Many travelers who use emotional support animals (ESAs) wonder about their rights when booking a hotel. While service animals are protected by federal law, emotional support animals are treated differently, which influences the legality of fees charged or denial of access to guests with ESAs by hotels.
This comprehensive 2025 guide explains everything you need to know about hotel policies regarding emotional support animals, applicable laws, and steps you can take to protect your rights.
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What Is an Emotional Support Animal?
An emotional support animal (ESA) is a pet that provides comfort and emotional stability to a person suffering from a mental or emotional disorder, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or depression. Unlike service animals, ESAs:
- Do not require specialized training
- Are not limited to dogs (they can be cats, birds, etc.)
- Are not granted full public access rights under federal law
You typically must have a letter from a licensed mental health professional to legally designate your animal as an ESA.
⚖️ What Federal Laws Apply to Emotional Support Animals?
Two major federal laws often confuse when it comes to ESAs and hotels:
1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Covers public accommodations, including hotels.
- Grants access only to trained service animals (dogs or miniature horses).
- Does not recognize emotional support animals.
2. Fair Housing Act (FHA)
- Applies to residential housing, not hotels.
- Requires landlords to make reasonable accommodations for both service animals and ESAs.
📌 Conclusion: Under federal law, hotels are NOT required to accommodate emotional support animals in the same way they must accommodate service animals.
Can Hotels Charge You for Bringing an ESA?
Yes. Hotels can legally charge guests for bringing an emotional support animal, including:
- Pet fees (one-time or nightly)
- Cleaning fees
- Security deposits for damage
Because ESAs are not protected under the ADA, hotels can treat them like regular pets, which means they can:
- Refuse entry
- Limit the number or size of animals
- Assign specific rooms
- Charge fees or deposits
🚫 Exception: Service Animals
Trained service animals (not ESAs) must be allowed into hotels without fees or pet restrictions, as required by ADA.
Hotel ESA Policies Vary by Brand
Each hotel chain has its own pet and ESA policy. Here’s a quick overview:
| Hotel Chain | ESA Policy | Pet Fees Apply? |
|---|---|---|
| Marriott | ESA = pet | ✅ Yes (varies by location) |
| Hilton | ESA = pet | ✅ Yes |
| Best Western | ESA = pet | ✅ Yes |
| Motel 6 | ESA = pet, but pet-friendly overall | ✅ Usually free |
| La Quinta | ESA = pet | ✅ Some locations charge |
| Extended Stay America | ESA = pet | ✅ Yes |
📞 Always call the hotel in advance and ask:
“Do you allow emotional support animals, and is there a pet fee?”
Documentation May Not Help
Unlike housing or airline travel (prior to 2021), presenting an ESA letter does not require a hotel to waive pet fees. While some hotels may show leniency if you present a licensed therapist’s note, they’re under no legal obligation to honor it.
What If a Hotel Mistakes Your ESA for a Service Animal?
Hotel staff are allowed to ask two questions to determine if an animal is a service animal under the ADA:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
If you misrepresent an ESA as a service animal, you may be:
- Breaking state laws (many states impose fines)
- Subject to being denied service
- Evicted from the hotel
Always be honest about your ESA’s classification.
What Fees Are Typically Charged for ESAs?
While fees vary by property, here’s what most hotels charge for emotional support animals:
- One-time pet fee: $25–$150
- Per night fee: $10–$50 per night
- Cleaning/deep-cleaning fee: $75–$250 (if required)
- Refundable deposit: Often $100–$300 (in case of damages)
Tip: If your ESA is well-behaved and causes no damage, you may not be charged beyond the pet fee. But it’s always best to confirm in advance.
Tips When Traveling with an Emotional Support Animal
- Book pet-friendly hotels – Use filters on travel sites to narrow down your search.
- Call ahead – Confirm ESA policies and fees.
- Bring documentation – A doctor’s letter isn’t legally binding, but it may help with leniency.
- Keep your ESA under control – Barking, aggression, or damage can lead to extra fees or eviction.
- Clean up after your animal – Avoid cleaning charges.
Final Verdict: Yes, Hotels Can Charge for Emotional Support Animals
Hotels can legally charge fees or deny access to emotional support animals because these animals are not protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Unlike service animals, emotional support animals are considered pets, and conditions and fees apply.
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✅ Summary:
- Federal law (ADA) does not require hotels to accept ESAs.
- Hotels may charge pet fees, deposits, or deny access to ESAs.
- Always check with the hotel directly before booking.
FAQ: Emotional Support Animals in Hotels
Can a hotel refuse my ESA?
Yes. Unlike service animals, hotels can refuse ESAs entirely or restrict them based on their pet policy.
Are there any hotels that accept ESAs?
Yes. Some brands, like Motel 6 or Extended Stay America, are more pet-friendly, but fees often apply.
Is it illegal to misrepresent my ESA as a service animal?
Yes. Falsely claiming an ESA is a service animal can result in fines or criminal prosecution, depending on your state.
