CHLA Lodging News July/August 2021

www.calodging.com July/August 2021 17 So where do hotels and lodging fit in to the ADA? There are specific rules for hotels outlined that prevent you from requesting pet forms or charging a pet deposit, since service dogs are working dogs, not pets. This is also true for cleaning fees. Unless a service dog has damaged the property, you can’t ask for fees associated with extra cleaning for something like dog hair or something similar. If the service dog breaks a lamp, it would be acceptable to charge for damages. Service dogs are permitted anywhere the guest is permitted—although the dog cannot go for a swim in the pool—including buffet lines. Finally, inns and bed & breakfasts have some unique stipulations if, and only if, the establishment has fewer than five guest rooms or the accommodation is within the owner’s primary residence. You might be wondering what the big deal is about dogs, but unfortunately untrained pet dogs whose owners masquerade them as service dogs have real consequences on the access and safety of legitimate service dogs. Aggressive pets can even end a service dog’s career with dramatic consequences on the independence of their handler. Service dog handlers and business owners have rights, and it’s helpful if you and your staff are trained in these policies. Learn more at canine.org/stopfraud.  ABOUT CANINE COMPANIONS Canine Companions is the largest provider of service dogs for people with disabilities. Trained in over 40 commands to empower people with disabilities, each service dog and a lifetime of ongoing follow up services is provided entirely free of charge for clients. Visit canine.org to learn about Canine Companions service dogs and more. AUTHOR INFORMATION Wallis Brozman is a three-time recipient of a Canine Companions service dogs. As a wheelchair user, she relies heavily on the tasks performed by her service dogs. Wallis’ second service dog, Mork, was retired prior to age five due to repeated attacks by untrained dogs in public places. Now partnered with Canine Companions Service Dog Renata, Wallis works in marketing and advocacy for Canine Companions at the national headquarters in Santa Rosa, California.