We hope this does not come off as too harsh, but given the confusion over the various classifications of assistance animals, we felt it best to be completely straightforward with our policy regarding animals.
Since we have severe allergies, we maintain an animal-free property, and because we advertise it as such, our guests expect it to be free of animal waste, hair, and any other evidence of animals being on the property. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic animal and presence of hair, dander, or any other animal residue can cause serious and expensive allergic reactions to our guests and family that expect an animal free home. Despite this, we do not refuse bonafide ADA service animals, however, we do expect that you will also respect that we and our future guests have health issues that will be exacerbated by the presence or residue of animals on our property and assure that there is no trace of them having been there when you leave. Please note that Service animals are defined under the ADA as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. "Emotional support animals" ARE NOT bonafide service animals under ADA or Texas law. and are not allowed in our homes. It a misdemeanor in the State of Texas to use a fake vest or leash, punishable by a $300 fine and community service.
If you have a service animal on our property, you must answer the following questions legally allowed by the ADA:
1. Which guest requires a service animal?
2. Is the service animal required because of a disability?
3. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
You must also provide us with proof of rabies vaccination before bringing the animal onto our property.
Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the individual's disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls. The animal must be under control by the handler at all times and therefore never left alone at any time. This means not even left alone in a crate. You must take the animal with you anytime you leave the house.
A trained service animal will not struggle on leash, is never left alone (i.e. in the room while the owner goes out), and is basically so well trained you would not know it is there. We will know if a dog is not a true service dog. Our landscapers, pool maintenance service, cart managers, and housekeeping service are on or around our properties regularly. If the animal is misbehaving, pulling on its leash, off-leash, barking, peeing in the house, reacting to their presence, and other behaviors the ADA specifically states should not be exhibited by a trained service animal, we will ask the guest to leave due to misrepresenting the animal as a service animal. If we find that a guest has misrepresented a pet (or an "emotional support animal") as a service animal, we reserve the right to seek restitution, report fraudulent claims to the government authorities and to evict guests without notice and without refund of unused rent.
We do not charge extra for a service animal, nor do we increase the security deposit. Guests remain liable for any and all damage caused by people in their group or a service animal and additional cleaning charges at $50 per hour required to return our property to an animal free state if it is left otherwise.
Finally, below are some rules so that both your stay and that of our future guests and our family will be enjoyable and relaxing:
- Your service animal may not be left unattended. Crating and leaving the animal in your absence is not permitted; under ADA, the animal must accompany you AT ALL TIMES.
- Please provide an advance copy of your service animal rabies vaccine.
- Your service animal must be on a leash at all times, or under control of verbal or sight commands that they follow at all times.
- We will ask you to remove your service animal if the animal is out of control and the animal's handler does not take effective action to control it or if it is not housebroken.
- You must walk your service animal for bathroom needs. Indoor piddle pads or other such things are not allowed.
- You must clean up defecation immediately (including those done outdoors on our property or anywhere else). Bring your own baggies and dispose in the trash can at the front of the house. Cleaning animal waste is not included in our cleaning fees and will incur an additional charge.
- Service animals may not be on furniture (sofas, chairs, beds, etc.) or counters unless it is specifically needed for your disability. If required, you must make sure to clean up any areas they have contacted.