Service-Dog Public Access: A Quick Guide

For ADA public access, a service dog must be individually trained for disability-related work or tasks. Comfort alone does not meet that definition.

When the role is not obvious, staff may ask whether the dog is required because of a disability and what work or task it is trained to perform. They cannot require a diagnosis, certificate, doctor’s letter, or task demonstration.

The dog must be house trained and under control. Staff may require removal for a dog that is not house trained or is out of control and the handler does not take effective action. A service-dog surcharge is not permitted, while ordinary charges for actual damage can apply.

Housing, employment, and airline travel use different rules. The old downloadable handout cited the wrong regulation section and has been replaced by this guide.