Service Animals

Under Titles II and III of the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks directly related to a person's disability. The work or task must be directly related to the disability. Examples include: guiding a person who is blind, alerting a person with a hearing impairment, pulling a wheelchair, alerting a person to a seizure, providing physical support or balance assistance, and performing room searches or safety checks for a person with PTSD. An animal that provides only emotional support, comfort, or companionship is NOT a service animal under the ADA. Source: ADA National Network

You may ask only two questions: (1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? You may NOT ask these questions if the need is obvious — such as a guide dog for someone who is blind. You may NOT ask about the nature or extent of the person's disability, require proof of certification or training, or ask the dog to demonstrate its task. Source: ADA National Network

Yes. Service animals are working animals, not pets. A "no pets" policy is perfectly legal, but it does not allow a business or government entity to exclude service animals. The ADA requires that service animals be permitted in all areas open to the public. Source: ADA National Network

You may ask an individual to remove a service animal if it is out of control and the handler does not take effective action, or if the animal is not housebroken. Uncontrolled barking, growling at customers, jumping on people, or running away are examples of unacceptable behavior. However, if a service animal is removed, the individual with a disability must still be offered the opportunity to obtain goods, services, and accommodations without the animal present. Source: ADA National Network

No. You cannot charge maintenance or cleaning fees for customers who bring service animals, even if you charge pet owners such fees. Service animals are not pets. However, if a service animal causes actual damage, you may charge the individual for that damage — the same as you would charge any other customer who causes damage. Source: ADA National Network

No. The care and supervision of a service animal is solely the responsibility of the owner. You are not required to provide care, food, or a special location for the animal. Source: ADA National Network

Miniature horses are not included in the ADA's definition of service animal, which is limited to dogs. However, ADA regulations include a specific provision requiring businesses to make reasonable modifications to permit miniature horses that have been individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability — when it is reasonable to do so. Factors considered include whether the horse is housebroken, is under the owner's control, and whether the facility can accommodate its size and weight. Source: ADA National Network

No. Refusing to transport a person with a service animal is a violation of the ADA. Taxicab companies may not refuse service to individuals with disabilities or charge higher fares because of a service animal. The same rules apply to subways, fixed route buses, paratransit, rail, light rail, shuttles, and limousine services. Source: ADA National Network