Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed must be directly related to the person's disability.

The dog must be trained to take specific actions to assist the person with a disability. For example, a dog may alert a person with diabetes when their blood sugar levels are abnormal, remind a person with depression to take medication, or help a person with epilepsy during a seizure.

No. These animals provide comfort by being with a person but are not trained to perform specific tasks, so they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. However, some state or local laws may allow emotional support animals in public places.

It depends. If the dog is trained to sense an anxiety attack and take specific actions to help avoid or lessen it, it qualifies as a service animal. If it provides comfort by being present, it does not.

No. Individuals with disabilities have the right to train their dogs themselves and are not required to use a professional training program.

No. The ADA requires the dog to be fully trained before being taken into public places. However, some state or local laws, such as Florida Statute 413.08(8), allow trainers to access public facilities while training service animals.

Employees may ask: (1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? They cannot request documentation, require the dog to demonstrate its task, or inquire about the person's disability.

No. The ADA does not require service animals to wear any identifying items.

The handler is responsible for the service animal's care and supervision, including toileting, feeding, grooming, and veterinary care. Covered entities are not obligated to care for a service animal.

Yes. Service animals must be allowed to accompany their handlers through self-service food lines and communal food preparation areas.

No. Guests with disabilities using service animals must have the same opportunity to reserve any available room as other guests.

No. Hotels cannot charge for cleaning hair or dander shed by a service animal. However, they can charge for any damages caused by the service animal.

Generally, yes. People may need multiple service animals for different tasks. However, if accommodating both animals is not possible (e.g., in a small, crowded space), staff may request that one of the animals be left outside.

Generally, yes. Service animals must be allowed in patient rooms and other areas where the public and patients are allowed.

The patient can arrange for a family member or friend to care for the service animal. If no one is available, the hospital may temporarily place the animal in a boarding facility but must give the patient the opportunity to arrange care first.

Generally, yes. However, if the space is too crowded and the dog's presence interferes with emergency medical staff's ability to treat the patient, staff should make other arrangements for the dog's transport.

No. Documentation proving certification, training, or licensing as a service animal is not required by the ADA.

Yes. Service animals must comply with local animal control and public health requirements.

Yes. Service animals must comply with local licensing and registration requirements.

No. Mandatory registration of service animals is not allowed under the ADA.

Yes. Voluntary registries are allowed and may offer benefits, such as reduced licensing fees. However, registration cannot be a condition for access to public places.

Yes. The ADA does not restrict dog breeds.

No. Denial based on breed is not allowed, though specific animals can be excluded if they pose a direct threat to health or safety.

No. Exceptions must be made for service animals unless the dog poses a direct threat based on its behavior.

If admitting the service animal fundamentally alters the nature of the service or program or poses a legitimate safety concern, it may be excluded.

In most cases, no. Exceptions include specific areas in dormitories or zoos where the presence of a dog would disrupt the environment.

Service animals must be under the handler's control at all times, typically leashed or tethered unless these devices interfere with their work.

Staff may ask that the animal be removed if it is out of control and the handler does not take effective action.

No. Service animals must be under the handler's control at all times.

Individuals can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice or a lawsuit in Federal court.

Generally, no. The dog must stay on the floor or be carried.

No. Service animals must stay on the floor, and food or drink is for customer use only.

No. Public health rules prohibit dogs in pools, but service animals must be allowed on the pool deck.

No. Religious institutions are exempt from the ADA, but state laws may apply.

However, there are a few important nuances:

Local and State Laws: While the ADA exempts religious institutions, local or state laws may have additional requirements.

Public Funding: If a religious institution receives public funding, they might be required to comply with the ADA.

Voluntary Policies: Some religious institutions might choose to voluntarily comply with ADA guidelines and allow service animals, even though they are not legally obligated to do so under the ADA.

The ADA applies to housing programs administered by state and local governments and places of public accommodation. The Fair Housing Act also applies, requiring reasonable accommodation for service and assistance animals.

No. Federal programs and services are covered by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

No. The Air Carrier Access Act governs the rights of people with disabilities in air travel.