service animal laws

Service animals are specially trained dogs that assist individuals with disabilities, such as visual impairments or mobility challenges. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they are allowed in public places where pets are not, like restaurants and stores. However, the ADA only recognizes dogs as service animals; emotional support animals or therapy animals do not have the same access rights. Businesses can ask if an animal is a service dog and what tasks it performs, but they can't require documentation or ask about a person’s disability. Local laws may also have specific guidelines, so it's essential to check those.