Service Dog FAQs

It is important to realize that the service dog handlers (who are individuals with a disability) are the ones who have rights, not the service animal. According to the ADA, a service animal is a dog (or service pony) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. With few exceptions, service animals can accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go. (ADA) 

Service animals in training do not have the same public access rights. However, some states and counties may have special rules. For example, in King County, Washington, service animals in training are permitted access as long as they follow the same conditions established for service animals. (King County Metro)

Please look into your region for more specifics on travelling with your service animal in training, however general public access rules of the ADA are standard across the United States.

The procedures for travelling are evolving. It is helpful for you to contact your airlines ahead of time to ensure that they are aware a service animal is travelling with you and to fill out the necessary paperwork. Please follow the link for the latest information from the department of transportation. 

The rules for housing are broad, as they include both emotional support animals (who typically have no special training) and service animals. Individuals may request to keep their service animal as a reasonable accommodation. Housing providers cannot refuse to make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices, or services when such accommodations may be necessary to afford a person with a disability the equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. There can be exceptions for: owner occupied buildings with four fewer units and single-family homes rented without a broker (if the owner doesn’t own more than three houses). The rules are being updated, please follow this link for the official information and if you need to file a complaint. 

Once you have been approved for housing and your disability is not readily obvious, a reasonable accommodation letter may be requested. In response to a request for a reasonable accommodation, a housing provider may request reliable disability-related information that (1) is necessary to verify that the person meets the Act's definition of disability (2) describes the needed accommodation, and (3) shows the relationship between the person's disability and the need for the requested accommodation. Depending on the individual's circumstances, information verifying that the person has a qualifying disability can be asked such as a doctor’s note or disability insurance benefits. 

For detailed information see number 18 on this Link 

Casinos depend on the location. If the casino is on tribal land then federal laws do not apply to Native tribes (Link). Check with the tribal government or the local casino to see if they follow ADA laws or have a similar accommodation, as each follow their own protocol. Churches or other religious organizations are specifically exempt from the ADA. However, there may be State laws that apply to religious organizations. Hospitals generally allow service animals in most places patients and visitors can access unless it compromises a sterile environment such as operating rooms. (Link)

Because title I does not specifically address service animals, a request from an employee to bring a service animal to work can be processed like any other request for reasonable accommodation. This means that employers must consider the request, but do not have to automatically allow employees to bring their service animals to work. To find out the best process to manage this request and work with your employer and reach out to the Job Accommodation Network 

A service animal must be under the control of the handler at all times. There are times when an individual’s disability may prevent the use of a leash or interferes with the service animal’s work. During these situations the handler must still maintain control over the dog. (See question 27)

Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. If individuals need to be in the same area, both can be assigned to different areas in the facility. However, it is important to remember that people with disabilities who use service animals cannot be isolated from other patrons, treated less favorably, or charged additional fees. (Link to ADA)

There is no mandatory license or certification to show and businesses cannot require it as a requirement of entry. There are many certifications available online, however ADA do not consider them to be proof. (link) However, if the dog is out of control and the handler does not take action to control the animal or it is not housebroken, then there is a legitimate reason to remove the animal from the premises.

No. The ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest, ID tag, or specific harness. 

In order to qualify for a service animal, you need to have a documented disability that prevents you from living an independent life. Your service dog must provide support by performing a task related to your disability to live a more independent life. Some ways of documentation may be a written letter from your medical provider stating you are being treated for a disability and require the assistance of an animal because of this need. See Link