Carolina Getaway Animal Policy
General Pet Policy
Some Carolina Getaway homes welcome pets, while others do not. Each property’s pet policy, including any applicable pet fees, size or breed restrictions, and the number of permitted pets, is listed on the individual property page on our website, and in the Rental Agreement.
Service Animals
Service animals are not considered pets under applicable law. A guest traveling with a qualified service animal may not be denied accommodation solely because a property does not permit pets.
A service animal is generally a dog which has been individually trained to perform work or tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. The work or task performed must be directly related to the individual’s disability.
Because service animals are working animals rather than pets:
- No pet fee, pet deposit, or pet rent will be charged for a qualified service animal.
- Guests remain responsible for any actual damage caused by the animal, consistent with the Rental Agreement and applicable law.
Questions Carolina Getaway Staff May Ask
When necessary to determine whether an animal qualifies as a service animal, Carolina Getaway staff may ask only the following questions:
- Is the animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
Staff will not request:
- Medical records
- Documentation regarding disability
- Service animal certification or registration
- Proof of training
- A demonstration of the animal’s task
Advance Notice
We encourage guests to let us know in advance if they will be traveling with a service animal so we can prepare the property and coordinate housekeeping when appropriate.
However, advance notice is not required, and guests will not be refused, charged extra, or have reservations canceled for failing to give notice.
Animal Behavior and Property Protection
A service animal must always remain under the handler’s control.
Carolina Getaway may require removal of a service animal only when permitted by law, including situations where the animal:
- is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it;
- is not housebroken, or
- poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others that cannot be eliminated through reasonable measures.
Whenever possible, any decision involving the removal of a service animal will be reviewed by management before action is taken.
Guests remain responsible for any damage caused by a service animal during their stay.
Emotional Support Animals and Pets
Emotional support animals, comfort animals, companion animals, and therapy animals are not considered service animals under the ADA when their sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support.
Guests traveling with an emotional support animal must comply with the property’s pet policy.
Properties that do not permit pets are not required to accept emotional support animals unless another applicable law requires a specific accommodation.
Unauthorized Animals
Any pet or emotional support animal that is not permitted under the property’s published pet policy may be considered an unauthorized animal.
Unauthorized animals may be subject to applicable fees or other remedies provided in the Rental Agreement.
These provisions do not apply to qualified service animals.
Questions?
If you have questions about bringing a service animal or pet to one of our vacation homes, please contact our Guest Experience team before your arrival. We are happy to help ensure you have the information you need before your stay.