Federal Service Dog Requirements

Washington wa is making changes to the state s service animal laws effective 2019.

Federal service dog requirements.

While many of the laws apply to working with disabilities the one that applies most often for people who have a service animal or an esa is the 2 questions law. Many states also have laws that provide a different definition of service animal. Documentation may be required of passengers needing to travel with an emotional support or psychiatric service animal. Under florida law and the federal americans with disabilities act ada people with disabilities may bring their service animals to all public accommodations such as restaurants museums hotels and stores.

A public entity may ask an individual with a disability to remove a service animal from the premises if 1 the animal is out of control and the animal s handler does not take effective action to control it. It is also important for staff members at establishments such as restaurants stores hotels schools and other public locations to understand how they can properly. Generally a public entity shall modify its policies practices or procedures to permit the use of a service animal by an individual with a disability. Full enjoyment rcw 49 60 040 14.

A service animal may not be excluded based on assumptions or stereotypes about the animal s breed or how the animal might behave. Use of dog guide or service animal unfair practice definitions rcw 49 60 218. Under the air carrier access act acaa a service animal is any animal that is individually trained or able to provide assistance to a person with a disability. There are some service animal laws that are federal and all 50 states must uphold them.

These laws as well as instructions on how to file a complaint are listed in the last section of this publication. Service dog owners are afforded special rights and protections under the americans with disabilities act ada. Interfering with dog guide or service animal rcw 9 91 170. The ada protects service dogs and their handlers.

Typically service dogs are allowed to accompany their handlers most places that the general public is allowed as well as airlines and housing. It is essential for every service dog handler to understand what their legal rights are and how to exercise them. Here are federal service animal laws. Definitions rcw 49 60 040 8.

You have a disability can be emotional and your dog is trained can be trained by you to perform tasks to assist you with your disability. However if a particular service animal behaves in a way that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others has a history of such behavior or is not under the control of the handler that animal may be. Florida and federal law protect the right to have service dogs in public places and may protect other service animals in housing.