Service Animal Standards

Service animal standards are guidelines that ensure animals assisting individuals with disabilities are properly trained and behave appropriately in public. These standards typically require service animals to perform specific tasks related to a person's disability, such as guiding a visually impaired person or alerting someone with a hearing impairment. The animals must be disciplined, well-behaved, and under control at all times. While the laws vary by jurisdiction, generally, service animals are permitted in most public places, and their primary role is to assist their handler rather than serve as pets. Proper standards promote safety, accessibility, and respect for everyone.