Service Dogs Under the ADA
What are service dogs?
Any breed and any size of dog can be trained to perform a task directly related to a person's disability. The ADA regulations by the Department of Justice DOJ and Department of Transportation DOT originally defined these tasks as:
- Guiding people who are blind or have low vision
- Alerting people who are deaf or hard of hearing to sounds
- Pulling a wheelchair
- Alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure
- Providing physical support and assistance with balance and mobility to people with mobility impairments
- Helping people with psychiatric disabilities by providing emotional support
What rights do service dog handlers have under the ADA?
The ADA requires that service dogs be allowed to accompany their handlers in all public places. This includes businesses, restaurants, stores, hotels, and transportation. Service dog handlers cannot be charged extra fees or denied access to goods or services because of their service dog.
How can I get a service dog?
There is no ADA requirement for certification or identification showing that the animal is a service animal. However, many organizations train and certify service dogs. You can find a list of these organizations on the website of the ADA National Network.
By William Goren on May 21, 2018, Posted in ADA, Fair Housing Act, Final Federal Regulations, Title II, Title III
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