Service animal

Generally, a service animal is an animal that is individually trained to perform a specific task for an individual with a disability. The specific definition, however, varies in different contexts:

  • Title II and Title III, generally: Under the regulations from the US Department of Justice for Title II and Title III of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), a service animal is a dog that is individually trained to perform a specific task for an individual with a disability. No other types of animals, with the sole exception of a miniature horse, are considered service animals. Service animals are generally allowed wherever the public is permitted to go. This includes restaurants, theaters, hotels, colleges, county social service offices, and medical offices. A special license or certification is not required for a service animal. This definition does not include emotional support as a task.
  • Title II and the US Department of Transportation (DOT): It is important to know that the DOT uses a different definition of service animal in relation to Title II. This applies to transportation controlled or operated by a state or local government, such as city buses, light rail, and commuter trains. In these circumstances, a service animal is defined by the DOT as “any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability…” In these regulations, a service animal does not necessarily have to be a dog.
  • Employment: The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) does not define a service animal, but a service animal is considered to be a reasonable accommodation, so an employee must request to have their service animal in the workplace.
  • Fair Housing Act (FHA): Under the FHA, the term assistance animal is used instead of service animal. This law—which is enforced by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development—uses a very different definition. This definition includes what is considered a service animal under the ADA, but it has fewer limitations.

[ Read: Service Animals Overview ]

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Webinars

  • Introduction to the Service Animal Toolkit
    07/27/2022- Do customers bring dogs into your business claiming they are service animals, emotional support animals, comfort dogs, or therapy dogs? Join Chris Sweet, technical assistant for the Northeast ADA Cent...
  • Northeast ADA Center Year in Review 2020
    01/28/2021- While COVID-19 was certainly one of the largest stories of 2020, other ADA items of note happened as well. Join the technical assistance team of the Northeast ADA Center as they review the year 2020....
  • ADA 101.2 Overview of Title I and Employment
    04/26/2021- This webinar is the third in the Northeast ADA's ADA 101 series. Intended for those new to the Americans with Disabilities Act or for those wanting a refresher, this webinar will focus on the employme...
  • ADA 101.1 Defining Disability
    03/26/2021- This presentation builds on the introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) given in the webinar ADA 101. Intended for those new to the ADA or for those wanting a refresher, this webinar...

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Movimiento para el Alcance de Vida Independiente (MAVI) in Puerto Rico
Movimiento para el Alcance de Vida Independiente (MAVI) in Puerto Rico Social media banner with an image of the U.S. and New Jersey state flags in the background. The text says: Movimiento para el Alcance de Vida Independiente (MAVI) MAVI is an independent living center serving Puerto Rico. It supports the independence, equality, and inclusion of people with disabilities in the community.
Resources for Independent Living in New Jersey
Social media banner with an image of the U.S. and New Jersey state flags in the background. The text says Resources for Independent Living (RIL) RIL is an independent living center serving multiple counties in southern New Jersey. Its mission is to provide individuals with disabilities the means for self-choice, self-direction, and self-reliance in an inclusive society.
Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands
Social media banner with an image of the Virgin Islands flag in the background. The text says: Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands (DRCVI) DRCVI is the protection and advocacy agency for the US Virgin Islands. It works to provide legal advocacy services for people with disabilities living in the territory.
ADA Amendments Act of 2008
Social media banner with a background image of a worker taking a short break to check his blood glucose levels. The text says: What was the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 The act broadened the definition of disability in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It stated that a “bodily function” is a life activity and gave examples. It also clarified the ADA prohibition of employment discrimination. ADAAA
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
Social media banner with a background image of a universal access sign. The text says: What do the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design require? They require newly designed and constructed or altered state and local government facilities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities to be readily accessible to—and usable by—individuals with disabilities.