Service Animals

At Holidu, we believe in inclusivity and want all guests to feel welcome — including guests who rely on service animals. As a host, you cannot discriminate against guests who need a service animal, and you must accommodate them just as you would any other guest. It's not just about kindness; it's about making sure every guest can enjoy their stay, regardless of their personal challenges. By accommodating guests with service animals, you help create an inclusive and respectful environment.

What Is a Service Animal?

A service animal is not a pet — it's a specially trained companion that helps individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks to support their daily lives. The most common service animals are dogs, and some examples include:

• Guide dogs for the blind or visually impaired
• Hearing alert dogs for the deaf or hard of hearing
• Seizure alert dogs for people with epilepsy
• Assistance dogs for a variety of other needs

Service animals are not considered pets. This means they are allowed on your property even if your holiday home isn't typically pet-friendly.

What This Means for You as a Host

• No Extra Charges: Since service animals aren't pets, you cannot charge an additional fee for them. This includes pet fees and extra cleaning charges.
• Accessibility: Service animals must be allowed in all areas of the property that are open to the public or to guests in general. You should not refuse access to a guest with a service animal based on your pet policy.
• Legal Compliance: According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), people with disabilities must be granted equal access to public and private spaces, which includes holiday homes. As a member of the European Union, this regulation applies to you. Learn more about the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

European Laws and Regulations

Service animal regulations vary by country across Europe. Below are the key legal frameworks for each European market:

• Germany
• Austria
• Italy
• Spain
• Portugal
• France
• Netherlands
• Greece

Key Takeaway

Service animals play a vital role in helping people with disabilities live independently and enjoy travel experiences. By welcoming service animals at your holiday home, you're not only complying with European disability rights regulations — you're also contributing to a more inclusive and welcoming community for all travellers.

If you have any questions or need further clarification on your local regulations, feel free to reach out to your local Holidu team. We're here to help make your holiday home as welcoming and inclusive as possible.