Service Animals

At Holidu, we believe in inclusivity and want all guests to feel welcome — including guests who rely on service animals. As a host, you cannot discriminate against guests who need a service animal, and you must accommodate them just as you would any other guest. It's not just about kindness; it's about making sure every guest can enjoy their stay, regardless of their personal challenges. By accommodating guests with service animals, you help create an inclusive and respectful environment.

What Is a Service Animal?

A service animal is not a pet — it's a specially trained companion that helps individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks to support their daily lives. The most common service animals are dogs, and some examples include:

• Guide dogs for the blind or visually impaired
• Hearing alert dogs for the deaf or hard of hearing
• Seizure alert dogs for people with epilepsy
• Assistance dogs for a variety of other needs

Service animals are not considered pets. This means they are allowed on your property even if your holiday home isn't typically pet-friendly.

What This Means for You as a Host

• No Extra Charges: Since service animals aren't pets, you cannot charge an additional fee for them. This includes pet fees and extra cleaning charges.
• Accessibility: Service animals must be allowed in all areas of the property that are open to the public or to guests in general. You should not refuse access to a guest with a service animal based on your pet policy.
• Legal Compliance: According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), people with disabilities must be granted equal access to public and private spaces, which includes holiday homes. As a member of the European Union, this regulation applies to you.

European Laws on Service Animals

Service animal regulations vary by country in Europe. Here are the specific laws for each country:

• Germany
• Austria
• Italy
• Spain
• Portugal
• France
• Netherlands
• Greece

Key Takeaways

• Service animals are working animals, not pets, and must be accommodated without additional charges
• You cannot refuse a guest with a service animal based on your property's pet policy
• European disability rights laws protect guests with service animals and require equal access
• Check your country's specific regulations to ensure full compliance

If you have any questions or need further clarification on how service animal regulations apply to your property, your local Holidu team is here to help. We're committed to making your holiday home as welcoming and inclusive as possible.