Access & Service Animals
In all of recorded history, Man has enjoyed a real connection to animal.
Dogs, above every other creature seemed particularly keen on the
relationship, serving not only as a worker and protector, but as a companion
and playmate.
It is no surprise that service animals have become such an indispensible
part of the lives of many living with a disability. Though the majority of
service animals are dogs, they are by no means the only working species,
which sometimes causes conflict in the as yet able bodied community.
However antagonistic some may become (likely out of ignorance), service
animals provide a very real, high quality and professional service to their
handlers. I won’t go into this more here, but check out the related
podcast here.
Service animals are not pets and do not behave like pets while they are on
duty. It is the responsibility of the handler to ensure that the animal
represents the standard.
So what are your rights? (Note: They are your rights. The service animal has
no rights. Therapy dogs are not do not share the same rights as assistance
animals. Assistance animals include mobility, hearing and guide animals.)
As a person with a disability, you have the right to form a trained, working
team with a service animal. The service animal must be specifically and
individually trained to provide you one or more services. The service animal
must be in your company. The service animal must be controlled at all times.
(For more on this,
click here.)
You must be allowed access to public places where others are allowed access,
including public transportation, businesses and public buildings. You may
not be charged extra fees to gain access to these public places, neither may
you be kept separate from other citizens because of your working animal.
However, if your service animal causes damage you are responsible for it. A
service animal that causes a disturbance or is out of control or not
accompanied by a handler with a disability may be expelled.
Persons of responsibility may not ask you about your disability. They may,
however, ask what service the animal provides you. Although it is a good
idea to carry identification and use an identifying vest with your animal,
it is not required. Although states may have laws regarding service animals,
Federal law (ADA regulations) supersedes state law.
Service animals are an amazing treasure, a tool that must be protected. If
you have a service animal, please learn the rules and respect them. Keep
your animal tuned. Learn to recognize when the partnership is working and
when it isn’t. If your animal is not a trained, service providing animal,
please do not represent him as one.
For more information on service animals, how to acquire one or even how to
train your own, see the following:
Assistance Dogs International - search member organizations
Service Dog Central & new definition of service animal
Top Dog - Learn how to train & certify
Mobility International USA - Traveling with Guide/Service Animals
US Dept. of Justice ADA - Service animals in q&a
US Dept. of Agriculture - Companion Animals
Search - Assistance Dogs
