorts, hostels, serviced apartments, Airbnbs – basically any type of accommodation that serves the general public.
The only exceptions to this are places of worship. If the accommodation is a religious property, they will have the right to deny a service dog.
What to Do if Your Service Is Denied at a Hotel
While guest allergies or dislike of dogs aren’t valid reasons, hotels can legally deny service dogs. If the service dog is out of control (e.g. barking excessively or displaying aggression towards others), the hotel can legally deny the service animal.
This can happen before or during the guest’s stay. It is advisable for handlers to keep their service dogs under control at all times. Practicing obedience training as a refreshment every now and then will ensure a service dog is just as capable of handling basic commands as disability-related tasks.
How to File an ADA Complaint
If you’ve been unlawfully denied accommodation because of your service dog, you can file a complaint on the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division website. Note that you may be contacted for more information after filing a complaint. Make sure to leave accurate contact details when you file your complaint.
Bringing Your Service Dog With You
Now that you know if a hotel can charge for a service dog, it is time to pack your (and your service dog’s) bags and get ready for the trip. Before bringing your service dog with you, research the hotel’s location to know the nearby areas for walks and plan a bathroom spot for your service dog. During your stay, avoid leaving your service dog alone and keep them under control at all times. Doing these alone will ensure a safe trip with your service dog at any hotel.
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