An emotional support animal (ESA) is any animal that offers comfort, safety, and companionship to its owner. These animals are prescribed by licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) as part of a treatment plan for individuals dealing with mental and emotional disabilities.
Unlike service animals, emotional support animals do not require specialized training and have different legal rights regarding public access.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) grants public access rights to service animals, but this protection does not extend to emotional support animals.
While service animals are legally permitted in hotels, whether an ESA in hotels is allowed is at the discretion of the hotel. Hoteliers have the right to establish their own ESA hotel policies.
The topic of ESA and hotels is gaining prominence, leading to an increase in ESA-friendly hotels across the US. It is always recommended to contact the hotel and inquire about their emotional support animal in hotels policies before finalizing a booking.
Hotel ESA rules vary. Generally, owners are responsible for their ESAs’ behavior and must ensure the animals are not left unattended in rooms or unleashed on the premises.
When are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Hotels?
Emotional support animals are typically allowed in hotels when the hotel already has pet-friendly policies in place. The primary federal law governing animals in public accommodations is the ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act. However, as mentioned, the ADA applies to service animals, not emotional support animals. Due to the absence of specific state and federal regulations for ESAs, hotels are permitted to determine their own pet and ESA policies.
The subject of emotional support animals and hotels is highly relevant today, and the number of ESA-friendly hotels is growing. Well-known chains like La Quinta, Marriott, and Hampton are among those that may accommodate ESAs. Specific rules regarding an ESA in hotels are subject to the hotel owners’ discretion. Always call the hotel management before booking a reservation to clarify their ESA regulations. ESA owners planning a hotel stay might be asked to present an ESA letter.
An ESA letter is a document from a licensed mental health professional confirming an individual’s need for an emotional support animal. While helpful, an ESA letter does not guarantee hotel accommodation. It’s crucial to understand that even ESAs legally prescribed by health professionals may still incur in-stay fees based on the hotel’s policies.
What are Common Hotel Policies for ESAs?
Hotel policies for ESAs can vary from case to case, but some common regulations include:
- ESA Letter Request: Hotel staff may request to review the animal’s ESA letter as confirmation of the individual’s need for the animal and its official status.
- Fees and Deposits: Emotional support animal laws do not prevent hotels from charging additional fees for ESAs. Hotels independently decide if fees and deposits apply to ESAs and what the associated costs will be.
- Restricted Access to Certain Areas: Depending on the hotel’s policy, ESAs are usually permitted in guest rooms, check-in areas, hallways, and elevators. However, they are often restricted from areas like hotel restaurants, gyms, pools, and spa centers.
- Behavior Expectations: While emotional support animals don’t require specialized training, they are expected to behave appropriately in public spaces. This means ESAs should not jump on other guests, bark excessively, or relieve themselves inappropriately on hotel grounds.
- Supervision Requirements: Hotels generally require owners to supervise their ESAs at all times. ESAs should typically not be left alone in the room and must be kept on a leash when outside the room.
- Maintain Control at All Times: Owners are responsible for their ESAs’ behavior and must keep them under control. Basic training can be very beneficial, especially if planning to travel and stay in hotels with your ESA.
Do Hotels have to Allow Emotional Support Animals?
No, hotels are not legally obligated to allow emotional support animals. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not provide protection for ESAs and does not mandate their access to public spaces or accommodations like hotels.
Individual hotels and hotel chains are free to set their own ESA policies and decide whether to accept emotional support animals, and if so, under what specific conditions. Common restrictions may include limitations based on the ESA’s breed, size, or the number of animals per room.
ESA owners who ask, “Can hotels deny emotional support animals?” should know that the answer is yes. It is essential to contact hotel managers in advance to inquire about their specific ESA policies before booking.
Where Can ESA Dogs Go in a Hotel?
The places ESA dogs might be allowed within a hotel typically include:
- Your Hotel Room: Emotional support animals generally have access to their owners’ hotel rooms. However, many hotels have policies against leaving them unattended for extended periods.
- Lobby and Check-In Area: Provided they are leashed and accompanied by their owners, ESAs are usually permitted in the hotel lobby and check-in area.
- Designated Pet Relief Areas: Many hotels that are pet-friendly also offer designated areas for pets to relieve themselves, which are available for both guest pets and emotional support animals.
- Hallways and Elevators: For convenience, emotional support animals are typically allowed to accompany their owners when using hallways and elevators within the hotel.
Emotional support animals staying in pet-friendly hotels are generally not permitted in certain shared guest areas, such as breakfast or dining areas, hotel restaurants, swimming pools, spas, gyms, business centers, and laundry facilities.
Do Hotels Allow an ESA to be Left Alone in the Room?
Generally, hotels do not permit an ESA to be left alone in the room. Most hotel policies require that pets and emotional support animals (ESAs) be supervised by their owners at all times during the stay.
However, there can be exceptions for ESAs that are known to be well-behaved and do not cause disturbances through destructive actions or loud barking when alone. Some hotels may suggest that if an ESA or pet must be left alone for short periods, they should be crated or otherwise restrained in the room.
It is advisable to plan ahead if you anticipate needing to leave your ESA alone for a brief time. Bringing a pet crate or carrier, using calming aids like white noise machines, and providing plenty of engaging toys can help keep your ESA calm and well-behaved while you are away.
Can Hotels Charge for Emotional Support Animals?
Yes, hotels are permitted to charge fees for emotional support animals. There are no state or federal laws that prevent hotels from applying extra costs, fees, or deposits for accommodating ESAs.
Often, hotels do not have specific, separate ESA policies and treat emotional support animals under their general pet policies. If a hotel’s pet policy includes additional costs, ESA owners will likely be subject to these charges.
It is best practice to call the hotel you plan to stay at in advance to discuss their specific emotional support animal hotel fee or deposit requirements to avoid any unexpected charges upon arrival.
Do ESA Letters Guarantee Hotel Accommodation for Your ESA?
No, an ESA letter does not guarantee that a hotel will accommodate your emotional support animal. While service dogs and other service animals have legal rights to public access and hotel stays under the ADA, emotional support animals do not have the same legal protections.
An ESA letter serves to confirm your legitimate need for an emotional support animal and their status. However, it primarily helps in negotiating potential acceptance with hotels that have pet-friendly policies. The hotel ultimately retains the right to accept or deny accommodation based on its individual pet or animal policy.
What are the Responsibilities of ESA Owners When Staying at Hotels?
When staying at hotels, ESA owners have several responsibilities to ensure a smooth stay for themselves and respect for others. These responsibilities include:
- Ensure ESA is Well-Behaved: Owners are accountable for their emotional support animals’ behavior. This includes keeping them calm, leashed, and well-mannered around hotel staff and other guests.
- Maintain Cleanliness: ESA owners are responsible for maintaining hygiene and immediately cleaning up after their emotional support animals if they make a mess. Potty training the animal thoroughly before traveling is highly recommended.
- Do Not Leave ESAs Unattended: Hotels typically require ESAs to be supervised at all times. This means they should not be left alone in the room. When outside the room, they must be kept on a leash or in a carrier.
- Cover Any Damages or Extra Fees: ESA owners are liable for any physical damage caused by their ESAs to hotel property. Some hotels may require a refundable deposit for this purpose, while others will simply charge if damage occurs.
- Follow All Hotel Rules: Every hotel has its own specific rules regarding pets and ESAs. Owners must familiarize themselves with the hotel’s policies before booking to prevent any misunderstandings or unpleasant situations during the stay.
- Respect Other Guests and Staff: Owners must be mindful that not everyone is comfortable around animals. They should respect the space and comfort of other guests and hotel staff and prevent their ESAs from bothering others.
Overall, ESA owners are responsible for their animals’ conduct in public. This includes keeping them under control, typically on a leash. Promptly cleaning up any messes the ESA makes is mandatory. An ESA in public spaces, including hotels, must never be left unattended. Owners are also responsible for their ESA’s health and ensuring vaccinations are current.
How to Politely Ask a Hotel to Accommodate My ESA?
Follow these steps to politely inquire about bringing your ESA to a hotel:
- Call Ahead Before Booking: Research hotels you are interested in and contact the management or front desk before making a reservation to learn about their pet or ESA policy. Clearly explain your situation.
- Mention Your ESA Letter: Begin by stating that you have a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional as official documentation supporting your need for the animal.
- Reassure About Good Behavior: Assure the hotel staff or management that your ESA is well-mannered and will be kept under control and comply with their rules regarding animal behavior on the premises.
- Ask About Any Fees or Policies: Inquire in advance if there are any extra fees or deposits required for accommodating emotional support animals (ESAs) so you can budget accordingly.
- Request Confirmation in Writing: If the hotel agrees to accommodate your ESA, it’s advisable to request written confirmation of the approval, especially if it is your first stay at this particular hotel.
- Be Respectful Regardless of Outcome: Understand that the hotel has the right to deny accommodation for ESAs if they do not have a pet-friendly policy. Be polite and respectful of their decision, as the staff member you are speaking with may not be the one who sets the policy.
What Famous Hotel Chains Allow Emotional Support Animals?
Several well-known hotel chains are known for being pet-friendly and may accommodate emotional support animals. Policies can vary by specific location:
- La Quinta: Most La Quinta locations welcome domesticated pets, including dogs and cats. Policies often limit the number of pets per room (e.g., two) and may have weight restrictions. An optional pet fee (e.g., $25/night, max $75/stay) may apply.
- Red Roof Inn: Red Roof Inn is pet-friendly and accepts ESAs at participating locations. They typically allow up to two animals per room with a weight limit (e.g., 80 pounds per pet). Often, the first pet or ESA stays free, with a fee for the second.
- Holiday Inn: Holiday Inn’s pet policy varies significantly by location. Some branches allow small pets (e.g., under 15 pounds) or one larger pet. A non-refundable pet fee, plus tax, is often required for pets, including ESAs.
- Hampton Inn: Hampton Inn’s pet policy is location-dependent. Many allow two pets (dogs and cats) per room. While there may not be breed restrictions, a weight limit (e.g., 75 pounds) is common. A mandatory pet fee (e.g., $50-$75 per stay) is typical.
- Super 8: Super 8 is often considered ESA-friendly. Many locations accept dogs (sometimes excluding cats). Weight restrictions (e.g., 40-75 pounds) and pet number limits (e.g., one to three per room) vary. Most locations require a pet fee (e.g., $10-$25 per animal per night).
- Marriott: Select Marriott brand locations, such as Courtyard Marriott and Fairfield Inn Marriott, are pet-friendly and may allow well-behaved dogs, cats, and sometimes other animals like fish or birds.
- Quality: Quality Inn locations often allow up to two pets or emotional support animals per room. Specific restrictions on weight, size, and pet type vary by location. Pre-approval may be needed for larger pets. Pets are generally not allowed on furniture like beds. Small pet fees and deposits vary by branch.
- Comfort Inn: Most Comfort Inn locations are pet-friendly and permit up to two animals (dogs and cats) per guestroom. The standard weight limit is often 75 pounds, though larger dogs might be accepted with advance approval from management. An additional fee (e.g., $30 per stay) is common for guests with pets.
Do Hotels Allow Cats?
Yes, many hotels do allow cats. Numerous hotels and hotel chains have pet-friendly policies that welcome cats alongside dogs.
However, restrictions are common. Some hotels accepting cats may have limitations based on the cat’s breed, size, weight, or the maximum number of cats allowed per room or per guest. Additional fees and deposits are often required for accommodating cats.
An emotional support cat is allowed to stay in hotels that have a specific pet-friendly policy that includes cats. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not have a universal right of access to all hotels.
A pet-friendly policy is necessary for an ESA cat to stay in a hotel. Always contact the hotel in advance to verify their specific pet regulations and confirm whether your ESA cat is permitted.
Why Do Hotels See ESAs and Service Animals Differently?
Hotels differentiate between emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals primarily because they serve distinct purposes, have different training requirements, and are granted varying legal rights.
Service animals, commonly dogs but sometimes miniature horses, undergo extensive, rigorous training to perform specific tasks directly related to a person’s disability. For example, a service dog might assist a visually impaired individual with navigation or alert someone to an impending medical event.
In contrast, ESAs do not need any specific training to provide emotional support. Any animal species can potentially qualify as an ESA if recommended by a licensed mental health professional.
Therefore, a service animal is legally recognized under the ADA as an essential aid to an individual with a disability and is granted public access rights, including access to hotels. Emotional support animals, while providing comfort, do not have this same legal status and do not benefit from the same broad access rights as service animals.
Do Hotels Have to Allow Service Animals?
Yes, hotels are legally required to allow service animals. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are recognized as a distinct category from regular pets because they perform essential tasks for individuals with disabilities. As a result, they must be permitted in hotels and other public accommodations.
The ADA is a federal regulation, meaning its requirements regarding service animals apply to hotels throughout all U.S. states.
Service animals have the right to stay in hotels and accompany their handlers in all areas where guests are normally allowed, provided they remain under the handler’s control (typically within three feet). While service dogs have wide-ranging access, miniature horses permitted as service animals may be subject to some limitations based on factors like size and safety concerns.
Hotels are allowed to ask a service animal to be removed if it is out of control (e.g., barking uncontrollably, growling, acting unruly) and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or if the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
Can Hotels Charge for Service Dogs?
No, hotels are prohibited from charging fees for service animals. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) explicitly states that hotels cannot charge extra fees or require deposits from guests simply because they are accompanied by a service animal.
Under the ADA, service animals are viewed not as pets but as necessary aids for individuals with disabilities, which exempts them from standard pet fees and deposits.
However, hotels can charge service animal owners for any physical damage their animal causes to the property. For instance, if a service animal damages furniture or has an accident in the guest room, the hotel may charge the owner for the cost of repairs or cleaning, just as they would charge any guest for property damage.
Veterinarian Ivana CrnecIvana Crnec, DVM Veterinarian
Ivana Crnec got her veterinary degree at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bitola. She then continued her education at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Zagreb, Croatia, where she specialized in domestic carnivores. See Full Bio
In conclusion, while service animals are protected by law and must be accommodated in hotels, emotional support animals do not share the same legal status. Hotel policies for ESAs vary significantly and depend entirely on the hotel’s discretion. Owners should always contact hotels directly before booking, understand their specific pet or ESA policies, and be prepared to follow all rules regarding their ESA’s behavior and supervision during the stay.
