When it comes to traveling with a disability, a service animal isn’t just a pet: it’s an essential companion that helps its owner live safely and independently. But many travelers wonder: Can Hotels Deny Service Animals? The short answer is no, but there are some important conditions and exceptions to understand.
This guide will explain your rights under U.S. law, the hotel’s responsibilities, and what you can do if you experience discrimination.
What Is a Service Animal?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is a dog (or, in some cases, a miniature horse) individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. Some examples include:
- Guiding a person who is blind
- Alerting someone who is deaf
- Pulling a wheelchair
- Alerting or protecting a person during a seizure
- Calming someone with PTSD during an anxiety attack
Emotional support animals (ESAs), therapy animals, and pets are NOT classified as service animals under the ADA.
What Does the ADA Say About Hotels?
Title III of the ADA covers public accommodations, including hotels, motels, inns, and vacation rentals (with some exceptions for small owner-occupied B&Bs). Under the ADA:
- Hotels may not deny access to a person with a disability because of their service animal.
- Hotels may not charge additional fees or deposits for service animals.
- Hotels may not restrict a service animal’s access to certain pet-friendly rooms; the guest must be able to stay in any available room.
- Staff may only ask two questions if it is not obvious that the animal is a service animal:
- Is the dog a service animal necessary because of a disability?
- What job or task has the dog been trained to perform?
- They may not require proof, certification, or identification of the animal.
When Can a Hotel Deny a Service Animal?
There are very few situations where a hotel can legally ask you to remove your service animal:
- If the animal is out of control and the handler fails to take effective measures to control it.
- If the animal is untrained.
- If the dog poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be reduced through reasonable modifications.
Example: If a service dog repeatedly and aggressively barks at other guests or damages hotel property, the hotel may have grounds to ask the owner to remove the dog, but must still offer the guest the opportunity to remain without the animal.
Emotional Support Animals: Not Covered
Under the ADA, emotional support animals (ESAs) do not have the same legal protections as trained service animals.
- Hotels are not required to allow ESAs.
- Some hotels may allow ESAs voluntarily, often as part of their pet policy, but they can charge pet fees or restrict access.
For air travel, ESAs also lost special status under recent airline rules — only trained service animals are recognized.
What If a Hotel Denies Your Service Animal Illegally?
If you are denied accommodation because of a legitimate service animal:
- Calmly remind the hotel about the ADA requirements.
- Show them official ADA information; many businesses simply misinterpret the law.
- Ask to speak to a manager or corporate customer service if necessary.
- If they still refuse, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) or contact an ADA attorney.
Best Practices for Guests with Service Animals
- Bring ADA information: You don’t need documentation for your pet, but it can be helpful to have a printed copy of your rights.
- Be respectful: Make sure your pet is well-behaved and under control.
- Book in advance: If possible, inform the hotel that you’re bringing a service animal; although it’s not required by law, it can help avoid confusion.
- Know your rights: Hotels cannot isolate you in a “pet-only” area or charge you additional fees.
What About Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals?
Private rentals like Airbnb aren’t always covered by the ADA if the property isn’t run like a hotel or doesn’t meet public accommodation requirements. However, Airbnb’s policy generally requires hosts to accept service animals, even if they don’t allow pets.
Conclusion
Hotels in the U.S. cannot deny access to a legitimate service animal. The only exceptions are if the animal is out of control, dirty, or poses a direct threat to safety. Emotional support animals do not have the same protections under the ADA, so always check the hotel’s pet policy first. Additional Resources.
