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Service Animal Resources

A guidance on the term of "service animal" and new ADA service requirements.

Rules for Service Animals

Service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work, or the individual's disability prevents using these devices. 

Staff may ask 2 questions concerning a service animal: (1) is this animal a service animal and (2) what job has this animal been trained to perform.  Staff may NOT ask about the person's disability, require medical documentation, or ask the animal to perform a serviceable task. 

Allergies or fear of dogs are not valid reasons to refuse people with service animals. 

Restaurants and cafeterias must allow service animals in public areas. 

People with service animals cannot be isolated from other patrons, treated less favorably than other patrons, or charged fees not charged to other patrons.  

Staff are not required to provide food or care for a service animal.

Where Service Animals Are Allowed

Under the ADA, state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go.