Service Animal Education
Q: What is a Service Animal?
A:The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or any other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability.
If they meet this definition animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by state or local government. They are not required to wear a vest or gear that identifies them as a service animal.
Types of Service Animals:
To be classified as a service animal the dog (or miniature horse) must be able to demonstrate a task or job. Examples are:
- Guiding a person who is blind
- Pick up and fetch for a person who is physically impaired
- Medical alert animals can detect seizures or danger.
Housing and Service Animals:
- Service Animals, as well as comfort or companion animals, must be allowed in multi-family rental buliding, regardless of any "no pets" policy.
- No pet deposit may be charged
- Service Animals cannot be subjected to "pet rules" that may be applied by housing providers to companion (non service) animals.
- Service Animal handlers may be charged for damages caused by the service animal.
- Housing providers cannot impose upon service animals the size or weight restrictions of a pet rule, exclusions from areas where people are generally welcome, or access resrtictions to only a particular door or elevator.
What CORD Does
- Assists consumers with information about obtaining documentation, choosing an appropriate dog, task options and training options.
- Assist with community education.
- Research access issues.
- Assist with access grievances.
For more information please call Nan at 509-326-6355 ext 107. Here are some other resources that may be able to help you.
U.S. Department of Justice's toll-free ADA information Line
1(800) 514-0301 (voice)
1(800) 514-0383 (TDD)
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