experience at Hotel Cape Cod involving the unlawful denial of access to a legally protected ADA service animal.
We booked a short stay following a snowstorm to enjoy the beach and pool facilities. Upon arrival, I was informed that my son’s certified medical service dog was not allowed in the room we had booked due to concerns about other guests’ allergies. I calmly explained that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal must be allowed anywhere the public is permitted. I was told that this was not the hotel’s policy.
Later that evening, we went to the hotel pool. My son’s service dog was leashed, housebroken, under control, and lying quietly on the pool deck while I held the leash, as my son is under 18. The dog never entered the water.
An employee entered the pool area in an agitated manner, yelling with her hair covering her face and flailing her arms. Her behavior was alarming and disruptive. We had difficulty understanding her due to the way she was yelling. She repeatedly stated that the dog was not allowed and demanded that we leave.
I calmly explained that the dog is a service animal protected under the ADA and asked that she verify the law. She left the area and returned with a front desk employee, who again stated that no dogs were allowed at the hotel. I attempted to show documentation kept on the dog’s leash, but he refused to review it and stated, “Not at this hotel,” despite the fact that we had been required to sign paperwork
