Index
Service AnimalsFederal

Americans with Disabilities Act Service Animal Regulations

Summary

Under the ADA, state and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is allowed to go.

Rights & Rules

  • 01.
    You have the right to take your service dog into restaurants, hotels, and stores.
  • 02.
    Staff may only ask two specific questions: is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.
  • 03.
    You cannot be charged extra fees or isolated from other patrons because of your service animal.

Penalties

  • 01.
    Civil penalties for businesses ranging from $75,000 to $150,000 for violations.
  • 02.
    Potential private lawsuits by the affected individual.

Verified Citations

28 CFR Part 35 (Title II) and Part 36 (Title III)

Source
"Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities."