Us Service Dog Laws

Beginning on march 15 2011 only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles ii and iii of the ada.

Us service dog laws.

Disabilities may include visual difficulties hearing impairments post traumatic stress disorder ptsd seizures ambulatory issues mental illness diabetes autism and more depending upon the applicable law. Under the ada state and local governments businesses and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow. Service dogs and handlers may have additional rights granted by local laws but they may not be discriminated against based on the disability or the presence of a service animal. In the context of the ada disability is used as a legal term as opposed to a medical one and has a.

Where service animals are allowed. A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a. However if a particular service animal behaves in a way that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others has a history of such behavior or is not under the control of the handler that animal may be. Ada service dog laws prohibit discrimination against disabled people with service animals in employment public accommodations state and local government activities public transportation commercial facilities and telecommunication.

If they are aware of service dog rights simply inform them that you are traveling with a certified service dog and confirm the task your service dog provides. Federal service dog law applies all over the country and is the universally accepted standard in the united states. The ada protects service dogs and their handlers. Service dog question 1 what should i say when an employee asks me about my service dog the first step is to assess if the person is aware of service dog rules and regulations.

Some state and local laws also define service animal more broadly than the ada does. State service dog law may offer further clarification add additional requirements or outline expectations for various types of working service dogs or for dogs in training. Laws that apply to dog welfare and health requirements usually have to be upheld by the handler. However some state or local governments have laws that allow people to take emotional support animals into public places.

A service animal may not be excluded based on assumptions or stereotypes about the animal s breed or how the animal might behave. This publication provides guidance on the term service animal and the service animal provisions in the department s new regulations. Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task they do not qualify as service animals under the ada. An emotional support animal is an animal that provides comfort just by being with a person.

Information about such laws can be obtained from the relevant state attorney general s office. Here are federal service animal laws.