Service dogs differ from regular pets. These dogs are trained to perform a specific task for individuals who have disabilities. The disabilities can vary greatly, and so do the tasks that the service dogs perform. Service dogs can aid in navigation for people who are hearing- and visually impaired, assist an individual who is having a seizure, calm an individual who suffers from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and even dial 911 in the event of an emergency. Many disabled individuals depend on them every day to help them live their everyday lives.

Under ADA law any breed of dog can be considered a service dog.

Service Dog is allowed anywhere that the general public is allowed to go. This includes, but is not limited to, the zoo, restaurants, hospitals, a pool deck, hotels, the gym and housing. But there are some exceptions just like in the cases of the following: • Sterile environments (if the public is allowed in street clothes it isn’t a sterile environment) • Their existence will essentially change the nature of a business. • Places of worship unless state or local laws otherwise.

Yes, PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is covered under ADA Laws and as long as your service dog is able to calm you during an anxiety attack then he/she is considered a service dog.

Under the ADA, service dogs must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service dog’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

The service animal must be permitted to accompany the individual with a disability to all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go. An individual with a service animal may not be segregated from other customers.

No. Under the ADA (American Disability Act), state and local governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where the public normally allowed. And your dog is not considered a “pet”. Also, allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals.