At Cascadia Getaways, we believe everyone deserves to enjoy a relaxing and welcoming stay—including our guests who travel with service animals. If you’re planning a vacation and wondering whether your service animal or emotional support animal is allowed at a rental property, you’re not alone. We’ve got the answers to help you feel confident and cared for on your next trip.
Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals & Pets: What’s the Difference?
Let’s break down the basics:
Service Animals
A service animal is a specially trained dog that helps someone with a disability by doing tasks like:
- Guiding someone who’s visually impaired
- Alerting someone who’s deaf or hard of hearing
- Assisting with balance or mobility
- Providing help during seizures
- Retrieving medication or alerting to allergens
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are not pets—they’re working animals, and vacation rental hosts are required to accommodate them.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
An ESA offers comfort to individuals with emotional or mental health needs but isn’t trained to perform specific tasks for a disability. Because of that, they’re not protected the same way service animals are. Rules around ESAs vary by location and booking platform, so it’s best to double-check the policy of the rental you’re considering.
Pets
Unlike service animals and ESAs, pets don’t have any legal protections in vacation rentals. Hosts can choose whether to allow them, and may charge extra fees or set pet-specific rules. At Cascadia Getaways we allow ESAs dogs in our pet friendly rentals with a small pet fee allowing our team to provide extra cleaning.
So, Can You Bring Your Service Animal?
Yes—if your animal is a trained service dog for a disability, you are legally allowed to bring them with you to most vacation rentals, even if the listing says “no pets.” Both Airbnb and Vrbo have policies in place to support your rights.
Airbnb’s Policy
- Hosts must accept service animals—no exceptions for “no pet” policies.
- No pet fees or deposits allowed for service animals.
- Hosts are not allowed to ask for documentation.
- They can ask:
- Is this a service animal required because of a disability?
- What task has the animal been trained to perform?
Vrbo’s Policy
- Vrbo also requires hosts to accept service animals.
- Only dogs are considered service animals under Vrbo’s rules.
- Hosts may ask the same two questions listed above.
- Emotional support animals are not automatically allowed under Vrbo’s policy.
Planning Your Stay with a Service Animal
Here are a few tips to help you and your furry partner enjoy a smooth experience:
Communicate Early
Even though you don’t need to disclose your service animal ahead of time, it can be helpful to let the host know. That way, they can make any small preparations to make your stay more comfortable, notify the cleaning team to put extra cleaning attention as well as put the homeowner at ease. While you may be within your rights, not disclosing ahead of time and may cause confusion and additional back and forth when discovered.
Be Considerate
Most service animals are well-behaved, but it’s still a good idea to clean up after your pup and keep them under control during your stay—just like you would at home! Cascadia Getaways requires all pet owners to clean up after their pet, not allow pets on furniture and to crate their pet when leaving behind. While service animals are allowed, you are ultimately responsible for any damage.
Ask About Amenities
Some rentals offer dog-friendly touches like bowls, waste bags, or grassy relief areas. Don’t hesitate to ask—many hosts are happy to accommodate.
FAQ: Service Animals in Vacation Rentals
Can vacation rentals deny my service animal?
No, if your dog is a trained service animal under the ADA, hosts must accommodate them—even at properties that don’t allow pets.
Do I need to show proof or certification?
Nope! Hosts can’t ask for paperwork. They’re only allowed to ask if it’s a service animal and what it’s trained to do.
What if I’m traveling with an emotional support animal?
It depends. ESAs aren’t guaranteed access like service animals are. Some hosts or local laws may allow them, but others may not. It’s best to reach out and ask before booking. Picking a pet friendly rental will be your best bet.
Can a host charge me extra?
Not for a service animal. However, you could be responsible for any damages, just like any other guest.
🌲 Traveling with Confidence at Cascadia Getaways
Whether you’re adventuring with your guide dog or just need a peaceful place to unwind, Cascadia Getaways is here to make you feel at home. We’re committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all travelers—including those with service animals.
Have questions or special requests? Just reach out. We’re always happy to help you plan a stay that’s as comfortable and welcoming as possible.
No matter where you are traveling, you will always find the best rates when you book direct avoiding third party commissions and service fees.