ESA Hotel Laws: Staying With an Emotional Support Animal in a Hotel

Traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) can bring comfort and peace of mind — but when it comes to hotel stays, things can get a bit tricky. Unlike service animals, ESAs don’t have guaranteed access to public accommodations, and hotel policies can vary dramatically.

In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect when booking a hotel with your ESA, including whether hotels are required to accept them, what fees might apply, and what kind of documentation you may need to provide. If you’re planning a trip with your emotional support animal, here’s everything you need to know before check-in.

Can hotels charge for emotional support animals?

Yes, hotels can charge for ESAs because they are not prohibited from charging fees for emotional support animals, since ESAs are not granted the same fee exemptions as service animals. 

This means that if a hotel has a general policy of charging guests for bringing pets, those same rules can apply to guests with emotional support animals. Charges can include pet fees, deposits, or cleaning costs, and there is no federal law that prevents this in the hotel setting.

Traveling With ESAs

Traveling with an emotional support animal (ESA) can be challenging, especially when it comes to staying in hotels. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not have guaranteed public access rights, so it’s essential to check hotel policies in advance. Many hotels may allow ESAs voluntarily, but they often require proper documentation.  Let’s take a look at the rules and policies regarding ESAs in hotels in some U.S. states:

Is There Standardized Hotel ESA Policy?

No, there is no standardized federal policy requiring hotels to accept emotional support animals. Each hotel or hotel chain may establish its own rules regarding pets and emotional support animals. 

While some may have pet-friendly policies that accommodate ESAs, others may strictly prohibit them unless they are certified service animals under the ADA. Additionally, policies may differ by state, city, or even type of hotel (e.g., luxury vs. budget chains). 

Hotel ESA policies may also include documentation requirements, pet fees, and specific rules on animal behavior or size. Always read the hotel’s terms and conditions or contact them directly to confirm their policy.

Extended Stay Pet Policy for Emotional Support Animals in Hotels

The policy on emotional support animals (ESAs) for extended stays varies depending on location and the legal status of the animal. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not have guaranteed public access rights under federal or state laws.

In the U.S., hotels are generally not required to accept ESAs, as the ADA only protects trained service animals. Hotels can refuse ESAs or charge pet fees. However, many pet-friendly hotels may voluntarily allow ESAs and offer additional services.

For extended stays, some temporary housing (including hotels or short-term rentals) may be considered a “dwelling” under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). In these cases, hotels could be required to make reasonable accommodations, potentially waiving pet fees for ESAs unless doing so would impose an undue burden or safety risk.

State Examples:

• Arizona: ESAs in hotels may be protected under FHA and state law for temporary housing, but default hotel policies may still restrict them. Always check the hotel’s specific pet policy.
• Minnesota: Many hotels accept ESAs but may classify them as pets and charge fees. Contact the hotel directly to confirm.

Service Animals vs. ESAs

Hotels cannot charge fees for service animals, which are specially trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. ESAs, however, are primarily for emotional support and may be subject to hotel fees, even for extended stays.

United Kingdom

In the UK, ESAs do not have the same legal protections as assistance dogs under the Equality Act 2010. Hotels may refuse ESAs for property restrictions, potential damage, or practical reasons. Providing medical documentation and communicating with the hotel manager may help secure accommodations.

Tip: Always review the hotel’s extended stay pet policy and provide proper documentation when traveling with an ESA to avoid misunderstandings.

Does Extended Stay Allow Pets?

Ye, extended stay hotels may allow pets, but policies vary, and emotional support animals (ESAs) do not have guaranteed access. Many hotels voluntarily accommodate ESAs, and for extended stays, some protections may apply under the U.S. Fair Housing Act (FHA). Always confirm the hotel’s pet policy and have proper ESA documentation before booking.

ESA Hotel laws

When it comes to ESA hotel laws, the key point is that ESAs are not legally protected under the ADA in public accommodations like hotels. The Fair Housing Act offers legal protection for emotional support animals in housing situations, requiring landlords to make reasonable accommodations. 

However, that protection does not extend to hotels, motels, resorts, or similar businesses. These establishments are covered by the ADA, which only recognizes trained service animals. As such, hotels may freely decide whether to accept or reject ESAs and are allowed to charge additional fees or require documentation. Guests traveling with ESAs should plan ahead and confirm policies before booking.

Are emotional support dogs allowed in hotels?

No, emotional support dogs do not have guaranteed legal access to hotels in either the UK or the United States due to differences in legislation. In the UK, ESAs are not recognized the same way as assistance dogs under the Equality Act 2010, which protects people with disabilities. However, if the ESA is essential for managing a recognized disability, refusing the animal could be considered discrimination depending on the individual case and medical evidence.

In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects only specially trained service dogs, not ESAs, which do not have automatic access rights to public places like hotels. Nevertheless, many hotels choose to allow ESAs under their pet policies and may charge additional fees. It is important for travelers to check the hotel’s policy in advance, clearly communicate their situation, and provide valid documentation to avoid issues.

Therefore, ESA access to hotels largely depends on the hotel’s policy and valid proof, rather than a guaranteed legal right.

Emotional Support Animal Hotel Fee: What You Need to Know

If a hotel decides to allow emotional support animals, they are fully within their rights to charge pet-related fees, such as cleaning charges or nightly surcharges. 

The ADA explicitly prohibits public accommodations from charging extra fees for service animals, but that protection does not extend to ESAs. Since ESAs do not meet the ADA’s definition of a service animal, hotels may treat them as regular pets. This means that, even if allowed, emotional support animals might incur fees that would not be applied to trained service animals.

Can a hotel ask for proof of emotional support animals?

Yes. Because emotional support animals are not covered under ADA regulations for public accommodations, hotels can establish their own documentation requirements. The ADA limits what can be asked about a service animal to just two questions:

1. Is the animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

However, since ESAs don’t meet the service animal definition and aren’t protected by these ADA limits, hotels may request documentation — such as a letter from a licensed mental health professional — or require the guest to sign specific pet agreements. These policies can vary from one hotel chain to another, so it’s important to review individual hotel guidelines beforehand.

4 Tips for Staying in Hotels with an ESA

1. Always carry your ESA letter or documentation.
2. Contact the hotel ahead of time to confirm their policy.
3. Be aware of any fees that might apply for pets; service animals are exempt, but ESAs may be treated differently.
4. Respect hotel rules and other guests while traveling with your ESA.

Respect hotel rules and other guests while traveling with your ESA.

Can hotels charge for service dogs?

No, hotels cannot charge fees for service dogs, as they are protected under laws like the ADA in the U.S. Service animals are not considered pets, so standard pet fees do not apply. Hotels can charge for damages caused by the animal, but not for its presence. Emotional support animals (ESAs), however, are not considered service animals and may be subject to fees.

Can a hotel ask for service dog papers?

No, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), hotels cannot require any documentation, certification, or “papers” for a service dog. The law assumes that a service animal is working to assist someone with a disability, and the emphasis is on the function of the animal rather than official paperwork.

If it is not immediately obvious that the dog is a service animal, hotel staff are limited to asking only two specific questions:

1.Is the animal required because of a disability?
2.What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, demand medical records, request certification from a training program, or require the dog to perform its tasks on the spot. These restrictions are in place to protect both the privacy of the individual and the legal rights of service dog handlers.

Additionally, while hotels cannot charge fees for the presence of a service dog, they can charge for any damage the animal may cause, just as they would for any guest. Misrepresenting a pet as a service dog is also illegal in many U.S. states and can carry fines or civil penalties.

FAQ about Staying with an ESA in a Hotel

Get the Documentation That Helps Your ESA Stay Where You Need

Bringing an emotional support animal to a hotel requires planning and understanding your rights — as well as their limitations. Unlike service animals, ESAs are not protected under the ADA in hotel settings, which means hotels can legally deny access, charge additional fees, or request documentation. Policies can vary widely between hotel chains, states, and individual properties.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free stay, always check the hotel’s ESA policy in advance, confirm any requirements, and be prepared for potential fees. With the right documentation — such as a proper PSD letter — you can maximize accommodation options and make traveling with your ESA easier and more enjoyable.

Ready to make your next trip hassle-free? Get your PSD letter today and secure smoother stays for you and your ESA.