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.

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. 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

• 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: Service animals must be allowed in all areas of the property that are open to the public or to guests in general. 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. Learn more about the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

European Laws on Service Animals

Each European country has specific regulations regarding service animals. Below are the legal frameworks for key countries where Holidu operates:

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

We recommend reviewing the regulations specific to your country to ensure full compliance with local laws.

Key Points to Remember

• Service animals perform essential tasks and are not pets
• You must allow service animals in all guest-accessible areas
• No additional fees or charges apply for service animals
• Refusing accommodation to a guest with a service animal is against European disability rights laws
• Your local Holidu team can help clarify regulations specific to your country

By welcoming guests with service animals, you're not only following the law — you're creating a property where everyone feels valued and included. If you have questions about how these rules apply to your specific situation, our team is here to support you.