Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. "Seeing eye dogs" are one type of service animal, used by some individuals who are blind. This is the type of service animal with which most people are familiar. But there are service animals that assist persons with other kinds of disabilities in their day-to-day activities. Some examples include:

Last update: 05:37 PM Tuesday, November 8, 2005

• Am I responsible for the animal while the person with a disability is in my business?
• Can I charge a maintenance or cleaning fee for customers who bring service animals into my business?
• What if a service animal barks or growls at other people, or otherwise acts out of control?
• 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?
• My county health department has told me that only a seeing eye or guide dog has to be admitted. If I follow those regulations, am I violating the ADA?
• I have always had a clearly posted "no pets" policy at my establishment. Do I still have to allow service animals in?
• What must I do when an individual with a service animal comes to my business?
• What are the laws that apply to my business?
• How can I tell if an animal is really a service animal and not just a pet?
• Can I exclude an animal that doesn't really seem dangerous but is disruptive to my business?