Today, the majority of individuals carry their ESA when they are traveling. ESA animals are those that provide emotional support, such as reducing stress levels, minimizing fear, and making the person feel less alone.
But when anyone wants to stay in the hotel and also take their ESA with them, there is too much confusion.
But what confusion? The confusion is whether ESA is allowed in hotels or not.
In this blog, we’ll understand in simple words what ESA is, the rights of ESA in hotels, and what things hotels can allow or refuse. And, also, all the rules that you have to follow while travelling.
The main objective of this blog is to eliminate confusion and provide clear knowledge.
What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?
An Emotional Support Animal is a pet that gives emotional and mental support to a person. When someone is feeling very sad or lonely, their pet can help them feel a little better. The purpose of an ESA is not to give physical assistance, but rather emotional comfort. Doctors or mental health professionals sometimes recommend getting an ESA to help reduce stress and improve mental health. However, it’s important to remember that an ESA is not a specially trained animal. It doesn’t receive any special training or learn any specific skills. It simply provides emotional support by being present with its owner.
Difference between ESA and Service Animal
The majority of individuals believe that ESA and Service animals are equivalent to one another; however, there exists a distinction between the two. Service animals are specially trained animals that can assist the disabled person, whereas an ESA is not. They only provide emotional support to the individual.
According to the law, the rights of both a service animal and an ESA are different. And because of this difference, the rules for both are different in hotels as well.
Laws That Apply to ESA Animals in Hotels
There are mainly two laws. The first law is the Americans with disabilities act. This law applies in hotels and many other public places, and according to this law, Hotels are required to allow service animals. But ADA does not provide any support to the ESA. The second law is the Fair Housing Act, and is mainly related to housing and apartments. This law provides housing protection to ESAs. But in the case of hotels, hotels don’t follow FHA. This means that there is no strong legal protection for ESA in hotels.
Are Hotels Legally Required to Allow ESAs?
The answer is simple. This is not mandatory for hotels to allow ESA. It’s not legally required. The law only says that hotels accommodate service animals. Therefore, if a hotel refuses an ESA, in most cases, they are not wrong. Many people don’t understand this and think that having an ESA means a hotel cannot refuse them. But the reality is that having an ESA does not grant you a legal right to stay at a hotel.
Why Some Hotels Still Allow ESAs
If the law does not force the hotels to follow the ESA, then the question arises, why do some hotels still allow ESA? The answer to this is related to the business and kindness. Some hotels want customers to feel comfortable in the hotels, which is why they allow the ESA. Some hotels are pet-friendly. Some hotels want a better image in the front of society, which is also the reason behind allowing ESA. But all these things are according to the hotel’s will, not due to the pressure of the law.
Rights of ESA Owners vs. Rights of Hotels
There are some expectations of ESA owners. But the hotels also have some rules and rights. ESA owner has the right to talk with the hotel management properly and respectfully. They don’t have the right to force a hotel to allow an ESA. Hotels can set rules for their property and maintain safety and cleanliness. Therefore, both sides should understand each other’s rights to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
When Can a Hotel Legally Refuse an ESA?
The hotel can deny the entry if the rules do not allow pets. If ESA makes too much disturbance or noise and disturbs other guests, then it’s the right of the hotel to refuse entry of that specific ESA. If the ESA poses a safety or hygiene issue, the hotel’s refusal is perfectly legal.
Fees and Charges for ESA Animals in Hotels
Hotels cannot charge a pet fee for service animals, but the situation is different for ESA animals. Hotels can charge a pet fee for ESAs because the law does not prohibit them from doing so. If the ESA causes any damage to the room, the hotel can also charge for the repairs. Therefore, when booking a hotel with an ESA, it’s essential to clarify the fees beforehand.
Can Hotels Ask for ESA Documents?
Many people think that if they have an ESA letter, the hotel cannot refuse them. However, the truth is that hotels are not legally obligated to accept an ESA letter. An ESA letter is important for housing, not for hotels. A hotel cannot ask you for your medical history or personal details, but they can allow or refuse an ESA based on their own policy.
Pet-Friendly vs. ESA-Friendly Hotels
Pet-friendly hotels are those that allow pets with specific rules and fees. ESA-friendly hotels are those that allow ESAs, even if the law doesn’t compel them to do so. This doesn’t mean that being ESA-friendly is your right. It’s simply a favor that the hotel may choose to extend to a guest.
How to Book a Hotel Stay with an ESA
The most important thing when booking a hotel with an ESA is planning.
- You should first visit the hotel’s website and read their pet policy.
- After that, you should call or email the hotel directly to inform them that you will be bringing your ESA.
- When you clarify this beforehand, there won’t be any problems during check-in.
- If possible, you should also get written confirmation from the hotel to avoid any confusion later.
What to Do if a Hotel Refuses Your ESA
If a hotel refuses your ESA, the first thing you should do is remain calm instead of getting angry. Understand that not every refusal constitutes discrimination. You can politely speak to the manager, but if they still refuse, finding another hotel is usually the best option. You should only file a complaint if the rights of a service animal have been violated; in the case of ESAs, most refusals are legal.
Responsibilities of ESA Owners in Hotels
Being an ESA owner means not only receiving emotional support but also taking responsibility. Owners must keep their ESA under control, prevent excessive noise, and maintain cleanliness so that they don’t create disturbance for other guests. If the ESA causes any damage, the owner is responsible. When ESA owners are responsible, hotels are more likely to be open to allowing ESAs in the future.
Common Myths About ESA Animals in Hotels
It is believed that ESAs can go anywhere, but this is not the case. There is a common misconception that the animal will be obligated upon a hotel to accept an ESA letter, which is also not the case. And many people mistakenly believe that ESAs and service animals are the same, when there are significant differences between the two. These myths are the root cause of most problems.
Conclusion: Know Your Rights, Respect Hotel Rules
ESA animals are good for getting emotional support for many people. However, when we see the concept of hotels, the law and reality are different. Service animals have legal rights to enter hotels, but ESA animals do not. Therefore, if you travel with an ESA, you should understand and respect the hotel’s rules before visiting the specific hotel. Once you gain the proper information about the law and once you have followed the rules while going in the hotels, it will be a better experience and the conflicts can be avoided.
