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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 ]

Articles

  • The ADA and Service Animals
    What’s a service animal? The answer depends on the situation, and this FAQ article explains the basics.
  • The ADA and Service Animal Handlers
    What should a service animal handler know about rights and responsibilities when they go into the community with the animal?
  • Service Animals Overview
    Service animals are one of the most asked about topics on the Northeast ADA Center’s technical assistance hotline.
  • Miniature Horses as Service Animals
    Why and how a miniature horse can be used as a service animal to assist a person with a disability.
  • The ADA and Transportation Providers
    Consider why accessible transportation is so important and find an overview of requirements for public and private transportation from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Fact Sheets

Ask About the ADA

Infographics

Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals Are Not the Same

Covered by the ADA to enter public establishments with handler. Service Animals: Yes. Emotional Support Animals: No.
Specially trained (task-trained). Service Animals:Yes. Emotional Support Animals: No.
Allowed by Federal law to stay with residents with disabilities in condos and apartments that have a “no pets” policy. Service Animals: Yes. Emotional Support Animals: Yes.
Primary function is to provide emotional support through companionship. Service Animals: No. Emotional Support Animals: Yes.
Must be certified or registered. Service Animals: No. Emotional Support Animals: No.
Check out www.serviceanimalquestions.org Share on Facebook

Service Animals in Retail

Service animals are not pets.
Store employees can ask: 
* Is this service animal required because of a disability?
* What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
A service animal must be under the control of its handler. If it is not, a store employee can ask that the animal be removed. The handler may continue shopping without the service animal. Share on Facebook

Service Animals at Work: Helpful Tip #1

Infographic titled 'Service Animals at Work: Helpful Tip #1' featuring a sitting service dog in a vest.

Service Animals at Work - Helpful Tip #1:
You can request a reasonable accommodation from your employer if you need a service animal.

If you have any questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact us at 1-800-949-4232 Share on Facebook

Service Animals at Work: Helpful Tip #2

Infographic titled 'Service Animals at Work: Helpful Tip #2' featuring a sitting service dog in a vest.

Service Animals at Work - Helpful Tip #2:
Employers may request reasonable documentation to show the need for the service animal.

If you have any questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact us at 1-800-949-4232 Share on Facebook

Accessible Shopping: Service Animals

Infographic titled 'Accessible Shopping: Service Animals' featuring an image of a service dog on a leash.

In a store, service animals:
Can accompany their handlers in all areas of the store where customers are allowed to go.
Can be any breed of dog.
Must be under the owner's control.
Are not allowed in shopping carts.

If you have questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact us at 1-800-949-4232 Share on Facebook

Service Animals on Campus

Infographic titled 'Service Animals on Campus' featuring a student sitting on a college quad with her dog.

Service Animals on Campus:
Protected under the ADA, Section 504, and the FHA
Public and Private Universities are covered
Service Animals are allowed everywhere on campus

If you have any questions about the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact us at 1-800-949-4232 Share on Facebook

Blog Posts

Webinars

  • Introduction to the Service Animal Toolkit
    July 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...
  • ADA 101.1 Defining Disability
    March 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...
  • Service Animal Scenarios
    March 27, 2019
    Chris Sweet, Northeast ADA Technical Assistance and Outreach Specialist, will present Service Animal Scenarios. Service animals often appear in popular media as a topic of contention as airlines, sto...
  • Is That a Service Animal: What Rights Apply Where
    January 24, 2018
    The Northeast ADA Center is often asked about service animals. It can be confusing for individuals with disabilities, businesses, transit providers, and landlords to know what rights a person with a d...
  • Air Travel for Individuals with Disabilities: Intersection of the Air Carriers Access Act and the ADA
    November 18, 2015
    A recent study by the Open Doors Organization revealed that in the past two years, more than 26 million adults with disabilities traveled for business or pleasure. While legislation such as the Air Ca...

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