An emotional support animal (ESA) is defined as any animal that provides comfort, support, safety, and companionship to its owner. These animals are prescribed by licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals dealing with mental and emotional disabilities. Unlike service animals, emotional support animals do not require specific training to perform tasks related to a person’s disability. This distinction is crucial, as it impacts their legal rights concerning public access.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that grants public access rights to service animals, enabling them to accompany their handlers in most public places, including hotels. However, the ADA does not extend these same public access rights to emotional support animals. Therefore, the question of whether an emotional support animal in hotels is permitted largely depends on the individual hotel’s policies and discretion. Hoteliers maintain the right to establish their own ESA hotel policies. The topic of Emotional Support Animals And Hotels has gained significant attention, leading to an increase in the number of ESA-friendly hotels across the United States. It is always recommended to contact the hotel directly and inquire about their emotional support animal in hotels policies before confirming a reservation. Each hotel may have different regulations regarding ESAs. Generally, owners are responsible for their ESA’s behavior and must ensure the animal is not left unattended in the room or unrestrained on the premises.
When Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Hotels?
Emotional support animals are typically allowed in hotels when the hotel already has established pet-friendly policies. The primary legislation concerning animals in public accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act ([americans with disabilities act]), specifically covers service animals, not emotional support animals. Due to the lack of federal and state regulations specifically mandating ESA access, hotels retain the authority to determine their own policies regarding pets and emotional support animals.
The increasing relevance of the topic of [are emotional support animals allowed in hotels](https://shocknaue.com/are-emotional-support-animals-allowed-in-hotels/) highlights the growing demand for accommodations for individuals with ESAs. Consequently, the number of ESA-friendly hotels is on the rise, with popular chains such as La Quinta, Marriott, and Hampton often included among them. However, policies and rules regarding ESA in hotels can vary significantly, depending on the discretion of the hotel owners. It is always advisable to contact the hotel management before booking to inquire about their specific ESA regulations. Owners of emotional support animals seeking hotel accommodation may be asked to provide an ESA letter.
An ESA letter serves as a legal document confirming an individual’s need for an emotional support animal as part of their treatment plan. While an ESA letter is helpful documentation, it does not guarantee hotel accommodation. It is important to understand that even legally prescribed ESAs may still be subject to in-stay fees, depending on the hotel’s specific policies.
What Are Common Hotel Policies for ESAs?
Hotel policies for emotional support animals frequently vary on a case-by-case basis. However, several common policies are often encountered by ESA owners:
- ESA Letter Request: Hotel staff typically have the right to request to review the animal’s ESA letter. This letter confirms an individual’s therapeutic need for the animal and its official ESA status.
- Fees and Deposits: Current laws regarding emotional support animals do not prevent hotels from charging additional fees for accommodating ESAs. Hotels have the autonomy to decide whether fees and deposits apply to ESAs and, if so, what the associated costs will be.
- Restricted Access to Certain Areas: Depending on the hotel’s specific policy, ESAs are generally allowed access to hotel rooms, check-in areas, hallways, and elevators. However, they are often restricted from accessing hotel dining areas, restaurants, pools, spas, gyms, business centers, and other amenities.
- Behavior Expectations: Although emotional support animals are not required to have specialized public access training, they are expected to be well-behaved while on the hotel premises. This includes not jumping on other guests, barking excessively, or relieving themselves in inappropriate areas.
- Supervision Requirements: Most hotels require owners to supervise their emotional support animals at all times. ESAs should not be left alone in the hotel room and must be kept on a leash or in a carrier when outside the room.
- Keep an ESA Under Control at All Times: Owners bear the responsibility for their ESA’s behavior and must maintain control of the animal. Investing in basic obedience training can be very beneficial, particularly if you plan to travel and stay in hotels with your ESA.
Do Hotels Have to Allow Emotional Support Animals?
No, hotels are generally not legally required to allow emotional support animals. As previously mentioned, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not provide the same protections for ESAs as it does for service animals, nor does it mandate their access to public spaces like hotels.
Individual hotels and hotel chains have the right to establish their own policies regarding emotional support animals. They can decide whether to accept ESAs and, if so, under what specific conditions. Common restrictions hotels might impose include limitations based on the ESA’s breed, size, or the number of animals permitted per room.
ESA owners who wonder, “[are emotional support animals allowed in hotels](https://shocknaue.com/are-emotional-support-animals-allowed-in-hotels/) and can hotels deny them?” should be aware that the answer is yes, denial is possible. It is crucial to communicate directly with hotel managers and inquire about their specific ESA policies before making any booking arrangements.
Where Can ESA Dogs Go in a Hotel?
In hotels that permit them, there are specific areas where emotional support animals, such as dogs, are typically allowed:
- Your Hotel Room: Emotional support animals are permitted free access to their owner’s assigned hotel room. However, in most hotels, leaving the animal unattended for extended periods is discouraged or prohibited.
- Lobby and Check-In Area: ESAs are generally allowed in the hotel lobby and check-in area, provided they are leashed and accompanied by their owner at all times.
- Designated Pet Relief Areas: Many hotels that are pet-friendly provide designated outdoor areas specifically for animal relief. These areas are typically accessible to all guest pets, including emotional support animals.
- Hallways and Elevators: For ease of movement within the hotel, emotional support animals are generally allowed to accompany their owners when using hallways and elevators.
It is important to remember that emotional support animals staying in pet-friendly hotels are usually not permitted in certain communal areas. These commonly include breakfast or dining areas, hotel restaurants, swimming pools, spas, fitness centers, business centers, and laundry facilities.
Do Hotels Allow an ESA to Be Left Alone in the Room?
Generally, hotels do not allow an emotional support animal to be left alone in the hotel room. Most hotel policies, including those for pets and ESAs, require the animal to be supervised by its owner at all times while on the premises.
However, exceptions to this rule may exist in some cases for very well-behaved ESAs that are known not to engage in destructive behaviors or excessive barking when left alone. Some hotels might permit a crated or restrained ESA to be left alone in the room for very short absences, but this is not a universal standard.
Planning ahead is essential if you anticipate needing to leave your ESA alone in the hotel room for any duration. Bringing a pet crate or carrier, using calming aids like white noise machines, and providing plenty of engaging toys can help keep the ESA calm and prevent potential issues 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 explicitly prohibit hotels from applying additional costs, such as nightly fees or refundable deposits, for accommodating ESAs.
Many hotels do not have separate, distinct policies specifically for emotional support animals. In such cases, ESAs are often treated under the hotel’s general pet policy. If the hotel’s pet policy includes additional costs, ESA owners will typically be charged these fees as well.
To avoid any unexpected charges upon arrival, it is highly recommended to call the hotel you plan to stay at in advance. Discuss their emotional support animal hotel fee or deposit requirements with the staff during the reservation process.
Do ESA Letters Guarantee Hotel Accommodation for Your ESA?
No, possessing an ESA letter does not guarantee hotel accommodation for your emotional support animal. While service dogs and other service animals are legally granted public access rights, including stays in hotels under the ADA, emotional support animals do not benefit from the same legal protections.
An ESA letter serves as documentation confirming the individual’s need for the animal and its status as an ESA. While helpful in communicating your situation to hotel staff, it ultimately does not mandate accommodation. The hotel retains the right to accept or deny the accommodation based on its own established pet or ESA policy.
What Are the Responsibilities of ESA Owners When Staying at Hotels?
When staying at hotels, emotional support animal owners have certain key responsibilities to ensure a smooth and respectful stay for themselves, their animal, and others:
- Ensure ESA Is Well-Behaved: Owners are accountable for their emotional support animal’s conduct. This includes keeping the animal calm, leashed when outside the room, and generally well-mannered around hotel staff and other guests.
- Maintain Cleanliness: ESA owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals immediately should any accidents occur on the hotel premises. Investing time in potty training before traveling with an ESA is highly recommended.
- Do Not Leave ESAs Unattended: Hotels typically do not permit ESAs to be left unattended, either in the hotel room or in other public areas of the hotel. When in the room, supervision is required, and when in other areas, the animal must be on a leash or in a carrier.
- Cover Any Damages or Extra Fees: ESA owners are held liable for any physical damage caused by their emotional support animal to the hotel property. Some hotels may require a refundable deposit upon check-in, while others may simply charge the owner directly for any damages incurred.
- Follow All Hotel Rules: Each hotel will have its own set of specific rules regarding pets and emotional support animals. Owners should familiarize themselves with the hotel’s ESA policies before booking to prevent any misunderstandings or unpleasant situations during their stay.
- Respect Other Guests and Staff: It is important for ESA owners to acknowledge that not everyone is comfortable around animals. Owners should be mindful of others’ space and ensure their ESA does not bother or interfere with the experience of other guests or hotel staff.
Beyond these points, ESA owners are generally responsible for keeping their animals under control in public spaces. This involves using a leash and being prepared to clean up after the animal instantly. An ESA must never be left unattended in public areas. Owners are also responsible for their ESA’s health, ensuring vaccinations and check-ups are current.
How to Politely Ask a Hotel to Accommodate My ESA?
Approaching a hotel about accommodating your emotional support animal politely and proactively can significantly increase your chances of a positive outcome. Here are suggested steps:
- Call Ahead Before Booking: Identify a hotel you are interested in and contact their management well in advance of your desired stay. Explain your situation and inquire about their pet or ESA policy to see if accommodation is possible.
- Mention Your ESA Letter: Early in the conversation, inform the hotel personnel that you have a valid ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional as official documentation of your need for the animal.
- Reassure About Good Behavior: Politely reassure the hotel staff that your emotional support animal is well-behaved, trained to the extent necessary for public settings, and capable of complying with their expected behavior policies and rules.
- Ask About Any Fees or Policies: Inquire upfront if the hotel charges any additional fees or requires deposits for emotional support animals. Knowing these costs in advance allows you to budget accordingly.
- Request Confirmation in Writing: If the hotel agrees to accommodate your ESA, it is advisable to politely request written confirmation of the approved accommodation. This can be particularly helpful if it is your first time staying at that specific hotel.
- Be Respectful Regardless of Outcome: Understand that hotels are not legally required to accept ESAs. Be respectful and courteous towards the hotel staff, regardless of whether your request for accommodation is granted or denied. The staff member you are speaking with typically does not set the hotel’s ESA policy.
What Famous Hotel Chains Allow Emotional Support Animals?
Many major hotel chains have recognized the growing number of travelers with emotional support animals and have implemented pet-friendly policies that often extend to ESAs. Some famous hotel chains known for being ESA-friendly hotels include:
- La Quinta: Most La Quinta locations welcome domesticated animals, including dogs and cats. Policies often limit the number of pets per room (typically two) and may impose weight restrictions. Some locations charge an optional pet fee, often around $25 per night with a maximum per stay.
- Red Roof Inn: Red Roof Inn is widely recognized as pet-friendly and generally allows ESAs at participating locations. They typically accept up to two animals per guestroom, often with a weight limit around 80 pounds per pet. The first pet/ESA is often free, with a fee for a second animal.
- Holiday Inn: Holiday Inn is pet-friendly, but policies can vary significantly by individual branch. Common rules include limits on the number and size of pets per room (e.g., two small or one large). A non-refundable pet fee is usually required for stays with ESAs.
- Hampton Inn: Hampton Inn’s pet policy varies by location. Many branches permit two animals (dogs and cats) per room, often without breed restrictions but sometimes with a weight limit (e.g., 75 pounds). A mandatory pet fee per stay, typically ranging from $50 to $75, is common.
- Super 8: Super 8 is known for being ESA-friendly hotels, particularly accepting dogs (though often not cats). Some locations have weight restrictions (40-75 pounds) and limits on the number of animals (one to three). A pet fee per animal per night is usually required, ranging from $10 to $25.
- Marriott: Marriott allows well-behaved dogs, cats, fish, and birds at selected pet-friendly locations within its portfolio, such as certain Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield Inn by Marriott properties.
- Quality Inn: Quality Inn locations often allow up to two pets or emotional support animals per room. Restrictions on weight, size, and animal type may apply at specific hotels. Larger pets may require pre-approval, and animals are usually not allowed on the hotel beds. Small pet fees and deposits, which vary by location, are common.
- Comfort Inn: Most Comfort Inn locations are pet-friendly, generally allowing up to two animals (dogs and cats) per guestroom. While the official weight limit is often 75 pounds, larger dogs may be accepted with prior approval from hotel management. An additional fee per stay for guests with pets is typical.
Do Hotels Allow Cats?
Yes, many hotels do allow cats. Numerous hotels and hotel chains have pet-friendly policies that extend to accommodating cats.
However, similar to dogs, restrictions often apply. Some hotels that accept cats may have limitations based on breed (though less common for cats), size, weight, or the total number of cats allowed per room or per guest. Additionally, hotels may require additional fees or deposits for accommodating cats.
An emotional support cat is allowed to stay in hotels that have specific pet-friendly policies in place that include cats. It is important to reiterate that ESAs, unlike service animals, are not universally guaranteed accommodation in all hotels by law.
Therefore, a pet-friendly policy that includes cats is essential 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 can be accommodated.
Why Do Hotels See ESAs and Service Animals Differently?
Hotels differentiate between emotional support animals and service animals primarily because they serve distinct purposes, have different training backgrounds, and are afforded different legal rights.
Service animals, which are typically dogs (and in some cases, miniature horses), undergo extensive and rigorous training to perform specific tasks directly related to assisting an individual with a disability. Examples include guide dogs for the visually impaired, hearing dogs for the deaf, or mobility assistance dogs.
Emotional support animals, on the other hand, do not require any specialized training to provide comfort and support. Their role is primarily therapeutic presence. Any animal species can potentially serve as an ESA if recommended by a mental health professional.
Consequently, a service animal is legally recognized as a necessary aid for a person with a disability and is granted broad public access rights, including access to hotels, because they are considered an essential part of the handler’s life and ability to function. Emotional support animals provide emotional comfort but do not perform disability-related tasks and thus do not benefit from the same legal protections or guaranteed 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 distinct from regular pets. They serve a medical purpose directly related to a person’s disability and must be permitted to accompany their handlers in hotels and other public accommodations.
The ADA is a federal regulation that ensures service animals have access to public places across all U.S. states. This law mandates that hotels must permit service animals to stay with their handlers and accompany them in all areas of the hotel where guests are generally allowed, provided the animal remains under the handler’s control. While service dogs have broad access rights, miniature horses recognized as service animals may be subject to some limitations based on safety concerns, but hotels must still make reasonable modifications to accommodate them.
Hotels do, however, retain the right to ask a service animal to be removed from the premises if the animal is out of control (e.g., barking excessively, 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 not permitted to charge extra fees or deposits specifically for service animals. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits hotels from imposing additional charges on guests solely because they are accompanied by a service animal.
Under the ADA, service animals are considered essential aids for individuals with disabilities rather than mere pets. This classification exempts them from standard hotel pet fees or deposits.
However, while hotels cannot charge a fee for the presence of a service animal, they are allowed to charge the owner for any physical property damage caused by the animal. For instance, if a service animal damages furniture in the room or has an accident that requires extensive cleaning, the hotel can charge the owner for the cost of the repair or cleaning, just as they would charge any other guest for property damage.
Dr. Ivana Crnec, DVM, author of the guide on emotional support animals and hotels
Ivana 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.
