What are Service Animals?

Service animals play an essential role in the lives of people with disabilities, providing assistance, comfort, and companionship. These highly trained animals are more than just pets; they are working animals that help people with disabilities live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with disabilities are entitled to bring their service animals into most public places, including restaurants, stores, hotels, and other businesses. The ADA defines a service animal as a dog (or in some cases, a miniature horse) that is trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability.

Service animals can perform a wide range of tasks, including guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, retrieving dropped items, providing stability for people with mobility impairments, and even alerting people with seizure disorders to an impending seizure.

Despite the protections afforded to service animals under the ADA, people with disabilities often face discrimination and harassment when trying to access public accommodations with their service animals. Some businesses may refuse to allow a service animal on their premises or may require additional documentation or fees, which is illegal under the ADA.

If you are a person with a disability who uses a service animal, it is important to know your rights and to advocate for yourself if you encounter discrimination. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Be familiar with the ADA regulations regarding service animals. This includes knowing what qualifies as a service animal, what businesses are required to allow service animals, and what questions businesses are allowed to ask about your service animal.
2. Carry documentation that verifies your service animal's training and certification. While businesses are not allowed to ask for documentation or certification of your service animal, having this documentation on hand can help clarify any confusion or misunderstandings.
3. If you encounter discrimination, remain calm and polite. Educate the business owner or employee about your rights under the ADA and explain why your service animal is necessary for your daily life. If necessary, contact a disability rights organization or file a complaint with the Department of Justice.
4. Celebrate your service animal! These amazing animals provide invaluable assistance to people with disabilities and should be celebrated for their hard work and dedication.

In conclusion, service animals play an important role in the lives of people with disabilities, and it is crucial that their rights are protected under the ADA. If you encounter discrimination or harassment while trying to access public accommodations with your service animal, know that you have the law on your side and that you have the right to advocate for yourself and your service animal.