Find the answers to the most common questions about service animals.
Service animals are more than just pets. For this reason, hosts are usually required to accept them in their accommodation.
What is a service animal?
Service animals include:
- Guide dogs. A guide dog is a dog that is trained to help a blind or visually impaired person find their way around.
- Service dogs. A service dog is a dog trained to help a person with a motor or cognitive disability. For example, a deaf or hard-of-hearing person, or a person living with epilepsy, autism spectrum disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Unlike emotional support animals, service animals are trained to perform specific tasks. |
Does a host have the right to refuse access to a service animal?
No. In the U.S., the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public places and service providers to allow people with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals. Sinistar hosts must accept these animals in their accommodations.
However, there are limited exceptions for health and safety reasons, such as if:
The guest cannot control the animal, and the animal poses a direct threat.
The animal causes damage or hygiene issues inside the dwelling (e.g., defecates or urinates inside).
In such cases, the guest must still be allowed to stay in the accommodation without their service animal.
Can a host require certification for a service animal?
Under U.S. law, hosts cannot require documentation or certification for a service animal in most cases.
However, a host may ask if the animal is required because of a disability and what tasks it has been trained to perform.
Do guests need to notify the host if they have a service animal in the home?
No. Guests are not required to notify the host. However, we recommend that you do so to ensure good relations with your host.
What should I do if I think I’m being discriminated against?
Sinistar takes discrimination complaints very seriously.
If a host refuses access to your service animal in the accommodation without a valid reason, notify your Sinistar agent. Explain the situation in as much detail as possible. He or she will investigate what happened and will find you another accommodation, if necessary.
What happens if a service animal causes damage to the temporary accommodation?
If an animal causes damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear, the host can claim compensation from the guest. Sinistar acts as a go-between with the host and the guest, and takes the necessary steps to collect the money.