Quick Navigation
Traveling with your pet is one of the most memorable experiences. Whether it’s a dog, cat, bird, or domesticated animal, they are your companion.
Pets are like families, too; they make us happy when times are tough, and life feels worth living because of them. Leaving them while you’re away might make you sad.
The good news is that Airbnb has an emotional support animals (ESAs) policy where you can bring your pets as companions. This article will share specific policies and guidelines that hosts, and guests must know.
What is an Emotional Support Animal?
Airbnb created this policy for guests who need companionship in the new environment. These pets can help relieve loneliness or separation anxiety, including depression, anxiety, or specific phobias.
Airbnb wants to create an inclusive community that fosters mental well-being for everyone.
Do not be confused by service animals; emotional support animals do not undergo any training in performing tasks that can assist people with disabilities. Emotional support animals are covered under the FHA.
Airbnb’s Stance on Emotional Support Animals
Airbnb recognizes the importance of emotional support animals for individuals who rely on their companionship and assistance.
According to Airbnb’s Accessibility Policy, guests with disabilities, including those who need help from emotional support animals, should be accepted by the hosts.
However, it’s important to note that hosts are not required to accept all types of animals as emotional support animals.
Hosts can establish rules and restrictions regarding taking emotional support animals in their listings. Bringing an emotional support animal (ESA) to an Airbnb rental can have several benefits.
Here are some pros of getting an emotional support animal to an Airbnb:
Helps Increased Well-Being
Our pets can give us positive vibes and improve our mental and emotional well-being. Their presence while we’re on a new destination can enhance our mood, boost self-esteem, and provide a sense of purpose.
It’s hard to leave our babies behind, especially when you are a fur parent. Spending time with them can ease mood and provide a sense of happiness.
Accommodation for Disabilities
Emotional support animals are covered under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which means that persons with disabilities are allowed reasonable accommodations, including the presence of an ESA, in housing situations.
Many Airbnb hosts are understanding and accommodating when allowing emotional support animals.
Familiarity and Routine
Having an emotional support animal with you during your stay at an Airbnb can provide a sense of familiarity and routine. Animals offer stability and help create a more comfortable and homely environment.
Bonding and Social Interaction
Emotional support animals can help facilitate social interactions and connections with others.
They can serve as icebreakers and conversation starters, which can be helpful for individuals who feel socially isolated or struggle with social interactions.
Stress Reliever
Traveling can sometimes be draining, and you need your energy to recharge. Fortunately, interacting with our pets can reduce cortisol or stress levels and calm our inner self.
Airbnb understands that having an emotional support animal can make your stay more enjoyable.
Airbnb Certain Restrictions on Emotional Support Animals
Host Discretion
While Airbnb expects hosts to accommodate guests with emotional support animals, hosts have the right to establish rules and restrictions regarding accepting emotional support animals in their listings.
Not all types of animals may be obtained by every host.
Special Training
Emotional support animals on Airbnb do not require special training to perform tasks to assist people with disabilities. Unlike service animals, emotional support animals do not have specific training requirements.
Breed Restrictions
Airbnb does not have breed restrictions for emotional support animals. Hosts cannot discriminate against specific breeds when accommodating guests with emotional support animals.
Local Jurisdiction
Some local jurisdictions have some specific regulations or restrictions on emotional support animals. Hosts and guests should know and comply with local laws or rules regarding emotional support animals.
Host Rights and Responsibilities
You can establish rules and restrictions regarding emotional support animals in the listings as an Airbnb host. Some hosts may have specific requirements, such as a limit on the size or type of animal allowed.
Pet Fees
Airbnb allows hosts to charge pet fees for guests traveling with emotional support animals, except in places where the law may prohibit it, such as California and New York.
Don’t be confused with service animals because they stay for free compared with emotional support animals. It’s essential to discuss Airbnb-specific policy related to this matter openly.
You can add pet fees for emotional support animals, but places such as California and New York don’t allow it.
Host’s Right to Decline
You can decline the emotional support animals from a stay or experience; however, your reason must be valid.
It often happens when guests neglect to inform the host, but understanding is necessary to solve the issue, especially when Airbnb requires the host to accept guests with ESA.
Non-Discrimination
Hosts who discriminate against guests with disabilities or refuse to accommodate emotional support animals violate Airbnb’s policy.
Mocking or insulting is a big no a host should be mindful of. Always be compassionate and aware of the words you will speak.
Guest Responsibility
You are responsible for informing the host about your intention to bring an emotional support animal before booking the accommodation.
It allows the host to assess whether they can accommodate your needs and make any necessary arrangements.
Appropriate Behavior
As a guest, ensuring that your emotional support animal behaves appropriately during the stay is a must.
It includes not causing damage to the property or disturbing other guests. In addition to that, you are liable for any damages caused by the ESA.
Compliance with Host Rules
Respecting and complying with the host’s rules and restrictions regarding emotional support animals in their listings is essential. It may include limitations on the size or type of animal allowed.
Failure to Inform
Failure to inform the host about bringing an emotional support animal before booking may be considered a policy violation.
Guests must understand and comply with Airbnb’s policies regarding emotional support animals to ensure a positive and respectful experience for themselves and their hosts.
Policy Violations and Consequences
Failure to comply with Airbnb’s emotional support animal policy can result in consequences for both hosts and guests.
Hosts who discriminate against guests with disabilities or refuse to accommodate emotional support animals may face penalties or even removal from the platform.
Likewise, guests also have to follow the rules set by the host because any cause of damage to the property may result in financial responsibility.
Conclusion
Airbnb deeply understands the need to have our pets by our side, especially in times of emotional support. Do not forget to inform your host about bringing a pet and ensure compliance with the host’s requirements.
Both host and guest have responsibilities, and failing to follow them might lead to a policy violation.
Providing any necessary documentation or certification can help facilitate a smooth and accommodating experience.
By understanding and following Airbnb’s policy, hosts and guests can create a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone.
