COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SERVICE ANIMALS IN PLACES OF BUSINESS
- What are the laws that apply to my business?
- What is a service animal?
- How can I tell if an animal is really a service animal and not just a pet?
- What must I do when an individual with a service animal comes to my business?
- I have always had a clearly posted “no pets” policy at my establishment. Do I still have to allow service animals in?
- My county health department has told me that only a guide dog has to be admitted. If I follow those regulations, am I violating the ADA?
- Can I charge a maintenance or cleaning fee for customers who bring service animals into my business?
- I operate a private taxicab and I don’t want animals in my taxi; they smell, shed hair and sometimes have “accidents.” Am I violating the ADA if I refuse to pick up someone with a service animal?
- Am I responsible for the animal while the person with a disability is in my business?
- What if a service animal barks or growls at other people, or otherwise acts out of control?
- Can I exclude an animal that doesn’t really seem dangerous but is disruptive to my business?
If you have further questions about service animals or other requirements of the ADA, you may call the U.S. Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TDD).