When planning a vacation, it’s important to consider the needs of all members of your party, including those with disabilities. Service animals such as guide dogs, hearing dogs, and assistance dogs play an essential role in the lives of many people with disabilities.
But do vacation rentals have to allow service dogs? Let’s take a closer look.
What Are Service Dogs?
Service dogs are specially trained animals that perform specific tasks for people with disabilities. These tasks can include guiding blind individuals, alerting deaf individuals to sounds, retrieving items, and providing physical support and stability for those with mobility impairments. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are not considered pets but rather working animals.
Do Vacation Rentals Have to Allow Service Dogs?
Yes. Vacation rentals, including hotels, motels, and other short-term rental properties, are required under the ADA to allow service animals to accompany their owners on the premises. This includes any common areas such as lobbies and restaurants.
What About Emotional Support Animals?
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not considered service animals under the ADA and therefore have different rules governing their presence in vacation rentals. While some vacation rental properties may allow ESAs at their discretion, they are not legally required to do so.
What Can Vacation Rental Owners Ask About Service Dogs?
Vacation rental owners can only ask two questions about a service dog:
1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
They cannot ask about the nature of the owner’s disability nor require documentation or proof that the animal is a service animal.
Can Vacation Rental Owners Charge Extra Fees for Service Dogs?
No. Under the ADA, vacation rental owners cannot charge extra fees or deposits for service animals. However, if the animal causes damage to the property, the owner may be held responsible for the cost of repairs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, vacation rentals are required under the ADA to allow service animals to accompany their owners on the premises. While ESAs are not considered service animals under the ADA, some vacation rental properties may allow them at their discretion.
Vacation rental owners can only ask two questions about a service dog and cannot charge extra fees or deposits for them. By following these guidelines, vacation rental owners can ensure that all guests with disabilities have equal access to their properties.