Airbnb Service Animal Rules Every Host Must Know

Marifil Limpahan
2 days ago
3 min read

Can Airbnb Hosts Deny Emotional Support Animals? Here’s the Truth

If you manage a short-term rental, it’s only a matter of time before a guest books with a service animal or requests to bring an emotional support animal (ESA). Understanding Airbnb’s policies, and how federal and local laws apply is essential to staying compliant, avoiding penalties, and delivering a professional guest experience.

This guide breaks down the difference between emotional support animals and service animals, what Airbnb hosts are required to allow, what questions you can legally ask, and how to protect your property while remaining compliant.

Emotional Support Animals vs. Service Animals: What’s the Difference?

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

An emotional support animal provides comfort, companionship, or emotional relief for conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. However:

ESAs do not require specialized training
They are not considered service animals under the ADA
They are commonly dogs or cats but can be other animals

ESAs do not have the same legal protections as service animals in most short-term rental scenarios.

Service Animals

Service animals are typically dogs (and in some cases miniature horses) that are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities.

Examples include:

Guiding someone who is visually impaired
Alerting to seizures
Assisting with mobility
Reminding owners to take medication

Service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and must be allowed in places where the public is normally permitted including short-term rentals.

Airbnb Policies on Emotional Support Animals & Service Animals

Airbnb Emotional Support Animal Policy

In most U.S. states:

Hosts may decline emotional support animals
Hosts may charge a pet fee if ESAs are allowed
ESAs are not automatically protected under Airbnb policy

However, local or state laws may override Airbnb rules. Some jurisdictions require hosts to treat emotional support animals the same as service animals. Always check your local regulations.

Airbnb Service Animal Policy

For service animals:

Hosts must accept service animals
Hosts cannot charge pet fees
Hosts cannot deny a booking due to a service animal
Service animals must be:
- Housebroken
- Under control
- Not left unattended

Hosts may only deny a service animal if it poses a direct threat to health or safety, and this must be assessed case-by-case.

What Questions Can Hosts Legally Ask?

Hosts cannot ask for:

Medical documentation
Proof of disability
Certification or training papers

Hosts can ask only two questions:

“Is the service animal required because of a disability?”
“What work or task has the service animal been trained to perform?”

That’s it.

Do Guests Need Documentation for Service Animals?

No.Service animal handlers are not required to carry:

ID cards
Training certificates
Doctor’s letters

Any documentation offered by a guest is voluntary and not enforceable.

Are Hosts Required to Make Special Accommodations?

Yes, within reason.

Hosts must:

Allow service animals in all guest-accessible areas
Treat guests equally regardless of disability
Avoid discriminatory language or policies

Fear of animals or allergies do not qualify as valid reasons to deny service animals. If you have severe allergies, consult legal guidance and ensure disclosures are handled properly.

What If a Service Animal Damages the Property?

If damage occurs:

Hosts may charge for actual damages
Costs may be deducted from a security deposit
Insurance may cover qualifying claims

That said, service animals are highly trained and damage incidents are rare.

Penalties for Violating Airbnb Service Animal Policies

Violations may result in:

Listing suspension
Reduced search visibility
Permanent deactivation
Financial penalties

Non-compliance can significantly impact your hosting business especially for repeat or severe violations.

How to Make Your Listing Service-Animal Friendly (Without Risk)

Best practices include:

Clear, professional communication
Clutter-free spaces
Safe, accessible walkways
Food and water bowls (optional but appreciated)
Local veterinarian and pet-supply info in your welcome guide

These small steps can significantly improve guest satisfaction and reviews.

How Guesty Helps Hosts Stay Organized and Compliant

Using Guesty allows hosts to:

Centralize guest communication
Document conversations and disclosures
Automate house rules and welcome messages
Manage security deposits and damage claims
Maintain consistency across platforms

While Guesty doesn’t replace legal compliance, it helps reduce risk by ensuring clear documentation and professional operations.

Final Thoughts on Airbnb Emotional Support Animals & Service Pets

Understanding the difference between emotional support animals and service animals is critical for every short-term rental host. By knowing what’s required, what’s optional, and what’s prohibited, you can: