– by Rebekah Undersander
Service animals teams are protected via the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). The ADA defines service animals as a dog or miniature horse that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. The only species protected by ADA are dogs and miniature horses, but states can choose to allow additional species.
To qualify as a service animal dogs must….
1. have at least one task that assists the handler with their disability
2. be under control
3. must be potty trained
State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go. Allergies or fear of dogs, do not allow an establishment to deny access to service dog teams. Teams cannot be asked to sit outside, isolated or treated differently than other customers. There is no breed limitation for service dogs; they can be trained by the owner or a professional organization.
Service dogs do not require certification, all websites that offer IDs or certification for a dog are a scam. Handlers are not obligated to vest or label their dog in any way. Many opt to, to avoid others distracting their dog or assuming that they are a pet. It is a crime in a majority of states to distract a service dog or to misrepresent your dog as a service dog. Under the ADA, service dogs in training do not get the same access as service dogs. States may provide additional protection for SDiT at their own discretion.
Housing access for service dogs is outlined via the Fair Housing Act. The Air Carrier Access Act and the Department of Transportation Air Transportation has its own policy and requirements to fly with a service dog. If you want to learn more about service dogs, please stay tuned for a continuation of this series. You can also contact Rebekah Undersander or utilize the following ADA links.
https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/
https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/