Service Animals (ADA)

'Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.'

'A dog may be a dog—but there’s education involved to speak correctly about a service dog. In fact, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there are differences between a service dog, an emotional support animal, therapy dog, and pet. And it goes from there. (See RSA 167-D:1 for state definitions and 29 CFR parts 35 and 36 for Federal Law).'

'Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), privately owned businesses that serve the public, such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, taxicabs, theaters, concert halls, and sports facilities, are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The ADA requires these businesses to allow people with disabilities to bring their service dog onto business premises in whatever areas customers are generally allowed. With some exceptions, this requirement extends to miniature horses (ranging in height from 24-34” and weigh between 70-100 lbs.) that are deemed service animals.'

'In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Service Dogs are allowed to accompany their handlers anywhere the individual with disabilities is allowed to enter. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or to perform tasks for people with disabilities. As there is no central registry for service dogs, we understand that there are many attempts to pass off pet dogs as service animals. In an effort to clear up any confusion as to what is and what is not acceptable, The Governor’s Commission on Disability has arranged a glossary of terms in order to clarify any confusion when considering a service animal.'

'Under state and federal law, a service animal is allowed to accompany a disabled individual in all areas of the building where court users are normally allowed to go. Please be advised that a service animal is a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. “Comfort,” “therapy,” or “emotional support” animals do not meet the definition of a service animal because they have not been trained to do work or perform a specific task related to a person’s disabilities.'

'Service animals must be allowed in taxis according to the Americans with Disabilities Act.'