Can my service animal accompany me in the hostel?
Service Animals may always accompany a guest at our hostel. Please let us know if your service animal will require any special accommodations such as water or floor bedding. According to federal ADA law, service animals are dogs (or miniature horses) that have been individually trained for behavior and to do specific work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not considered service animals.
Can my emotional support animal accompany me in the hostel?
Emotional support animals are not limited to dogs and can be any type of animal. Emotional support animals generally do not receive the same screening and training and Service Animals and therefore do not have the same protections under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). However, because we recognize these animals often provide an invaluable service to their owners and sometimes have received screening and training that is equivalent to a Service Animal, we have established a procedure for allowing emotional support animals in our hostel. To stay with an emotional support or psychiatric service animal, guests must email the following required documentation at least 48 hours before their stay.
- Letter from licensed Veterinary Professional stating the emotional support animal has been vaccinated for Rabies and Distemper.
- Letter from licensed Medical/Mental Health Professional stating the guest has a health-related disability, is under this professional's care and the emotional support animal prescribed.
- Letter from professional animal trainer stating the animal is trained to behave in a public setting and takes necessary directions upon command.
We reserve the right to verify the authenticity of these letters by calling the professionals cited. We know that service and support animals are highly-trained working animals. However, if a Service Animal or Emotional Support Animal acts inappropriately, it will be denied accommodation in the hostel. Inappropriate behavior includes:
- Growling
- Jumping on furniture or guests
- Relieving themselves in the hostel
- Excessive vocalization or barking, that is not in response to a handler’s need or distress
- Eating guest food
- Other inappropriate behavior that is disruptive to the hostel community.
For more information, please read Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals on the ADA.gov website.