Service Dogs Welcome!
Laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities who have service animals
The federal civil rights law, the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA, Title III, 28 Code of Federal Regulations, sect. 36.104), defines a service animal as any animal that is individually trained to help a person with a disability (the disability might not be visible). By law, a service animal is not considered a pet. Most service animals are dogs; they can be any breed or size, and are not legally required to wear special equipment or tags. It is prohibited by law to require proof or “certification ”of the service dog’s training. Service animals can do mobility, hearing, guide, seizure alert, emotional support and other work needed by the person because of a disability.
Federal (e.g., ADA 28 CFR Sect. 38.302) and state laws protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their trained service animals in taxis, buses, trains, stores, restaurants, doctors’ offices, schools, parks, housing and other public places. Federal laws which protect individuals with disabilities include the ADA; the Fair Housing Amendments Act (1988); Sect 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973); The Air Carrier Access Act (1986/90), and other regulations.
State and local laws* which protect the rights of individuals who have disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals are (fill in the code numbers of the laws that apply):
*NOTE: If federal and state or local law conflict, the law which is less restrictive for the individual with the disability will prevail. For example, if state law grants access only by service dogs that do guide work, and the service dog in question performs work other than guide work, federal law will apply. The person with the disability must be permitted access with the service dog.
The person who is accompanied by the service animal is responsible for its stewardship (behavior, care and well-being), must obey animal welfare laws (such as leash, cruelty or other similar regulations), and is liable for any damage done by the service animal.
About the ADA, contact the U.S. Department of Justice ADA Information Line 800-514-0301 (V); 800-514-0383 (TDD)
About state and local laws, contact the State Attorney General’s Office
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