A service animal is a trained companion that helps a guest with a disability. As a host in Europe, you must welcome guests with service animals, even if your holiday home does not accept pets.
What is a service animal?
A service animal is not a pet. It performs specific tasks for a person with a disability. The most common service animals are dogs, including:
- Guide dogs for blind or visually impaired guests
- Hearing alert dogs for deaf or hard of hearing guests
- Seizure alert dogs for guests with epilepsy
- Assistance dogs for other disabilities
Can I refuse a guest with a service animal?
No. You cannot refuse a guest because they have a service animal, and your pet policy does not apply to service animals. Treat these guests the same as any other guest.
Can I charge a fee for a service animal?
No. Because service animals are not pets, you cannot charge pet fees or extra cleaning fees for them.
Where can a service animal go?
Service animals must be allowed in all areas of your property that are open to guests in general, including the living areas, bedrooms, and shared outdoor spaces.
What laws apply to service animals?
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) requires equal access to public and private spaces, including holiday homes. As an EU host, this applies to you. Each country also has its own rules:
Where can I find more information?
If you have questions about how these rules apply in your market, contact your local Holidu team. You can also browse our Help Center for more host guides.
Do you want to contact us?
We’re here to help. You can contact us directly if you need assistance or have questions.
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