Article Review on Current Topic: Service Animals
The definition of a service animal is a dog whom is specifically trained to aid individuals who
have a physical, mental, or intellectual disability (ADA). Emphasis is placed on the fact that
service animals are dogs and no other species, even if a different species of animal is trained.
According to the American Disabilities Act, employers are required by law to allow customers
with service animals into their business if they are trained to accompany the individual with a
disability. This law applies even if the animal isn’t legally registered as a service animal (Patrick,
Harshbarger).
This law may have some impact on retail owners who have a “no pet” policy. However, under
law, service animals are not considered pets. If a business denies the right for a disabled
individual to bring their service animal inside, they are violating the ADA and can be reported
(Patrick, Harshbarger). Employers and employees are not required to provide any care to the
service animal, it is solely the responsibility of the animal’s owner and the individual’s caretaker
if there may be one. The only time a service animal may be excused from a business is if for
some reason the animal starts acting out, i.e. growling or putting other people in a dangerous
situation (U.S. Department of Justice). An argument that some owners make is being able to tell
whether the animal is an actual service animal and not just a pet. It creates a grey area because
while you can ask for some type of documentation of the disability or registration of the animal,
it’s not required for all trained animals to be legally registered and not all individuals bring
documents proving their disability (Patrick, Harshbarger).
Another way this law can impact a business is if an employee is disabled and has a service
animal. Generally, not all service animals can accompany the disabled individual at work, but
employers are required to make “reasonable accommodations” (Foreman) depending on the
situation. Typically, only office settings allow service animals in the workplace.
www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html.