This guide provides general information about assistance animal requests on Vidle Housing.
What Is the Difference Between a Service Animal and an Emotional Support Animal?
Service Animals
Service animals are individually trained to perform specific tasks or work for a person with a disability. They may receive legal protections under federal, state, or local laws.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Emotional support animals provide comfort or emotional support related to an individual's disability but are not necessarily trained to perform a specific task.
Although ESAs are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they may still qualify as assistance animals and receive protections under other laws, including certain housing laws.
Can Hosts Have a No-Pets Policy?
Yes, hosts may generally establish a no-pets policy for ordinary pets.
However, service animals and qualifying assistance animals may not be considered pets under applicable law. This means a no-pets policy does not necessarily allow a host to automatically deny an assistance animal request.
Hosts should review each request individually and consider applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
Can a Host Deny an Emotional Support Animal?
The answer depends on several factors, including:
The type of property.
The nature and length of the stay.
Whether applicable housing laws apply.
Whether the host or property qualifies for a legal exemption.
State or local requirements.
Hosts should not automatically deny an assistance animal request without first considering whether legal protections apply.
If you're unsure how to handle a request, contact Vidle Housing Support before taking action.
Can Hosts Charge a Pet Fee for an Assistance Animal?
In many situations, hosts may not be permitted to charge standard pet fees or pet deposits for a qualifying service or assistance animal.
However, a traveler may still be responsible for actual damage caused by the animal, subject to applicable law and Vidle Housing policies.
Can Hosts Ask for Documentation?
Depending on the circumstances and applicable law, a host may be permitted to request limited information when a disability or disability-related need for an assistance animal is not readily apparent.
Hosts should not request detailed medical records or ask intrusive questions about a traveler's diagnosis or disability.
Requirements regarding documentation can vary, so hosts should use caution and seek appropriate guidance when necessary.
How Should Hosts Handle an Assistance Animal Request?
If a traveler requests an accommodation for a service or assistance animal:
Respond professionally and respectfully.
Do not immediately deny the request based solely on a no-pets policy.
Keep communication through Vidle Housing messaging whenever possible.
Avoid requesting unnecessary or highly sensitive medical information.
Review the request individually.
Contact Vidle Housing Support if you're unsure how to proceed.
What If There Is a Safety or Property Concern?
Concerns should be based on the specific animal and actual circumstances rather than assumptions about a particular breed, size, or type of animal.
If you believe an animal presents a direct safety risk or may cause significant property damage, document the specific concern and contact Vidle Housing Support before taking action.
Important Reminder
Laws involving service animals and assistance animals can be complex and may vary by jurisdiction and property type. Vidle Housing does not provide legal advice, and this article is intended for general informational purposes only.
Hosts are responsible for complying with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
If you receive an assistance animal request and are unsure how to proceed, contact Vidle Housing Support before denying the request, charging a pet fee, or canceling a reservation.
Our team can review the reservation and help provide general platform guidance on the appropriate next steps.