Can Hotels Deny Pets? What You Should Know
Traveling with pets can be a rewarding experience, but it often comes with logistical challenges — particularly when searching for accommodations. A frequent question among pet owners is: can hotels legally deny pets? The answer is generally yes, but with some important exceptions.
Understanding Pet Policies in Hotels
Hotels are private businesses and, as such, usually have the right to set their own policies concerning pets. Most hotels are not required by law to accept pets and may choose to restrict them for various reasons including hygiene, noise, or liability concerns.
Key Reasons Some Hotels Deny Pets
- Allergies: Guests or staff may have allergies, prompting hotels to maintain pet-free environments.
- Cleanliness: Cleaning up after animals can be more demanding and may require special services.
- Noise Complaints: Pets can be unpredictable and noisy, potentially disturbing other guests.
- Damage Potential: Pets may damage hotel property, especially when left unattended.
- Insurance Issues: Some hotel insurance policies either restrict or increase premiums for pet-related incidents.
Service Animals vs. Pets
Hotels must make a legal distinction between regular pets and service animals. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities who use service animals generally cannot be turned away from public accommodations, including hotels — even those that otherwise prohibit pets. Service animals, as defined by the ADA, are dogs (and in some cases miniature horses) trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities.
It’s important to note that emotional support animals (ESAs) and therapy animals are not considered service animals by the ADA. Therefore, hotels are not legally required to accommodate ESAs, although some may choose to do so.
How to Find Pet-Friendly Hotels
- Use Pet-Friendly Filters: Booking platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, or Airbnb allow filtering for pet-friendly stays.
- Call Ahead: Even if a listing appears pet-friendly, it's recommended to call and confirm specific pet policies.
- Understand Fees: Some hotels charge additional pet fees or deposits for cleaning or damage coverage.
- Ask About Restrictions: Some hotels may limit the size, number, or breed of animals allowed.
What to Do If You're Denied
If you are denied a hotel stay with your pet, you generally have limited recourse unless the denial violates ADA requirements for service animals. In such cases, you may contact the U.S. Department of Justice to file a complaint. Otherwise, it’s best to respect the hotel’s policy and look for alternative accommodations.
Tips for Staying with Pets in Hotels
- Choose ground-floor rooms for easier outdoor access.
- Never leave pets unattended unless policies allow and your pet is well-behaved.
- Bring pet beds, bowls, and familiar toys to ease adjustment.
- Observe leash rules and always clean up after your pet.
- Be honest about pet size and number to avoid penalties.
Conclusion
In most scenarios, hotels can deny pets legally unless the animal qualifies as a service animal under federal law. Pet owners are advised to research and confirm pet policies before booking any accommodation. With the right planning, traveling with pets can still be both enjoyable and stress-free.
