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 ]

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Webinars

  • Introduction to the Service Animal Toolkit
    07/27/2022- 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...
  • Northeast ADA Center Year in Review 2020
    01/28/2021- While COVID-19 was certainly one of the largest stories of 2020, other ADA items of note happened as well. Join the technical assistance team of the Northeast ADA Center as they review the year 2020....
  • ADA 101.2 Overview of Title I and Employment
    04/26/2021- This webinar is the third in the Northeast ADA's ADA 101 series. Intended for those new to the Americans with Disabilities Act or for those wanting a refresher, this webinar will focus on the employme...
  • ADA 101.1 Defining Disability
    03/26/2021- 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...

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Small business - What is an accommodation under the ADA?
Social media banner with a background image of an open work environment with several people working at computers; most are seated and one is standing. The text says: What is an accommodation under the ADA? Any change in the work environment, or in how things are usually done, to help a person with a disability apply for a job, perform the duties of a job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment.
Small business - Recruiting and hiring people with disabilities
Social media banner with a background image of a job candidate speaking to an interviewer. The text says: Recruiting and hiring people with disabilities: Tell applicants about their right to an accommodation and how to request one; Host career fairs and interviews in accessible locations; Provide online accessibility for job postings.
Small business - ADA basics for small employers?
Social media banner with a background image of a friendly meeting between two co-workers. The text says: What are a few ADA basics to know as a small employer? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is about equal opportunity, not about a disability quota. Don’t assume that someone with a disability is less qualified based on their disability.
Small business - Why does workplace inclusion matter?
Social media banner with a background image of a workers in a large wood shop. One worker has an artificial leg. The text says: Why does workplace inclusion matter? A work culture based on including all people and building trust brings benefits. Workers learn to perform more effectively, have less stress, and are less likely to leave their jobs. And, teams function better!
Small business - People with disabilities get the job done
Social media banner with a background image of a person pointing with a pen at a paper on a bulletin board. The text says: People with disabilities get the job done. The work may be done in a slightly different way due to a reasonable accommodation, but employees with disabilities are held to the same productivity and conduct standards as others.