Opinion of the National Non-Discrimination and Equality Tribunal of Finland to the Finnish Federation of the Visually Impaired regarding the additional fee collected by accommodation establishments from guests who use a guide dog

7.2.2024 National Non-Discrimination and Equality Tribunal of Finland

In accordance with section 20 subsection 2 of the Non-Discrimination Act (1325/2014), the Finnish Federation of the Visually Impaired has requested an opinion from the National Non-Discrimination and Equality Tribunal of Finland on whether the practice regarding accommodation fees for guide dog users is discrimination within the meaning of the Non-Discrimination Act. 

According to the request for an opinion, under the name of pet fee, most accommodation facilities charge a separate fee for the pet of the guest. Guide dog users are also charged such a pet fee for a guide dog in some accommodation establishments. 

The view of the Finnish Federation of the Visually Impaired is that collecting a pet fee from a guide dog puts the user of the guide dog in a different position because of his/her disability and is thus discrimination as defined in the Non-Discrimination Act. A guide dog is not a pet, but an aid that enables a visually impaired person to move independently and have an equal status with others.