Helpful Tips for Access to Lodging Establishments
Guests with guide dogs may not be restricted to certain areas of a lodging establishment – such as smoking floors, “pet rooms” or restaurant smoking sections. They are allowed in all public and common areas such as guest rooms, dining rooms and buffets, swimming pools, salons and spas, shuttle services, fitness centers and any other place guests are normally allowed. Lodging establishments include hotels, inns, motels, campgrounds, sporting camps and other places of transient lodging. (The ADA does not cover owner-occupied establishments with five or fewer rooms.)
Places of lodging may not require guests with service animals to sign a pet policy agreement nor charge extra fees or cleaning deposits for dog guides. However, if a dog guide causes damage to the room or other areas of the establishment, the guest may be asked to pay for damages so long as it is the regular practice of the entity to charge non-disabled guests for the same types of damages.
The owner of a service animal whose dog barks excessively or otherwise acts out of control may be asked to remove the dog from the premises.
Related Websites:
For more information, contact The Seeing Eye Advocacy Council toll-free at 1-800-539-4425 or email advocacy@seeingeye.org.