🐾 The Real Problem Behind ESA and Service Animal Misuse

If you’re a short-term rental host, you’ve probably heard it before:
“It’s not a pet—it’s my emotional support animal.”
Or even:
“My partner has a disability. We need our service animal with us.”

Sometimes, these statements are true. But increasingly, guests are using ESA and service animal claims as loopholes to bring pets into properties that don’t allow them or to avoid paying fees.

While genuine support animals are protected by law and deserve respect, false claims put everyone at risk—especially the hosts who must deal with the consequences.

🔍 What This Blog Series Covers

This is the first post in a 3-part series created to help hosts spot misuse, protect their spaces, and educate guests on ethical booking practices. In this article, we’ll go over 15 of the most common ways guests misuse ESA or service animal claims when booking through Airbnb, VRBO, Google Vacation Rentals, or direct listings.

🚨 15 Ways Guests Misuse ESA or Service Animal Claims

Here are the top 15 tactics that guests use to get around pet restrictions:

1. Claim a regular pet as an ESA just to avoid pet fees.
2. Say the animal is an ESA or service animal, but refuse to provide any documentation.
3. Download generic ESA letters online with no licensed provider involved.
4. Send photos of animals they don’t own, just to look legitimate.
5. Bring multiple animals, even though they only mentioned one.
6. Show up with animals not listed in the booking.
7. Book listings that ban pets, then use ESA/service animal claims to override the policy.
8. Reuse the same ESA or service letter for different pets or people.
9. Claim ESA status for aggressive or restricted breeds.
10. Make up a disability to explain why they “need” the animal.
11. Hide animals in luggage or bags during check-in.
12. Say they only need the animal during the day, but keep it on the property the entire stay.
13. Use ESA/service claims just for convenience, with no real need.
14. Wait until after the booking is accepted to mention the animal.
15. Use ESA/service status to bypass allergy-related no-pet rules.

⚠️ Why This Hurts Everyone

At first glance, some of these tactics might seem harmless. But in reality, they can create serious issues for hosts, platforms, and other guests.

Here’s why this behavior matters:

• It violates the rules of Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms.

• It can invalidate insurance coverage or lead to unexpected damage.

• It disrespects people with real disabilities who rely on service animals.

• It may lead to penalties, account suspensions, or legal trouble for both hosts and guests.

Moreover, trust is at the heart of short-term rentals. Every false claim weakens that trust.

📣 Want the Full List of 50 ESA & Service Animal Misuse Tactics?

These 15 examples are just the beginning. In our Transitional Housing FAQs Hub, we’ve documented 50 real-world tactics and created host-approved solutions to address them.

🔗 Join the Transitional Housing FAQs Hub Facebook Group to access:

• The complete list of 50+ guest misuse tactics

• Tools to verify animals legally and respectfully

• Templates, guides, and support from experienced hosts

• Access to our weekly seminars and searchable FAQ database

👉 Click here to join now

🔷 This Is Part 1 of a 3-Part Series on ESA and Service Animal Misuse

Don’t miss the full guide. Each post builds on the last to help protect your rental, educate guests, and uphold respectful hosting standards.

📘 Post #1 of 3 – 15 Ways Guests Misuse ESA and Service Animal Claims (You’re reading it now!)
🔐 Post #2 of 3 – 50 Ways Hosts Can Combat ESA and Service Animal Misuse
🛑 Post #3 of 3 – 50 Tips to Educate & Warn Guests Against Misusing These Protections

👉 Falsely claiming an animal is an ESA or service animal isn’t just wrong—it damages trust, violates Airbnb policy, and puts hosts at risk. Let’s work together to create honest, respectful short-term stays.