Service dogs are specially trained to perform specific tasks that assist individuals with disabilities. They are not merely pets, but rather vital partners who help people with disabilities overcome daily challenges. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and government agencies must allow service dogs into most public areas, even where “no pets” policies are in place.
Service dogs can be any breed or size, as long as they are trained to perform a task directly related to their handler’s disability. For example, a service dog might guide a blind person, retrieve items for a person using a wheelchair, alert a person with epilepsy to an oncoming seizure, or remind a person with depression to take medication.
It’s important to note that service dogs are not required to be certified or wear identification tags. The mere presence of a dog for emotional support does not qualify it as a service dog under the ADA. A service dog must be trained to perform a specific task that mitigates the impact of a disability.
If you’re unsure whether a dog is a service animal, you may ask two questions: “Is this dog a service animal required because of a disability?” and “What work or task has this dog been trained to perform?”. You are not required to request any documentation to prove the dog is registered, or to ask the dog to demonstrate its task.
There are some limited exceptions when a service dog may be denied access to a location. For example, if the dog’s presence fundamentally alters the nature of the goods, services, or program being offered to the public, or if the dog is not housebroken or is out of control.
While local governments may require service dogs to be licensed and vaccinated like all other dogs, they may not require special certification or registration for service dogs, or prohibit service dogs based on breed. Registration of service dogs is often voluntary. The Fair Housing Act also applies to many types of housing, both public and private, including those covered by the ADA. This law may have different rules that apply when residents or applicants with disabilities utilize service animals.
