People with service animals must be allowed access to all public accommodations.
This right takes precedence over all state and local laws which might otherwise prohibit animals in those places such as Stores, Malls, Restaurants, Hotels/Resorts, Airlines, Cruises, Taxi cabs, Buses just to name a few.
Any size or breed of dog can be an emotional support or service dog, emotional support dogs do not have to be professionally-trained to perform any task. BY LAW Service dogs can be trained by their owners or in any other manner the owner desires.
Service animal laws are primarily governed by federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which mandate access to public places for service animals, not by state law. While states cannot create their own definitions or rules that contradict the ADA,
Access: Service animals must be allowed in all public areas, including businesses, restaurants, and government buildings.
No pets policies: Businesses cannot have a “no pets” policy that excludes service animals.
Limited questions: Staff can only ask two questions: (1) Is the animal a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
No documentation required: You cannot be asked to show medical documentation, proof of training, or have the dog demonstrate its ability.
Control: The handler is responsible for the animal’s control. The animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless it interferes with the animal’s work or the handler’s disability prevents the use of these devices.
Exclusion: A service animal can only be removed if it is out of control, not housebroken, or poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
State laws
Service animals in training: Some states have specific laws allowing service animals in training to access public places, similar to a fully trained service animal.
Licensing fees: Many states have laws that exempt service dogs from licensing fees.
Training responsibility: In some states, the individual with a disability or the trainer is responsible for any damage the animal causes.
