A dog that has been individually trained to perform a task (or tasks) that directly relate to a person’s disability

Tasks are specific actions used to assist a person with a disability. Examples include: mobility assistance (counterbalancing, bracing), nightmare mitigation (waking the handler), PTSD mitigation (specifically distracting handler when anxiety/aggression begins to escalate with physical touch, focusing handler to dog to break spiral, moving to behind handler to create space, alerting handler when someone approaches, clearing rooms), medical alert (physically alert handler that medical issue is imminent, bring medication, keep handler safe during episode)

No. Unless a dog has been trained to perform a specific action, it is not a task and the dog is NOT considered a service dog. This type of dog is an Emotional Support Dog (ESA) and is NOT granted protection under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA)

No. The dog is not required to be trained by a professional trainer. The owner has the right to train the dog alone or with guidance.

Any - the ADA does not restrict the type of dog breeds (pure or mixed). A service dog may NOT be refused access to a facility based on assumptions or stereotypes about an animal’s breed or how the animal might behave. Further, if a municipality has an ordinance that bans certain dog breeds, service dogs are exempt.

No. While most handlers use such items, they are not mandatory and a dog cannot be denied entrance to a facility due to not wearing them.

Yes. A handler cannot be denied access to food due to the presence of their service dog, even if state or local health codes prohibit animals on the premises. Further, if an establishment has outdoor seating for people with dogs, this does NOT apply to a service dog and they must be seated indoors if the handler requests it. The dog must be under the control of its handler or it may be asked to leave.

Is it a service dog? What task does it do? Those are the ONLY two questions that may be asked of a handler. Employees CANNOT: Ask for documentation of registration, certification, or licensing; Ask the dog to demonstrate the task; Ask the handler about their disability; Deny access/refuse service due to fear of dogs or dog allergies.

NO! Establishments CANNOT require documentation that a dog has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service dog as a condition for entry. There are service dog certifications and registrations available online. These documents DO NOT convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does NOT recognize them as proof that a dog is a service animal.

Yes - if the dog is out of control or not housebroken. The dog should not: Solicit attention from other people or animals; Attack other people or animals; Disrupt other people or animals; Wander away from the handler (unrelated to a task); Bark incessantly; Repeatedly urinate or defecate inside buildings. Just a reminder - dogs are living creatures. They may get stomach upset, or have a bad day - if so, consider remaining out of public access areas until the issue has passed.