We’re an inclusive marketplace built on a foundation of trust, safety, and respect. If you require a service animal and are in a country that has service animal laws, hosts are required to accommodate regardless of their normal house rules pet policy since service animals are not pets.

Note: Emotional support and therapy animals are not covered by this.


Definitions

Service animal

A service animal is, in most cases, a dog that has been trained to perform a task that mitigates the symptoms or impact of the handler's disability. Some common types of service animals include: 
  • Guide dogs for the blind 
  • Hearing alert dogs for the deaf 
  • Seizure alert dogs 
  • Assistance dogs for a handler with autism or other developmental disabilities and mental illnesses such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 


Emotional support animal

Emotional support animals are not trained to perform a specific task. They are companion animals who help their owners cope with the symptoms of emotional and mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and panic disorders.


Therapy animal 

Therapy animals, together with their owner, are certified or registered to enter long-term care facilities, hospitals, rehab centers, schools and other public places by invitation. They are often used to complement several types of health care. 

 

Rights and responsibilities of service animal handlers 

  • Handlers cannot generally be denied the right to stay at a property because they require a service animal. 
  • Handlers generally don’t have to disclose their disability or what causes their disability. 
  • They must be willing to confirm that the animal is a service animal and attest to what task the animal performs. 
  • Handlers must have their animal under control either on a leash or by verbal command if they are unable to use a leash. They must pick up after the animal and dispose of waste appropriately.