Service Dogs are dogs that have been trained to complete a specific task for individuals who suffer from disability. The disabilities that people suffer from vary, which is why the tasks that they perform vary as well. Common tasks include: Navigation for the hearing and vision impaired; Interrupting seizures; and calming individuals during panic attacks.

Service dog owners are protected under Federal Law. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that individuals with disabilities are entitled to a service dog to help with any tasks they may have difficulty completing. Under the ADA, disabled individuals are permitted to bring their service dogs with them to public places, including restaurants, hotels, housing complexes, and even in air travel.

That’s easy! Service dog owners identify their dog as a service dog by having them wear a service dog vest and/or patch. This lets everyone know that their dog is a working service dog and is not just an ordinary pet. This is important because without the service dog vest, owners have no way of communicating their dog’s status as a Service Dog to the public. It is also important to remember that many businesses, such as airlines, will want to see a service dog’s vest and identification card as a form of proof for when you travel.

Here is a list of some common disabilities that individuals with service dogs have:

If you are suffering from any of the disabilities listed above, or any other disability that prevents you from living a fully functional life, then you are eligible to register your dog as a service dog. Difficulty with everyday life tasks such as seeing, hearing, standing, walking, eating, sleeping, thinking, and even speaking makes you eligible for a service dog under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Under Federal Law, you are not allowed to be asked what your disability is that allows you to have a service dog. That information is private and you do not have to disclose it to anyone if you are asked. The only information that you may be legally asked is if your dog is a service dog and what task they are trained to assist you with. That’s it. You are not obligated to disclose any specifics concerning your disability or illness.

There are two laws that protect service dog owners from discriminatory housing practices. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects people from discrimination when they are renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance, or engaging in other housing-related activities. Under this law, service dogs must be permitted, even if there is a “no pet” policy. Under the FHAA, landlords are required to provide reasonable accommodations and thereby, equal opportunities, to use and enjoy housing regardless of breed or weight.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives individuals the right to live with their service dog regardless of any building or residences with a no pet policy. The ADA clearly states that a service dog is not considered a pet because it is required for daily life functions and activities. Building managers or landlords may not reject your application due to a pet policy nor may they require you to submit any pet deposits or fees for your Service Dog.

The two laws that protect services dog owners from discriminatory policies from airlines are the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). Under these laws, owners are permitted to travel with their service dogs by their side on airplanes without any additional fees.