Service animal — how to welcome one into your home or business
In one paragraph
A service animal is a dog (or in some cases, a miniature horse) individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. Under the ADA in the US, service animals are permitted wherever the public is allowed, and businesses can ask only two questions: is the animal required because of a disability, and what task has it been trained to perform.
Why it matters
The most common mistakes — petting without asking, assuming the animal is a pet, asking for 'proof' or 'certification' (which the ADA doesn't require), separating the handler from the dog — come from unfamiliarity, not hostility. A service animal is medical equipment with a pulse. It's working when it's with its handler; treat it that way.
For the guest: script
'I travel with a service animal — it's a [breed], trained to [task]. She'll stay next to me under the table or at my feet. Please don't offer food, call her over, or pet her — she's working. No allergies or clean-up to worry about; she's trained for this.'
For the host or business
Welcome the animal in as you'd welcome the handler. Don't pet without asking, don't offer food, don't separate them. Leave a bowl of water near where the handler settles. Keep your own pets (if friendly) contained during the visit — service animals don't want to meet your dog. For businesses: post 'service animals welcome' visibly, and train staff on the two ADA-allowed questions.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between a service animal, an emotional support animal, and a therapy animal?
- A service animal is individually trained for specific disability-related tasks and has public-access rights under the ADA. An emotional support animal provides comfort but isn't task-trained; it doesn't have ADA public-access rights (though it has housing and some travel protections). A therapy animal visits hospitals, schools, etc. with its handler, and has access only where specifically invited.
- Can a business ask to see paperwork for a service animal?
- No. Under the ADA, businesses can ask only two questions: (1) is the animal required because of a disability, and (2) what task has it been trained to perform. You cannot require certification, registration, or a demonstration.
- Can a service animal be removed from a business?
- Only if the animal is out of control and the handler can't regain control, or if it's not housebroken. Allergies, fear of dogs, or 'no-pet' policies are not valid reasons to exclude a service animal.
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