ESA Hotel Laws: Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Hotels?

An emotional support animal (ESA) is any animal that provides support, comfort, safety, and companionship to its owner. Licensed mental health professionals (LMHPs) are authorized to prescribe ESAs as part of a treatment care plan for people with mental and emotional disabilities. 

Emotional support animals do not require training and differ from service animals regarding their responsibilities and legal rights. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) grants public access rights to service animals, but not to emotional support animals. 

Service animals are allowed in hotels, but whether an ESA in hotels is accepted depends on the hotel’s discretion. Hoteliers have the right to decide on their ESA hotel policies.

ESA and hotels are an increasingly popular topic, and today, there are many ESA-friendly hotels in the US. Always call and ask about the emotional support animal in hotels policies before you book a hotel stay. 

Every hotel has different ESA rules. Owners are generally responsible for their ESAs’ behavior and must not leave the animals unattended in the hotel rooms or unleashed on the premises.  

When are Emotional Support Animals Allowed in Hotels?

Emotional support animals are allowed in hotels when the hotel already implements pet-friendly policies. The main law regarding animals in public places and accommodations is the ADA or Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA, however, applies to service animals and not emotional support animals. With a lack of state and federal regulations, hotels have the right to decide on their pet and ESA policies. 

The topic of emotional support animals and hotels is of extreme relevance, and the number of ESA-friendly hotels is on the rise, famous chains such as La Quinta, Marriott, and Hampton are among them. Policies and rules about ESA in hotels vary and depend on the hotel owners’ discretion. Always call the hotel management before making a reservation and find out about its ESA regulations. ESA owners looking to book a hotel stay must show the hotel management an ESA letter. 

The ESA letter is a legal document that confirms an individual’s need for an emotional support animal. The ESA letter helps, but does not guarantee hotel accommodation. It is important to clarify that even ESAs legally prescribed by health professionals are still going to be subject to in-stay fees according to the hotel’s policies. 

What are the Common Hotel Policies for ESAs?

Hotel policies for ESAs often vary on a case to case basis, however, some of the common hotel policies for ESAs are listed below. 

• ESA Letter Request: Hotel staff have the right to request to review the animal’s ESA letter. The ESA letter confirms an individual’s need for an emotional support animal and its official ESA status. 
• Fees and Deposits: Emotional support animal laws do not prevent hotels from charging additional fees for ESAs. Hotels decide for themselves whether fees and deposits apply to ESAs and, if so, what the costs are. 
• Restricted Access to Certain Areas: Depending on the hotel’s policy, ESAs are usually allowed access to hotel rooms, check-in areas, hallways, and elevators, but must not go to hotel restaurants and other amenities, such as the gym, pool, and spa centers. 
• Behavior Expectations: Emotional support animals do not require specialized training, but they are expected to behave appropriately in public. ESAs must not jump on other hotel guests, bark loudly, or relieve themselves around the hotel. 
• Supervision Requirements: Hotels typically require owners to supervise their ESAs at all times. Emotional support animals must not be left alone in the room and must be kept on a leash when outside of the room. 
• Keep an ESA Under Control at All Times: Owners are responsible for their ESAs’ behavior and must keep them under control. Investing time and effort in basic training is helpful, especially if you plan to travel and stay in hotels with your ESA.  

Do Hotels have to Allow Emotional Support Animals?

No, hotels do not have to allow emotional support animals. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not protect ESAs and does not grant them access to public spaces. 

Hotels and hotel chains have the right to make their own ESA policies and decide whether they accept emotional support animals, and if they do, under which conditions. ESA breed, size, and number are common restrictions.  

ESA owners wondering, “Can hotels deny emotional support animals?” must know the answer is yes. Talk to hotel managers and ask about their ESA policies before booking. 

Where can ESA Dogs Go in a Hotel?

The places ESA dogs can go in a hotel are listed below. 

• Your Hotel Room: Emotional support animals are permitted free access to their owners’ hotel rooms, however, in most hotels, they must not be left unattended for long periods. 
• Lobby and Check-In Area: ESAs are allowed to stay and visit the hotel lobby and the check-in area, as long as they are leashed and accompanied by their owners.   
• Designated Pet Relief Areas: Many pet-friendly hotels have designated pet relief areas that are open for all guest pets and emotional support animals. 
• Hallways and Elevators: For convenience purposes, emotional support animals have the right to accompany their owners when using hallways and elevators. 

Emotional support animals staying in pet-friendly hotels are not permitted to visit certain places, such as breakfast or dining areas, hotel restaurants, pools, spas, gyms, business centers, and laundry facilities.  

Do Hotels Allow an ESA to be Left Alone in the Room?

No, hotels do not allow an ESA to be left alone in the room. Most hotel policies require that pets and emotional support animals (ESAs) be supervised at all times.  

Exceptions, however, exist for well-behaved ESAs that do not engage in destructive activities or loud barking while alone. Some hotels suggest that ESAs and pets be crated or restrained and left alone in the room only during short absences. 

Plan ahead and be prepared in case you need to leave your ESA alone in the hotel room for a short period of time. Always bring a pet crate or carrier, use calming white noise machines, and have plenty of entertaining toys to keep the ESA calm and well-behaved. 

Can Hotels Charge for Emotional Support Animals?

Yes, hotels can charge for emotional support animals. State and federal laws do not prohibit hotels from applying extra costs, fees and deposits, for accommodating ESAs. 

Most hotels do not have specific ESA policies, and emotional support animals are often treated as regular pets. ESA owners are charged if the hotel’s pet policy includes additional costs. 

Call the hotel you plan to stay in advance to discuss its emotional support animal hotel fee or deposit requirement and avoid unpleasant surprises upon arrival. 

Do ESA Letters Guarantee Hotel Accommodation for your ESA?

No, ESA letters do not guarantee hotel accommodation for your ESA. Service dogs and animals are granted public access and hotel stays, but emotional support animals do not enjoy the same legal benefits. 

An ESA letter helps negotiate hotel acceptance, but it does not guarantee accommodation. The letter confirms the person’s need for an emotional support animal and its ESA status. The hotel, however, reserves the right to accept or deny accommodation based on its pet policy. 

Quick and Easy Process for ESA Letters

Free online assessment

A quick online screening test determines whether an ESA is a good fit for the applicant. The test is free of charge and takes only a few minutes.

Consult with a therapist

CertaPet automatically searches for a mental health professional licensed in Texas with whom a patient will conduct their teleconsultations from the comfort of your own home.

Get your ESA Letter

The CertaPet ESA letter provided by the LMHP is accessible online or is mailed directly to your address.

Get your ESA letter

What are the Responsibilities of ESA Owners when Staying at Hotels?

The responsibilities of ESA owners when staying at hotels are listed below. 

• Ensure ESA is Well-Behaved: Emotional support animal owners are responsible for their animals’ behavior and must keep them calm, leashed, and well-mannered around hotel staff and other guests. 
• Maintain Cleanliness: The ESA owner needs to maintain hygiene and clean up after their emotional support animals in case they make a mess. Owners are recommended to invest in potty training before traveling with their ESAs. 
• Do Not Leave ESAs Unattended: Hotels do not allow ESAs to be left unattended in both their rooms or other hotel areas. In the room, ESAs must be supervised, and if visiting other areas of the hotel, they must be kept on a leash or in a carrier. 
• Cover Any Damages or Extra Fees: ESA owners are held responsible for any physical damage caused by their ESAs. Some hotels require a refundable deposit, while others charge only if there is actual damage. 
• Follow All Hotel Rules: Every hotel has its own rules regarding pets and ESAs. Owners must familiarize themselves with the hotel’s ESA policies before booking to avoid any unpleasant situations. 
• Respect Other Guests and Staff: ESA owners must understand that not all hotel guests and staff members are fond of animals. They must respect their space and not let their ESAs bother other people. 

ESA owners are responsible for their animals’ behavior in public. Owners must be in control of their emotional support animals and keep them on a leash. They must clean up any mess the ESA makes immediately. An ESA in public spaces must never be left unattended. Owners are also responsible for their ESAs’ health and must keep their shots and vaccinations up to date. 

How to Politely Ask a Hotel to Accommodate my ESA?

The instructions on how to politely ask a hotel to accommodate your ESA are given below. 

1. Call Ahead Before Booking. Find a hotel you like and contact the management to learn about its pet or ESA policy. Explain the situation to see if an accommodation is possible.  
2. Mention Your ESA Letter. Always start the explanation with an ESA letter. Tell the hotel personnel you are talking to that you have a valid ESA letter as an official confirmation. 
3. Reassure About Good Behavior. Tell the hotel management that your ESA is trained, well-mannered, and able to comply with their behavior policy and rules. 
4. Ask About Any Fees or Policies. Some hotels charge extra fees for emotional support animals (ESAs). Ask in advance if such costs apply so you can plan accordingly. 
5. Request Confirmation in Writing. It is advisable to ask for a written confirmation of the approved ESA stay, especially if it is your first time attending the specific hotel. 
6. Be Respectful Regardless of Outcome. Accept the hotel’s decision even if your ESA is denied. The staff member you are talking to is not the one making the hotel’s ESA policy. 

What Famous Hotel Chains Allow Emotional Support Animals?

The famous hotel chains that allow emotional support animals are listed below. 

• La Quinta: Most of the locations of the La Quinta chain welcome domesticated animals, including dogs and cats. The hotel permits only two pets per room, and some locations impose a weight limit. Sometimes the hotel charges an optional pet fee of $25 per night for a maximum of $75 per room per stay. 
• Red Roof Inn: The Red Roof Inn is pet-friendly and allows ESAs at available locations. The hotel accepts up to two animals per guestroom and has a weight limit of 80 pounds per pet. The first pet or ESA stays free of charge, while the fee for the second animal is $15 per night. 
• Holiday Inn: The Holiday Inn is pet-friendly, but different branches have unique policies. Generally, the hotel allows two small pets (under 15 pounds) or one large pet (over 15 pounds) per room. A non-refundable pet fee, plus tax, is required for ESAs staying at the Holiday Inn. 
• Hampton Inn: The pet policy of Hampton Inn hotels varies by location. Most branches allow two animals (dogs and cats) per room. The hotel does not have breed restrictions, but it does impose a weight limit of 75 pounds. Hampton Inn has a mandatory pet fee of between $50 and $75 per stay. 
• Super 8: Super 8 is one of the best ESA-friendly hotels. The chain accepts dogs (but not cats). Some locations have a weight restriction ranging between 40 and 75 pounds and a pet number limit of one to three animals per room. All locations require a pet fee of $10 to $25 per animal per night. 
• Marriott: Marriott allows well-behaved dogs, cats, fish, and birds in selected pet-friendly locations such as Courtyard Marriott and Fairfield Inn Marriott.  
• Quality: Quality allows up to two pets or emotional support animals per room. Weight, size, and pet type restrictions apply to certain hotel locations. Large pets or ESAs must be pre-approved, and pets are not allowed on the hotel’s beds. Quality charges small pet fees and deposits, which vary by branch. 
• Comfort Inn: Comfort Inn is pet-friendly at most locations, allowing up to two animals (dogs and cats) per guestroom. The official pet weight limit is 75 pounds, but larger dogs are accepted if approved by hotel management in advance. Comfort Inn charges an additional $30 per stay for guests with pets. 

Do Hotels Allow Cats?

Yes, hotels allow cats. Many hotels and hotel chains have pet-friendly policies and are therefore open to accommodating cats. 

Restrictions, however, exist. Some hotels accept cats, but they have limitations based on breed, size, weight, or the number of cats per room or guest. Certain hotels request additional fees and deposits for accommodating cats. 

An emotional support cat is allowed to stay in pet-friendly hotels. ESAs, unlike service animals, are not universally accepted in hotels. 

A pet-friendly policy is essential for ESA cats to stay in hotels. Always call the hotel in advance to check its pet regulations and confirm whether your ESA cat is allowed. 

Why do Hotels See ESAs and Service Animals Differently?

Hotels see ESAs and service animals differently because they have distinct purposes, training backgrounds, and legal rights. 

Service animals, like dogs and miniature horses, are trained extensively to assist people with disabilities with specific tasks. Guide dogs for visually impaired individuals are an example. 

ESAs do not require training before becoming emotional support animals. All animal species are allowed to act as ESAs. 

A service animal, therefore, has the legal right to public access and accommodations because they are an essential part of their handlers’ life. Emotional support animals on the other hand offer support and do not benefit from the same rights as service animals. 

Do Hotels have to Allow Service Animals?

Yes, hotels have to allow service animals. Under the ADA, service dogs are legally recognized as a separate category than regular pets, they serve a medical purpose and must be allowed in hotels. 

The ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act, is a law that protects service animals and grants them access to public places. The ADA is a federal regulation and applies to hotels in all US states. 

Service animals have the right to stay in hotels and accompany their owners when visiting all of the hotel’s public areas, as long as they remain within three feet of their owners.  Dogs in hotels have a broader range of rights, while miniature horses are subject to some restrictions due to safety concerns. 

Hotels have the right to remove a service animal if it misbehaves, barks, growls, acts unruly, or endangers other hotel guests. 

Can Hotels Charge for Service Dogs?

No, hotels cannot charge for service animals. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not permit hotels to charge extra fees and deposits to guests with service animals. 

Under the ADA, service animals are considered essential companions rather than regular pets, which exempts them from hotel fees and deposits. 

Hoteliers, however, are allowed to charge service animal owners for physical property damages caused by the animals. For example, the hotel charges the owner if the service animal destroys the room furniture or relieves itself in the guest room. 

Ivana Crnec, DVM Veterinarian

Ivana Crnec got her veterinary degree at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Bitola. She then continued her education at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Zagreb, Croatia, where she specialized in domestic carnivores.

See Full Bio