Service Dog Access Laws in America

Below is a general overview of information taken directly from the ADA.GOV website. Laws change frequently, so our information may not always be up to date. We are not lawyers, and this is not to be taken as legal advice.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, businesses may ask only these questions to determine the legitimacy of a service animal:

1 - Is that a service animal?
2 - What work or tasks is the animal trained to perform?

Businesses may NOT:

1 - Require special identification for the animal
2 - Ask about the person's disability
3 - Charge additional fees because of the animal
4 - Refuse admittance (segregate, isolate, or treat the individual less favorably than other patrons)

A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove their service animal from the premises, unless:

1 - The animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it
2 - The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others

Any businesses that sell or prepare food must allow service animals in public areas, even if state or local health codes prohibit animals on the premises

Refusal to provide equal access to disabled individuals with service animals is a federal civil rights violation, provided by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Violators of the ADA may be required to pay monetary damages and penalties.