photo credit: istock/24K-Production
Taking a trip with our precious pet is typically a fairly easy endeavor. However, for individuals accompanied by service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs), these valued companions are essential components of their lives, especially during trips. When planning hotel stays, it's crucial for those relying on these support animals to be aware of the rights and regulations governing service dogs and emotional support animals. This understanding guarantees that individuals dependent on these animals can secure the necessary accommodations while traveling.
Service dogs and ESAs are indispensable companions on these journeys, offering vital support, comfort, and companionship every step of the way. To ensure a seamless hotel stay, it's important to know the distinction between service dogs and emotional support animals.
Service Dogs
Service dogs undergo extensive training to provide personalized assistance to individuals with disabilities, catering to the unique requirements of their handlers. Whether guiding individuals with visual impairments, alerting those who are deaf, or aiding with mobility, service dogs serve as invaluable companions in helping navigate daily life.
Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals provide companionship and help alleviate feelings of loneliness, while also offering support for individuals dealing with depression and anxiety. Unlike service dogs, they typically do not undergo specialized training to perform tasks specifically tailored to assist individuals with disabilities.
Who’s welcome and where?
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are granted access rights to hotels as part of their public access rights. This means they are not considered pets and can accompany their handlers to various areas within the hotel, including public spaces and rooms typically restricted for pet owners. Despite these protections, hotel staff may not always be aware of these regulations, leading to inadvertent infringements on the rights of service dog handlers.
Emotional support animals, unlike service dogs, do not receive coverage under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Consequently, they are limited to staying at only hotels that permit pets.
Pet policies and pet fees
Since service dogs are not classified as pets, they are exempt from typical pet fees and common hotel pet policy restrictions, including weight limits, breed restrictions, deposits, and cleaning fees.
Conversely, emotional support animals must adhere to all hotel pet rules and regulations, obligating pet parents to cover associated fees and deposits while complying with house rules pertaining to pets.
The takeaway
Understanding hotel policies regarding service dogs and emotional support animals can greatly enhance your travel experience. Whether you're traveling with a devoted service dog or a comforting emotional support pet, knowing your rights ensures a stress-free stay, allowing you to fully enjoy your trip with your cherished companion by your side. Safe travels!