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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link=blue vlink=purple><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-top:9.0pt;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:12.0pt;vertical-align:middle'>U.S. Department of Justice<br><strong><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Civil Rights Division</span></strong><b><br></b><em><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"'>Disability Rights Section</span></em><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><img width=75 height=75 id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.gif@01D0BDA9.2EF38BA0" alt="Department of Justice seal"><o:p></o:p></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.pdf"><span style='color:blue'><br></span>Link to PDF Version</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 align=center style='text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA</span></strong><o:p></o:p></h1><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Many people with disabilities use a service animal in order to fully participate in everyday life. Dogs can be trained to perform many important tasks to assist people with disabilities, such as providing stability for a person who has difficulty walking, picking up items for a person who uses a wheelchair, preventing a child with autism from wandering away, or alerting a person who has hearing loss when someone is approaching from behind. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>The Department of Justice continues to receive many questions about how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to service animals. The ADA requires State and local government agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations (covered entities) that provide goods or services to the public to make "reasonable modifications" in their policies, practices, or procedures when necessary to accommodate people with disabilities. The service animal rules fall under this general principle. Accordingly, entities that have a "no pets" policy generally must modify the policy to allow service animals into their facilities. This publication provides guidance on the ADA's service animal provisions and should be read in conjunction with the publication <a href="http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm">ADA Revised Requirements: Service Animals</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;margin-bottom:24.0pt;margin-left:12.0pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html#def">Definition</a> | <a href="http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html#gen">General Rules </a> | <a href="http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html#cert">Certification and Registration</a> <br> <a href="http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html#bre">Breeds</a> | <a href="http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html#exc">Exclusion of a Service Animals</a> | <a href="http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html#misc">Miscellaneous</a> | <a href="http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html#res">Resources</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name=def></a>DEFINITION OF A SERVICE ANIMAL<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q1. What is a service animal?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q2. What does "do work or perform tasks" mean?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. The dog must be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability. For example, a person with diabetes may have a dog that is trained to alert him when his blood sugar reaches high or low levels. A person with depression may have a dog that is trained to remind her to take her medication. Or, a person who has epilepsy may have a dog that is trained to detect the onset of a seizure and then help the person remain safe during the seizure.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q3. Are emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animals considered service animals under the ADA?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. These terms are used to describe animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. Because they have <u>not</u> been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do <u>not</u> qualify as service animals under the ADA. However, some State or local governments have laws that allow people to take emotional support animals into public places. You may check with your State and local government agencies to find out about these laws.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q4. If someone's dog calms them when having an anxiety attack, does this qualify it as a service animal?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. It depends. The ADA makes a distinction between psychiatric service animals and emotional support animals. If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack or lessen its impact, that would qualify as a service animal. However, if the dog's mere presence provides comfort, that would not be considered a service animal under the ADA.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q5. Does the ADA require service animals to be professionally trained?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. People with disabilities have the right to train the dog themselves and are not required to use a professional service dog training program.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q6. Are service-animals-in-training considered service animals under the ADA?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. Under the ADA, the dog must already be trained before it can be taken into public places. However, some State or local laws cover animals that are still in training.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name=gen></a>GENERAL RULES<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q7. What questions can a covered entity's employees ask to determine if a dog is a service animal?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person's disability.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q8. Do service animals have to wear a vest or patch or special harness identifying them as service animals?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. The ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest, ID tag, or specific harness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q9. Who is responsible for the care and supervision of a service animal?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. The handler is responsible for caring for and supervising the service animal, which includes toileting, feeding, and grooming and veterinary care. Covered entities are not obligated to supervise or otherwise care for a service animal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q10. Can a person bring a service animal with them as they go through a salad bar or other self-service food lines?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. Yes. Service animals must be allowed to accompany their handlers to and through self-service food lines. Similarly, service animals may not be prohibited from communal food preparation areas, such as are commonly found in shelters or dormitories. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q11. Can hotels assign designated rooms for guests with service animals, out of consideration for other guests? </span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. A guest with a disability who uses a service animal must be provided the same opportunity to reserve any available room at the hotel as other guests without disabilities. They may not be restricted to "pet-friendly" rooms.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q12. Can hotels charge a cleaning fee for guests who have service animals?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>No. Hotels are not permitted to charge guests for cleaning the hair or dander shed by a service animal. However, if a guest's service animal causes damages to a guest room, a hotel is permitted to charge the same fee for damages as charged to other guests.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q13. Can people bring more than one service animal into a public place?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. Generally, yes. Some people with disabilities may use more than one service animal to perform different tasks. For example, a person who has a visual disability and a seizure disorder may use one service animal to assist with way-finding and another that is trained as a seizure alert dog. Other people may need two service animals for the same task, such as a person who needs two dogs to assist him or her with stability when walking. Staff may ask the two permissible questions (See Question 7) about each of the dogs. If both dogs can be accommodated, both should be allowed in. In some circumstances, however, it may not be possible to accommodate more than one service animal. For example, in a crowded small restaurant, only one dog may be able to fit under the table. The only other place for the second dog would be in the aisle, which would block the space between tables. In this case, staff may request that one of the dogs be left outside.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q14. Does a hospital have to allow an in-patient with a disability to keep a service animal in his or her room?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. Generally, yes. Service animals must be allowed in patient rooms and anywhere else in the hospital the public and patients are allowed to go. They cannot be excluded on the grounds that staff can provide the same services.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q15. What happens if a patient who uses a service animal is admitted to the hospital and is unable to care for or supervise their animal?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. If the patient is not able to care for the service animal, the patient can make arrangements for a family member or friend to come to the hospital to provide these services, as it is always preferable that the service animal and its handler not be separated, or to keep the dog during the hospitalization. If the patient is unable to care for the dog and is unable to arrange for someone else to care for the dog, the hospital may place the dog in an animal shelter until the patient is released, or make other appropriate arrangements. However, the hospital must give the patient the opportunity to make arrangements for the dog's care before taking such steps.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q16. Must a service animal be allowed to ride in an ambulance with its handler?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. Generally, yes. However, if the space in the ambulance is crowded and the dog's presence would interfere with the emergency medical staff's ability to treat the patient, staff should make other arrangements to have the dog transported to the hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name=cert></a>CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q17. Does the ADA require that service animals be certified as service animals?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. Covered entities may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:auto;mso-margin-bottom-alt:auto;margin-left:12.0pt;line-height:24.0pt;background:#CCCCCC'><b><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:black'>There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q18. My city requires all dogs to be vaccinated. Does this apply to my service animal?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. Yes. Individuals who have service animals are not exempt from local animal control or public health requirements.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q19. My city requires all dogs to be registered and licensed. Does this apply to my service animal?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. Yes. Service animals are subject to local dog licensing and registration requirements.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q20. My city requires me to register my dog as a service animal. Is this legal under the ADA? </span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. Mandatory registration of service animals is not permissible under the ADA. However, as stated above, service animals are subject to the same licensing and vaccination rules that are applied to all dogs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q21. My city / college offers a voluntary registry program for people with disabilities who use service animals and provides a special tag identifying the dogs as service animals. Is this legal under the ADA? </span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. Yes. Colleges and other entities, such as local governments, may offer voluntary registries. Many communities maintain a voluntary registry that serves a public purpose, for example, to ensure that emergency staff know to look for service animals during an emergency evacuation process. Some offer a benefit, such as a reduced dog license fee, for individuals who register their service animals. Registries for purposes like this are permitted under the ADA. An entity may not, however, require that a dog be registered as a service animal as a condition of being permitted in public places. This would be a violation of the ADA.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name=bre></a>BREEDS<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q22. Can service animals be any breed of dog?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. Yes. The ADA does not restrict the type of dog breeds that can be service animals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q23. Can individuals with disabilities be refused access to a facility based solely on the breed of their service animal?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. A service animal may not be excluded based on assumptions or stereotypes about the animal's breed or how the animal might behave. However, if a particular service animal behaves in a way that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, has a history of such behavior, or is not under the control of the handler, that animal may be excluded. If an animal is excluded for such reasons, staff must still offer their goods or services to the person without the animal present.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q24. If a municipality has an ordinance that bans certain dog breeds, does the ban apply to service animals?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. Municipalities that prohibit specific breeds of dogs must make an exception for a service animal of a prohibited breed, unless the dog poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. Under the “direct threat” provisions of the ADA, local jurisdictions need to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether a particular service animal can be excluded based on that particular animal’s actual behavior or history, but they may not exclude a service animal because of fears or generalizations about how an animal or breed might behave. It is important to note that breed restrictions differ significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. In fact, some jurisdictions have no breed restrictions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name=exc></a>EXCLUSION OF SERVICE ANIMALS<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q25. When can service animals be excluded?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. The ADA does not require covered entities to modify policies, practices, or procedures if it would “fundamentally alter” the nature of the goods, services, programs, or activities provided to the public. Nor does it overrule legitimate safety requirements. If admitting service animals would fundamentally alter the nature of a service or program, service animals may be prohibited. In addition, if a particular service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or if it is not housebroken, that animal may be excluded.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q26. When might a service dog's presence fundamentally alter the nature of a service or program provided to the public?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. In most settings, the presence of a service animal will not result in a fundamental alteration. However, there are some exceptions. For example, at a boarding school, service animals could be restricted from a specific area of a dormitory reserved specifically for students with allergies to dog dander. At a zoo, service animals can be restricted from areas where the animals on display are the natural prey or natural predators of dogs, where the presence of a dog would be disruptive, causing the displayed animals to behave aggressively or become agitated. They cannot be restricted from other areas of the zoo. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q27. What does under control mean? Do service animals have to be on a leash? Do they have to be quiet and not bark?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. The ADA requires that service animals be under the control of the handler at all times. In most instances, the handler will be the individual with a disability or a third party who accompanies the individual with a disability. In the school (K-12) context and in similar settings, the school or similar entity may need to provide some assistance to enable a particular student to handle his or her service animal. The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the person's disability prevents use of these devices. In that case, the person must use voice, signal, or other effective means to maintain control of the animal. For example, a person who uses a wheelchair may use a long, retractable leash to allow her service animal to pick up or retrieve items. She may not allow the dog to wander away from her and must maintain control of the dog, even if it is retrieving an item at a distance from her. Or, a returning veteran who has PTSD and has great difficulty entering unfamiliar spaces may have a dog that is trained to enter a space, check to see that no threats are there, and come back and signal that it is safe to enter. The dog must be off leash to do its job, but may be leashed at other times. Under control also means that a service animal should not be allowed to bark repeatedly in a lecture hall, theater, library, or other quiet place. However, if a dog barks just once, or barks because someone has provoked it, this would not mean that the dog is out of control.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q28. What can my staff do when a service animal is being disruptive? </span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. If a service animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, staff may request that the animal be removed from the premises.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q29. Are hotel guests allowed to leave their service animals in their hotel room when they leave the hotel?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No, the dog must be under the handler's control at all times.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q30. What happens if a person thinks a covered entity's staff has discriminated against him or her?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. Individuals who believe that they<strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> </span></strong>have been illegally denied access or service because they use service animals may file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice. Individuals also have the right to file a private lawsuit in Federal court charging the entity with discrimination under the ADA.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name=misc></a>MISCELLANEOUS<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q31. Are stores required to allow service animals to be placed in a shopping cart?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. Generally, the dog must stay on the floor, or the person must carry the dog. For example, if a person with diabetes has a glucose alert dog, he may carry the dog in a chest pack so it can be close to his face to allow the dog to smell his breath to alert him of a change in glucose levels.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q32. Are restaurants, bars, and other places that serve food or drink required to allow service animals to be seated on chairs or allow the animal to be fed at the table?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. Seating, food, and drink are provided for customer use only. The ADA gives a person with a disability the right to be accompanied by his or her service animal, but covered entities are not required to allow an animal to sit or be fed at the table.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q33. Are gyms, fitness centers, hotels, or municipalities that have swimming pools required to allow a service animal in the pool with its handler?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. The ADA does not override public health rules that prohibit dogs in swimming pools. However, service animals must be allowed on the pool deck and in other areas where the public is allowed to go.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q34. Are churches, temples, synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship required to allow individuals to bring their service animals into the facility?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. Religious institutions and organizations are specifically exempt from the ADA. However, there may be State laws that apply to religious organizations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q35. Do apartments, mobile home parks, and other residential properties have to comply with the ADA?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. The Fair Housing Act is the Federal law that protects the rights of people with disabilities in residential facilities. For information or to file a complaint, contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q36. Do Federal agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, have to comply with the ADA?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is the Federal law that protects the rights of people with disabilities to participate in Federal programs and services. For information or to file a complaint, contact the agency's equal opportunity office.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='vertical-align:bottom'><strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Q37. Do commercial airlines have to comply with the ADA?</span></strong><span style='font-size:13.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>A</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>. No. The Air Carrier Access Act is the Federal law that protects the rights of people with disabilities in air travel. For information or to file a complaint, contact the U.S. Department of Transportation, Aviation Consumer Protection Division, at 202-366-2220.<o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name=res></a>RESOURCES<o:p></o:p></h2><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>For more information about the ADA, please visit our website or call our toll-free number. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>ADA WEBSITE</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><a href="http://www.ada.gov/">www.ADA.gov</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>To receive e-mail notifications when new ADA information is available, visit the ADA Website's home page and click the link near the bottom of the right-hand column. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><strong><span style='font-size:13.5pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>ADA INFORMATION LINE</span></strong><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>800-514-0301 (Voice) and 800-514-0383 (TTY) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>M-W, F 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. , Th 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) to speak with an ADA Specialist. Calls are confidential. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>For people with disabilities, this publication is available in alternate formats. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Duplication of this document is encouraged.<br>July 2015<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div><p class=sansserif1 align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleII_2010/index.html">ADA Home Page</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=navigationdate><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>July 13, 2015<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>