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Service Animals Bureau | ADA.gov
U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
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What is a service animal?According to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, a federal civil rights law, a services animal is: a dog of any breed and size, trained to perform a task directly to a person's disability or condition. Read more about Services Animals at ADA.gov
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Are service dogs protected by federal law?The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 is a federal civil rights law that protects the rights of people with disabilities and their service dogs, so that they are not banned from public places, housing, airlines, hotels, lodging, restaurants, workplaces, hospitals, public transportation, schools and more. Unfortunately, some people and places are still unaware of or unfamiliar with the protections granted by the ADA and can try to impede access to handlers with their service dogs to certain places. That’s why registering your service dog and obtaining an ID card, certificate, and service dog vest is important, to avoid any type of hassle or inconvenience. Read more about the rights of Service Animals at ADA.gov
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Can any dog breed be a service animal?The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not discriminate against specific dog breeds, allowing any breed to be considered as a service animal. Read more about Service Animals breeds at ADA.gov
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Should your service dog always be on a leash?Yes, however if the leash impedes the ability of the service dog to complete a specific task, the leash may be removed but only while the service dog has to perform their task. Read more about Service Animals should be under control at ADA.gov
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Are service dogs required to go through professional training?No, as long as the service dog has been properly trained to perform its designated task. Read more about Services Animal Requirements at ADA.gov
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Which disabilities qualify for a service animal?The ADA defines physical disabilities as: “Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine.” Physical disabilities that may qualify for service animals include but aren’t limited to: mobility problems, paralysis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, asthma, autism, depression, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, PTSD, speech problems, anxiety, epilepsy, osteoporosis, scoliosis, arthritis, seizures, allergies, blindness (partial and complete), deafness (partial and complete). Service animals can assist people with physical disabilities in a variety of ways depending on the specific nature of their handler’s disability.
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Do you need to submit documentation of your disability to register your service dog?No, by law handlers are not required to submit any type of medical documentation regarding their disability to register their dog as a service dog.
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How quickly will you receive all your service dog documentation and accessories after registering?We process all orders within 1 working day, from Monday through Friday, and offer express shipping options. Electronic ID cards are sent within 24 hours of registering.
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How long is the registration good for?Once registered, your service dog's certification is valid for its entire lifetime, with no expiration date.
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How can others confirm your service dog's registration status after it's been registered?Others can verify your service dog's registration by searching the National Service Animal Database using the ID number on your dog's certificate or ID card. They can also easily scan the QR code on your dog's certificate or ID card.
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Is it acceptable to display your digital ID on your cellphone?Yes, you can display it to whoever is asking for it. Usually it is sufficient proof that your dog is registered, although not in every case. Sometimes a physical ID is required, along a vest.
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After registration, is full access mandatory for your service dog mandatory anywhere?By registering your dog in the National Service Animal Database, you can confidently proof that your dog is a registered service dog, distinct from a pet, and it is serving a vital purpose by assisting you in your condition. Additionally, registration reinforces that your service dog is safeguarded by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities and their service animals, giving them full access to all these type of places: public spaces, housing, airlines, hotels, lodging, restaurants, workplaces, hospitals, transportation, schools, and more. Read more about where Service Animals can go at ADA.gov Service Dogs can only be restricted if their presence will fundamentally alter the nature of goods, services, programs or activities provided to the public. (Example: It may be appropriate to keep a service animal our of an operating room where the animal's presence could compromise the sterile environment.) Nevertheless, in most settings a service animal will not "fundamentally alter" the situation. Read more about when a Service Animal can be kept out at ADA.gov
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To allow your service dog into a location or transportation, what questions are permissible to ask about your dog?You can only be asked these two questions: Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? (Answer: yes) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? (Example of an answer: Interrupt seizures) You should not be requested any information or documentation in regards to your disability, or that your service dog must demonstrate its task. Read more about asking if a dog is a Service Animal at ADA.gov
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Is a landlord required to accept your service dog even if the house rules state that they are not allowed?Under federal law, the Americans Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Act, a landlord must permit the service dog in their property if the handler is going to live in it. Landlords will often require proof of service dog registration. Read more about where Service Animals should be permitted at ADA.gov
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Is an airline required to accept your service dog at no cost in the cabin?Under federal law, the Americans Disabilities Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, service dogs are allowed in airplane cabins with their handlers at no extra cost and cannot be kennelled. Airlines will request information about your service animal before your flight. It's essential to contact your airline directly for specific requirements. Read more about where Service Animals should be permitted at ADA.gov
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Is a workplace required to accept your service dog?Under federal law, the Americans Disabilities Act and the Air Carrier Access Act, service dogs are allowed in workplaces and cannot be kennelled, unless they can "fundamentally alter" the services provided at the workplace. Nevertheless, the service dog must be properly trained and behave adequately. Workplaces might request information about the service animal registration. It is essential to inform the workplace about wanting to bring the service dog to work prior doing so. Read more about where Service Animals should be permitted at ADA.gov Read more about when a Service Animal can be kept out at ADA.gov
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What fees are associated with having a service dog?Businesses are not allowed to charge you extra fees to allow you to bring your service dog into their business, including airlines. If a business tries charging you extra for having a service dog, please direct them to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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What if your service dog is requested to be left outside due to allergies or fears?Businesses cannot deny entry to your service dog due to allergies or fears. However, if your dog exhibits disruptive behavior, they may ask you to leave your dog outside, but they must still provide you with equal service and accommodations. Read more about inquiries, exclusions, charges, and other specific rules related to Service Animals at ADA.gov
With a simple step-by-step process, register your dog in just minutes and receive the appropriate legal documentation and accessories. Bring your Service Dog anywhere with peace and at no cost. Maximize your rights.
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