Hello,
There seems to be a lot of misinformation in this community about service dogs. I understand that it is frustrating and potentially damaging to your property to accept animals that are not truly service dogs, but owners claim they are, and use the protections the ADA provides legitimate disabled people and their legitimate fully trained service dogs to gain access.
But, there are ways to determine authenticity. The secret is to not worry about any certification, papers etc...The ADA does not require that disabled persons with service dogs present them.
Take a different approach that gets you the info you need-
1. If a guest communicates to you that they have a service dog, ask if they are disabled. Only permanently disabled people are by law allowed to have a service dog. A service dog is not a pet. By law it is a medical assistive device no different than a cane, walker, wheelchair or medication. It is essential to the disabled person's daily functioning. The dog and handler are not separated. An emotional support animal is NOT a service dog. Per the ADA, they do not have the same public access rights. Educate yourself. Know the difference. All business owners need to do this.
2. READ THE ADA SECTION ON SERVICE ANIMALS. Know the law. Legitimate disabled persons with service dogs know the law. People with fake service dogs usually do not. Nor do they know what the International standards for service dog behaviors are. You are allowed to ask if the dog does specific tasks to help the person with their disability.
3. Watch the dog. This is absolutely the best way. A real service dog is specifically and individually trained to help a disabled person with their specific needs. These dogs are tuned into their owners all the time. They watch them, they are obedient, they heel, they are not pulling at the leash, they don't tear all over the house. They are calm, well mannered and obedient. They never pee or poop in the house, they bark rarely, and they are always with their owners. Always. A real service dog would never be left alone in a house or hotel. These dogs undergo 2-3 yrs of intense training and cost thousands of dollars. No legitimate service dog owner would ever leave their dog alone. Also, they need them with them all the time. These are working dogs.
4. Watch for this level of behavior in your guests' service dog. If the dog is barking, running all over, has accidents in the house, is not quiet, calm and under control at all times, you are within your rights to ask your guest to remove the dog. This is not a real service dog per the ADA definition and the ADA allows you to ask your guest to remove their dog from your home. If this becomes necessary, you have to be willing to tell them this. People who pass off their dogs as service dogs count on not being confronted regarding their dogs behavior. Since they usually have not read the ADA, they do know what YOUR rights are.
I am a disabled person with a service dog and a service dog handler. In the past, my black lab service dog and I have had three very successful stays with delightful Airbnb hosts. I share your frustration with the current frequency of fake service dogs, as it has recently made it very difficult for me to book on Airbnb. People with fake service dogs ruin it for both of us. I am writing this contribution to your blog in hopes that Airbnb hosts and legitimate disabled people with real service dogs can team up, support each other and put our energy where it needs to be- focused on those abusing the privledge of having a service dog and causing damage to your homes.
So, my best advice is to educate yourselves and observe the dog. The dog will be the best way to tell who is real and who is fake. If you see behaviors that are inconsistent with a trained service dog, you are within your rights to ask your guest to remove their dog. They can stay, but not the dog.
I hope this is helpful.
KS