Many individuals with disabilities require a service animal to be able to live their lives to the fullest. The fact that a dog can be trained to assist and accomplish tasks for a person with a physical or mental disability is highly important. They can offer support by leading a person with poor or no vision.

Also, the canine can stabilize a person who may not have full motor skills or pick up dropped objects for those in a wheelchair. Finally, a well-trained service dog can stop the wandering of those who may bolt or let a person who has little hearing know they need to be alerted.

The ADA is the Americans with Disabilities Act and is applied by the Department of Justice. It is critical when it comes to answering questions about the guidelines around service animals and their registration as such.

The ADA mandates that governments, businesses, and organizations make reasonable modifications to accommodate people with disabilities. Individuals with service dogs are covered under this umbrella policy. An example of this occurs when some stores or restaurants have no pets’ rules. They must change their laws to accommodate to allow service dogs into their facilities. 

FAQ about service animals under the ADA

What is a service animal?

A service animal is well-defined by its ability to do work or complete tasks for a person who has a disability. They are trained specifically for these tasks and jobs that are directly related to the disability that the person is afflicted with.

It has to be something that makes a person’s life easier who suffers from a disability.

Different breeds and particular dogs can be trained in completely different ways, both due to ADA standards and the demands of the person they are helping. Not every person with disabilities will need the same type of dog, as anyone with a sensory impairment has different needs than someone with anxiety.

What is the work or tasks a service animal does?

A service animal, or service dog, in this case, have to be trained to be able to complete specific jobs that will assist an individual who has a disability. An example is a dog who can be trained to alert a diabetic when blood sugar is too high or too low.

Perhaps a person who struggles with depression has their dog trained to remind them to take their meds daily. They can also be trained to detect the start of a seizure and can protect their handlers. All are designated and related tasks to a disability.

Finally, a canine can be trained to be a therapy dog for emotional support. This type of support dog can help people who suffer from post-traumatic stress, or other mental health issues where they benefit from petting the dog’s fur and having a companion.

Does the ADA consider emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals the same as service animals?

No. These are various terms that are used for animals that offer comfort for their person. They are not trained to perform a particular task or job, so they are not designated by the ADA as a service animal for this reason.

However, some State or local governments do have laws that allow these emotional support animals, also called comfort animals, into places with their owners, even if not registered as a service dog with the ADA.

Finally, even a dog that has been certified under ADA regulations as a service dog can work as a therapy dog or a companion animal, as this certification doesn’t prevent the dogs from simply being pets.

Does your service dog have to be trained by a professional?

No. People who use a service dog can train them themselves. The end result of the training is the requirement, not the training itself.

How can staff know if a dog is a registered service animal?

If it is not apparent that an animal is a working service animal, the establishment in question can only ask two questions. First, is the dog a service animal because of a disability. And second, what task is the dog trained to do? They can not ask for written proof or documents nor ask the dog to perform their trained task. People can also not ask anything about an individual’s disability.

Does a service animal have to wear a designation showing they are such?

No. There are no requirements by the ADA that an animal has to be visibly seen as a service animal.

What are the responsibilities of the handler concerning care?

They must make sure their animal is supervised and cared for. This means bathroom, feeding, grooming, and vet visits.

Can hotels charge fees for cleaning if a guest has a service animal?

No. Just because a dog may have dander and hair, they don't have to pay extra. However, if the animal does any damage, then the handler can be charged for that as the animal is to be supervised and care for at all times.

CERTIFICATION & REGISTRATION​

Does a service animal need to be registered?

No. As places of entry cannot ask for proof or documentation. However, they do need to follow local laws and by-laws. They must be vaccinated, registered, and licensed as required by local authorities.

Is it legal according to the ADA if my city tells me I have to register my service animal?

No. This is not allowed under the ADA. They have to abide by the other regulations but not as a designated service animal.

Can places offer voluntary registration?

Yes, because it's voluntary. Many places, such as universities keep a registry to make sure people are aware there are service animals in case of an emergency.

Products for your service dog for visibility if you want it

Service Patches - an excellent product that has Velcro for easy removal when you choose to. Helpful for making your dogs work evident, while still being removable when the dog's not on duty.

Saddlebags - for your service dog that will allow patches with their service designation to be added or taken off.

Dog Harness - is a useful item for your service dog, allowing the addition and deletion of designations as needed.

Final Thoughts

Many fundamental questions surround service animals and the ADA. Some are simple, while others are more complex as handlers and business entities try to find a fair balance that does not discriminate. While service dogs do not have to be registered, there are lots of items covered by the ADA to make sure service animals are precisely that. Regulations are clear in what a service animals mandate is and allows questions to make sure that the dog, its handler, and the places they are entering have everyone's best interests at heart.