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Service Animals - Understanding the laws

Media Type

Online Resource

Reviewed Date

May 16, 2023

Body

From the US Dept. of Health and Human Services.

Many people, including health care professionals and other service providers, may be unsure of statutory requirements when interacting with an individual with a disability using a service or guide animal. This source gives guidelines for proper requirements.

ADA Requirements for Service Animals including miniature horses

Understanding How to Accommodate Service Animals in Healthcare Facilities during times of emergency
 

Department Of Justice - Civil Rights Division - Disability Rights
Section on Service Animals: FAQs

  • Does the ADA require service animals to be professionally trained?
    No. People with disabilities have the right to train the dog themselves and are not required to use a professional service dog training program.

  • Do service animals have to wear a vest or patch or special harness identifying them as service animals?
    No. The ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest, ID tag, or specific harness.

This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.  See here for further details.

© Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago)
Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433 – https://www.sralab.org/lifecenter

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