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. By accommodating guests with service animals, you help create an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.

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 and are allowed on your property even if your holiday home isn't typically pet-friendly.

Your Responsibilities 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 Requirements

Service animals must be allowed in all areas of the property that are open to guests. 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.

European Laws by Country

Service animal regulations vary by country. Here are the specific laws for European nations:

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

Summary

Service animals are essential companions for guests with disabilities. As a host, accommodating them is both a legal requirement and the right thing to do. Remember: no additional fees, full property access, and compliance with European disability laws. If you have questions about how these rules apply in your specific country, your local Holidu team is here to help.