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Service Animals and the ADA: What You Need to Know
Mandatory Registration of Service Animals Prohibited
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations are prohibited from requiring mandatory registration of service animals. Service animals are defined as any breed and any size of dog trained to perform a task directly related to a person's disability, such as providing mobility assistance, alerting to sounds, or providing emotional support.
No “Official” Service Animal Registry
There is no official government registry for service animals. However, several organizations claim to offer certification or registration for service animals. These organizations may sell tags, vests, or other items that claim to identify service animals, but these are not recognized by the ADA. In fact, some of these organizations may charge fees or require specific training, which can be a barrier to people with disabilities.
Verification and Training
Instead of relying on registry cards or tags, the ADA encourages businesses and organizations to ask two questions to determine if an animal is a service animal:
- Is the animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
If the person answers yes to both questions, the animal is considered a service animal under the ADA, regardless of whether it has any type of registration or certification.
Filing a Complaint
If you are denied access to a business or organization with your service animal, you can file a complaint with the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ will investigate the complaint and take appropriate action to ensure compliance with the ADA.
Additional Resources