QUESTION:
How can I tell if an animal is really a service animal and not just a pet?
ANSWER:
To determine if an animal is a service animal, you may ask two questions:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
You may not ask these questions if the need for the service animal is obvious. Examples include when a dog is guiding an individual who is blind or is pulling a person’s wheelchair. In addition:
- You may not ask about the nature or extent of an individual’s disability
- You may not require proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animal
- You may not require the animal to wear an identifying vest or tag
- You may not ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the task or work
Some service animals may be professionally trained; others may have been trained by their owners. A good rule of thumb is if a service animal behaves in an unacceptable way and the person with a disability does not control the animal, a business or other entity has the right to ask that the dog be removed. A business also has the right to deny access to a dog that disrupts their business or poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others. For example, if a service dog barks repeatedly or growls at customers, it could be asked to leave.
The Northwest ADA Center-Idaho is a cooperative project in Idaho providing statewide ADA technical assistance and support that was formerly offered through the Idaho Task Force on the ADA. On May 1, 2012 Idaho received funding from the Northwest ADA Center to provide information, guidance and training on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
There are four partners in the ADA coalition composed of the three Idaho Centers for Independent Living (CIL) and a state coordinator. The primary contract will be managed by Disability Action Center-NW, Inc.
Dana Gover, MPA, and ACTCP Certification, ADA Training and Technical Assistance Coordinator
For more information about ADA Technical Assistance visit the NW ADA Center Idaho website: nwadacenter.org/idaho
Email:dananwadacenteridaho@gmail.com
Phone: Voice and Text 208-841-9422
Idaho Relay Service: 7