April 9, 2025
Samantha Poole, Membership & Business Development Director
Can hotels assign designated rooms for guests with service animals, out of consideration for other guests?
No. A guest with a disability who uses a service animal must be provided the same opportunity to reserve any available room at the hotel as other guests without disabilities. This includes being restricted to “pet-friendly” rooms. They may not be required to only have that option available.
Can hotels charge a cleaning fee for service animals?
No. Hotels are not permitted to charge guests for cleaning the hair or dander shed by a service animal. However, if a guest’s service animal causes damages to a guest room, a hotel is permitted to charge the same fee for damages as charged to other guests.
Are hotel guests allowed to leave their service animals in their hotel room when they leave the hotel?
No. The dog may not be left in the room as it must be under the handler’s control at all times.
Are service animals required to be allowed in swimming pools?
No. Service animals are not required to be allowed in swimming pools. The ADA does not override public health rules that prohibit dogs in swimming pools. However, service animals must be allowed on the pool deck and in other areas where the public is allowed to go.
How should I let the public know my business welcomes service animals, but otherwise do not allow pets on the premises?
To help business owners and their teams comply with applicable laws addressing service animals in public places, the Governor’s Commission on Disability has a free decal that can be displayed on the front door or window of your business. The decal states “Service Animals Welcome,” and that it is illegal to misrepresent a pet as a service animal. The decal includes an informational brochure for business owners or employees explaining what questions may be asked when an animal is brought onto the premises to determine if it meets the requirements of a service animal.
This is not to be used in lieu of legal guidance but to assist with an organization's ongoing training. Please review your legal obligations with your legal representative and see NH and US DOL documents linked for further information. This document was prepared April 2025 based on information available virtually through the NH DOL and US DOL online resources.