When it comes to vacation rentals, one question that often arises is whether or not they have to allow service dogs. The answer is yes, they do.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are allowed in all public accommodations, including vacation rentals. However, there are some important things to keep in mind.
What is a Service Dog?
A service dog is a dog that has been trained to perform specific tasks for an individual with a disability. This can include tasks such as guiding those who are blind, alerting those who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, or providing assistance during seizures. Service dogs are not considered pets and are therefore not subject to pet fees or breed restrictions.
What Does the ADA Say?
Under the ADA, businesses that provide goods and services to the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go. This includes vacation rentals such as hotels and Airbnb properties.
However, there are some important caveats. First and foremost, the animal must be a service animal – emotional support animals do not qualify under the ADA. Additionally, if a service dog’s behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others or causes damage to property, the business may exclude it from their premises.
What Should You Do?
If you plan on traveling with your service dog and staying in a vacation rental, it’s important to do your research ahead of time. Look for properties that specifically state that they allow service animals and check their policies regarding documentation – some may require proof of your dog’s certification as a service animal.
It’s also important to remember that while businesses must allow service animals in all areas where customers are normally allowed, they do not have to make accommodations for them beyond what is already provided for other guests. For example, if a hotel has a no-pet policy, they do not have to provide a designated area for service animals to relieve themselves.
In Conclusion
In short, vacation rentals must allow service dogs under the ADA. However, owners and managers may ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what specific tasks the animal is trained to perform.
As long as the dog is a trained service animal and does not pose a threat or cause damage, it must be allowed in the rental property. It’s important to do your research ahead of time, so you can find a vacation rental that meets your needs and accommodates your service dog appropriately.