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 all.

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 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 disabilities

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

As a host in Europe, you must follow these key requirements:

• 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.
• Full Accessibility: 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. Learn more about the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

European Laws by Country

Service animal regulations vary across European countries. Here are the specific laws for each region:

• Germany - Service Animal Regulations
• Austria - Service Animal Laws
• Italy - Service Animal Legislation
• Spain - Service Animal Regulations
• Portugal - Service Animal Laws
• France - Service Animal Guidelines
• Netherlands - Service Animal Legislation
• Greece - Service Animal Information

Key Takeaways

• Service animals are working animals, not pets
• You must never charge additional fees for service animals
• Service animals must have access to all guest areas of your property
• EU law requires equal access for people with disabilities and their service animals
• Check your country's specific regulations to ensure full compliance

If you have any questions about accommodating service animals at your property, your local Holidu team can help you understand how the rules apply in your specific market. We're here to help make your holiday home as welcoming and inclusive as possible.