What you need to know
about Service Animals

What are Service Animals

A service animal is any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not considered service animals. – ADA National Network

Service Animal Facts

  • Registration or certification of a service animal is not required.

  • Services animals are not limited to one breed of dog.

  • Handlers must adhere to local laws for licensing and vaccinations.

  • The ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest.

  • A handler can have more than one service animal.

  • An official training program is not required for services animals.

  • The ADA limits excessive questions of handlers to these 2 questions:

    • Is the service animal required because of a disability?
    • What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

Support or Therapy Animals

Emotional support, therapy, comfort or companion animals are not considered service animals under the ADA and therefore not covered under federal laws.

U.S. Federal & California Law

U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, ADA Requirements: Service Animals ADA National Network Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals California Legislative Information – California Civil Code 54.2

Resources

Disability Rights California Service Animal Facts Sheet Disability Rights California Assistance Animals in Housing: Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals JAN (Job Accommodation Network): Service Animals as Workplace Accommodation

Filing a Complaint

If you believe you have been illegally denied access or services because of use of a service animal, you may file a formal complaint with the Civil Rights Department State of California or the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division

For additional questions, please call
Voice: 1-916-558-5755 or TTY: 1-844-729-2800 or email DASInfo@dor.ca.gov