Can a Hotel Charge for a Service Dog?

If you’re a service dog owner, you may have wondered whether a hotel can charge you extra fees for bringing your dog along.

The quick answer is no, hotels cannot charge extra fees for service dogs as they are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

In this article, we’ll explore the legal rights of service dog owners, the benefits of having a service dog, and the responsibilities of hotels when it comes to accommodating service animals.

Understanding Service Dogs and the ADA

What is a service dog?

A service dog is a specifically trained animal that provides assistance to an individual with a disability. These disabilities can include physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities. Service dogs can perform a variety of tasks, such as guiding individuals who are blind, alerting individuals who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, and reminding individuals to take medication.

What is the ADA?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. This includes discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The ADA defines a service animal as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The ADA also recognizes miniature horses as service animals under certain conditions.

How does the ADA protect service dog owners?

The ADA provides protection to individuals who use service dogs. Under the ADA, service dogs are allowed to accompany their owners in all areas where the public is allowed to go, including restaurants, hotels, and other establishments. A service dog owner cannot be charged extra fees for having their service dog with them, nor can they be asked to leave an establishment unless their dog is out of control or poses a direct threat to others.

What are the consequences of violating the ADA?

Violating the ADA can result in legal action against the establishment. The Department of Justice can file a civil lawsuit against the establishment, seeking monetary damages and other penalties. In addition, individuals who have been discriminated against can file a complaint with the Department of Justice. Violating the ADA can also result in negative publicity for the establishment, which can harm its reputation and business.

It is important to note that emotional support animals and therapy dogs are not considered service animals under the ADA. While these animals can provide support and comfort to their owners, they do not have the same legal protections as service dogs. It is also important to remember that service dogs are working animals and should not be distrubed or petted without the owner’s permission.

The Benefits of Having a Service Dog

Service dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide crucial support and assistance to people with disabilities. These specially trained dogs can help individuals with a wide range of conditions, including physical, psychiatric, and neurological disabilities. There are numerous benefits to having a service dog, including:

Assistance with daily activities

Service dogs are trained to assist with a variety of daily activities, such as opening doors, turning lights on and off, fetching items, and even helping with dressing and undressing. For individuals with physical disabilities, service dogs can be an invaluable asset, providing a greater sense of independence and reducing reliance on others.

Emotional support

Service dogs can also provide emotional support to their handlers, helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These dogs are trained to recognize when their handlers are experiencing distress and can provide comfort and reassurance. For individuals with psychiatric disabilities, service dogs can be a lifeline, providing a constant source of support and companionship.

Increased independence and mobility

Service dogs can help individuals with disabilities to navigate the world more independently, providing greater mobility and freedom. For individuals with visual impairments, service dogs can act as guides, helping to navigate obstacles and providing a sense of security when out in public. For individuals with mobility impairments, service dogs can help with tasks such as getting up from a fall, retrieving dropped objects, and even pulling a wheelchair.

Improved safety and security

Service dogs are trained to be vigilant and to keep their handlers safe. They can alert their handlers to potential dangers, such as approaching vehicles or people, and can provide a sense of security when out in public. For individuals with conditions such as epilepsy or diabetes, service dogs can be trained to detect changes in their handlers’ bodies and alert them to potential medical emergencies.

The Responsibilities of Hotels

Hotels are required by law to accommodate guests with disabilities, including those who rely on service dogs. However, some hotels may not fully understand their responsibilities when it comes to these animals. Here are some of the key responsibilities that hotels have when it comes to service dogs:

Allowing service dogs in all areas of the hotel

Service dogs are trained to assist their owners with tasks related to their disability. Therefore, hotels are required to allow service dogs to accompany their owners in all areas of the hotel, including restaurants, pools, and other common areas. This means that hotels cannot restrict where service dogs are allowed to go, as long as the dog is well-behaved and under control.

Providing reasonable accommodations

Hotels must provide reasonable accommodations for guests with disabilities, including those who rely on service dogs. This may include providing special amenities, such as a dog bed or food and water bowls, or making adjustments to a room to make it more accessible. Hotels should work with guests to understand their specific needs and provide accommodations that meet those needs.

Not charging extra fees for service dogs

Hotels cannot charge extra fees for service dogs. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), hotels cannot charge guests with disabilities extra fees for bringing their service animals with them. This means that hotels cannot charge a pet fee or any other type of fee for service dogs.

Ensuring the safety and comfort of all guests

While hotels must accommodate guests with service dogs, they also have a responsibility to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests. This means that hotels may ask that service dogs be removed from the premises if they are causing a disturbance or posing a threat to other guests. However, hotels should work with guests to find a solution that allows them to keep their service dog with them if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hotels ask for proof of a service dog’s certification?

Yes, hotels are allowed to ask for proof of a service dog’s certification. However, they are not allowed to ask for the dog’s certification papers, as there is no legal certification required for service dogs. Instead, they can only ask if the dog is a service animal required because of a disability and what task the dog has been trained to perform. It’s important to note that emotional support animals (ESAs) do not have the same legal protections as service dogs and are not required to be allowed in hotels.

Can hotels charge extra fees for emotional support animals?

No, hotels are not allowed to charge extra fees for emotional support animals. However, as mentioned earlier, ESAs do not have the same legal protections as service dogs, and hotels are not required to accommodate them. It’s always best to check with the hotel ahead of time to ensure that they are willing to accommodate your ESA.

Can hotels refuse service dogs if they pose a threat to other guests?

Yes, hotels can refuse service dogs if they pose a direct threat to other guests. For example, if a service dog is aggressive or has a history of biting, the hotel may refuse to accommodate the dog. However, the hotel must make an individualized assessment of the situation and cannot simply refuse all service dogs of a certain breed or size.

What should you do if a hotel violates your rights as a service dog owner?

If a hotel violates your rights as a service dog owner, you should first try to work with the hotel to resolve the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice. Additionally, some states have their own laws regarding service animals, so it’s a good idea to check with your state’s attorney general’s office for more information.

Remember, service dogs are not pets – they are working animals that provide essential assistance to their owners. It’s important to know your rights as a service dog owner and to advocate for yourself and your dog when necessary.

Conclusion

In conclusion, service dogs are essential companions for many individuals with disabilities, providing them with increased independence, safety, and support. The ADA protects the rights of service dog owners, guaranteeing them access to all areas of the hotel without extra fees. Hotels have a responsibility to accommodate service dogs and ensure the safety and comfort of all guests. If you encounter any issues with a hotel violating your rights as a service dog owner, be sure to report the incident to the appropriate authorities.