Embarking on a journey with our beloved pet is typically straightforward. However, for those with service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs), these trusted companions are integral parts of individuals' lives, and their presence becomes particularly significant during travel. When those relying on their support animals need to book hotel stays, it’s vital to understand the rights and regulations surrounding service dogs and emotional support dogs/pets. This ensures that individuals who depend on these animals can access the accommodations they need while traveling.
Service dogs and ESAs play pivotal roles in facilitating these journeys, ensuring comfort, assistance, and companionship along the way. So, before you head out, here’s what you need to know to ensure a stress-free hotel stay.
But first! Let’s define service dogs vs.emotional support animals
Service Dogs
Service dogs are highly trained to assist individuals with disabilities, offering a wide range of support tailored to their handlers' specific needs. From guiding individuals who are blind to alerting those who are deaf or providing mobility assistance, service dogs are invaluable partners in navigating the world.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals offer companionship, alleviate loneliness, and can provide assistance with depression and anxiety. However, they generally lack specialized training to perform tasks that aid individuals with disabilities.
Who’s welcome and where?
Service dogs’ access rights to hotels are part of the public access rights bestowed on service dogs and their handlers under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means they cannot be treated as pets and can generally go wherever their handlers can. This also means you and your dog will be allowed in public areas of the hotel, as well as to a room and floors not normally designated for people traveling with pets. In addition, they are not relegated exclusively to hotels that allow pets. However, it’s important to note that hotel staff are not always aware of this and inadvertently infringe on rights.
Unlike service dogs, ESAs or emotional support animals are not covered under the ADA. This means that they can only stay at hotels that allow pets.
Pet policies and pet fees
As service dogs are technically not considered pets, they are exempt from any pet fees and common hotel pet policy rules that restrict pet weight limit breed restrictions, pet deposits, cleaning fees, etc…
Alternatively, emotional support animals need to abide by all hotel pet rules and regulations. Therefore, pet parents are responsible for pet fees and/or pet deposits, and following all house rules in regards to pets.
Know before you go
Knowing the ins and outs of hotel policies regarding service dogs and emotional support animals can make a world of difference in your travel experience. Whether you're accompanied by a loyal service dog or a comforting emotional support pet, understanding your rights helps to ensure a hassle-free stay and allows you to focus on enjoying your trip with your cherished companion by your side. Safe travels!
About TripsWithPets
TripsWithPets is the go-to platform for booking pet-friendly accommodations, offering convenient online reservations across the United States and Canada. Pet parents turn to TripsWithPets.com for comprehensive resources on finding and booking the perfect pet-friendly accommodations, featuring detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and amenities.
As dedicated animal advocates, TripsWithPets actively supports local and national 501(c)(3) animal welfare organizations through their annual Partners for Animal Welfare Series (PAWS). This initiative raises crucial funds for the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of animals in loving homes. Every booking made through TripsWithPets contributes directly to the PAWS initiative, making a tangible difference in the well-being of countless furry friends.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.