Service Dogs & Hotels - Do you have to notify?

Question

I have a service dog, fully trained, marked with a vest, though I do not always keep it on him when in a hotel room. I recently checked into an Extended Stay, I did not speifically tell them I had a service dog, I didn't really feel a need. The clerk is stating now that he has seen me walk past with the dog I have to pay a 75.00 pet fee. I have attempted to explain that the dog is a service animal, not a pet but he claims since I did nto state that he was going to be there at checkin that I have to pay. This is breaking the law correct? I reread the American Disability Act and there is no law saying I have to notify beforehand.

Answer 1

I think that to deny you the right to have your service animal Would violate the Act.

Unless you were informed of the rule and the Fee beforehand, I would think you had the makings of a discrimination case. I would certainly refuse to pay this fee.

Someone with a dissability who has a service animal knows the dog is part of her, and vice versa. Many need to be educated about the "quiet" discrimination that the handicapped face.

Answer 2

Take it up with the general manager. I work in a hotel and we do charge a pet fee, but not for service dogs. It probably is best to notify them, as your experience shows. The GM probably does not want to lose your business or to have you spread a negative comment about the hotel. A good GM would waive the fee for a service dog. If she doesn't, contact the corporate office.

Answer 3

I have a motel it say no pets and two older people just tried to check in with two very little dogs said service dogs , Just last month a person checked in with a service dog again a older man and a little dog , He went out and left the dog in the room all day and the dog massed all over the bed the man checked out and did not even tell me . So I told the people today they had to put a deposit down and could have back after check out if all was ok . They got mad a said I cant ask for a deposit . Is this true if we have it posted no pets in rooms ?

Answer 4

Ask the clerk to see his law degree.

You don't need to declare a service animal in advance at a hotel any more than you need to when you go to Wal-Mart.

Just refuse to pay the charge -- and bounce it if they put it on your credit card.

Answer 5

I think (THINK) you're correct. I have worked in a few hotels (Holiday Inn Express currently) and I know we can't discriminate against service animals. I can't imagine that I or my managers would charge you just because you didn't notify us of your animal.

Answer 6

Thank you for the answers EVERYONE <3

Answer 7

Not sure how to answer this one