Service Animal Law and Discrimination Facts

Service animals are those animals that have been specially trained to help people with disabilities. They are also called “support animals” or “assistance animals”. Besides assisting people with disabilities, service animals may be utilized for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations and the law enforcement agencies. Although dogs are most commonly used as service animals, other animals such as horses and capuchin monkeys are used for individual assistance as well.

Here is a list of websites that provide information on service animals and service animal laws:

FAQs about Service Animals

• Service Animals in Places of Business: Commonly asked questions about service animals in places of business. (From the US Government)

• Questions about Service Animals: A list of questions that are related to service animals. (From the National Service Animal Registry)

• FAQ on Service Dogs: Some of the common questions that are asked about service dogs. (Delta Society PDF file)

• More FAQ on Service Animals: A set of questions that help people understand more about service animals from the Delta Society.

• Distinguishing a Service Animal: Article that explains how a person can tell the difference between a service animal and a normal pet. (From the Invisible Disabilities Association)

Information about Service Animals

• Service Animals: General information about service animals. (TSA/Homeland Security information)

• Users of Service Animals: An overview of service animals, including tips for owners and emergencies. (Courtesy disabilitypreparedness.gov)

• Traveling with Service Animals: Find out how to get service animals to a foreign country. (From Mobility International USA)

• Seizure Alert Service Animals: Getting the right companion for seizure alert. (Canine Partners 4 Life)

What Do These Animals Do?

• Service Animals for Deaf People: Service dogs to assist people with hearing disability. (hearingdogs.org.uk)

• Information on Assistance Animals: An introduction to assistance animals, with information about the tasks they perform. (National MS Society)

• Assistance Dog Tasks: Useful tasks performed by assistance dogs to help the disabled. (International Association of Assistance Dogs Partners)

• Tasks of Psychiatric Service Dogs: An article that describes the various tasks of psychiatric service dogs. (From servicedogcentral.org)

How are Service Animals Trained?

• Training Service Animals: Service animal training and organizations. (Delta Society)

• Dogs for the Blind: Training dogs to assist blind people.

• Service Dog Trainers: Finding the right service dog trainer in the US. (wolfpacks.com)

• National Service Animal Registry: Information about how to certify a service animal. (nsar.com)

Additional Resources

• Service Dog Etiquette: Outlines the 3 main rules of coming in contact with a service dog. (highplainsservicedogs.com)

• Service and Therapy Dog Accessories: Site where service dog vests, patches and other work related accessories can be purchased (sitstay.com)