- What is a service animal?
- What are the laws that apply to service animals in a place of business?
- How can I prove my service animal is not just a pet?
- What must I do when a business owner or employee tries to tell me I am not allowed in their premises?
- In a business with a posted "no pets" sign, do they still have to allow service animals
- My county health department has told me that only a guide dog has to be admitted. Isn't this a violation of the ADA?
- Can I be charged a maintenance or service fee for bringing my guide dog or service animal into a business?
- Are taxicab drivers allowed to refuse a ride for me if I have a service animal?
- Who is responsible for the guide dog or service animal while in a business establishment?
- What if a guide dog or service animal barks or growls at other people, or otherwise acts out of control?
- Are there associations for guide dog users?
- Is there a checklist of specific questions that I should have for service animal or guide dog providers?
- Can I purchase dog supplies by mail order?
- Are there additional resources that I should know about?
Updated September, 2006
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A) The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal trained to provide assistance
To an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have
Been licensed or certified by a state or local government.
Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him or herself. Guide 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:
- Alerting persons with hearing impairments to sounds.
- Pulling wheelchairs or carrying and picking up things for persons with mobility impairments.
- Assisting persons with mobility impairments with balance.
Choosing a service animal as an assistive tool must be made with the understanding that providing for the animal’s care is a large responsibility. It is a major commitment. Careful planning now will ensure that you and your guide or service dog will be a happy team for many years to come. Knowing all of your options is the first step. If you choose to obtain a dog from an established provider organization, ask questions and consider all aspects before choosing the program. Do not give up if one provider does not accept you or cannot accommodate your needs, as each provider has different requirements and does things differently.
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A) Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), privately owned businesses that serve the public, such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, taxicabs,
theaters, concert halls, and sports facilities, are prohibited from discriminating against individuals using guide or service dogs. The ADA requires these businesses to allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals onto business premises in whatever areas customers are generally allowed.
Also, most states have “white cane” laws, which protect those using guide and service dogs from discrimination. Check with your state for specific white cane laws.
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A) Some, but not all, service animals wear special collars and harnesses. Some, but not all, are licensed or certified and have identification papers. However, it is not always possible to have documentation, and proof generally may not be required as a condition for providing service to an individual accompanied by a service animal. Although a number of states have programs to certify service animals, you are not required to always have certification before being permitted to enter a business or public place.
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A) You can carry a copy of the ADA pertaining to service animals. And, in many states, the state’s “white cane law” addresses the issue of service animals. You may carry a copy of that law also. These laws explain that guide dogs and service animals must be permitted to accompany the individual with a disability to all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed
to go. An individual with a guide dog or service animal may not be segregated from other customers.
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A) Yes. A guide dog or service animal is not a pet. The ADA requires businesses to modify their "no pets" policy to allow the use of a service animal by a person with
a disability. This does not mean you must abandon any "no pets" policy altogether but simply that one must make an exception to a general rule for service
animals.
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A) Yes, if someone refuses to admit any other type of service animal on the basis of local health department regulations or other state or local laws. The
ADA provides greater protection for individuals with disabilities and so it takes priority over the local or state laws or regulations.
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A) No. Neither a deposit nor a surcharge may be imposed on an individual with a disability using a guide dog or service animal as a condition to allowing the animal to accompany the individual with a disability, even if deposits are routinely required for pets. However, a public accommodation may charge its customers with disabilities if a guide dog or service animal causes damage so long as it is the regular practice of the entity to charge non-disabled customers for the same types of damages. For example, a hotel can charge a guest with a disability for the cost of repairing or cleaning furniture damaged by a guide dog or service animal if it is the hotels policy to charge when non-disabled guests cause such damage.
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A) No. Taxicab companies may not refuse to provide service to individuals using guide dogs or service animals. Private taxicab companies are also prohibited from charging higher fares or fees for transporting individuals with their guide dogs or service animals than are charged to non-disabled persons for the same or equivalent service.
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A: The care and supervision of a guide dog or service animal is solely the responsibility of his or her owner. A business establishment is not required to provide care, food or a special location for the animal.
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A) Any animal, including a guide dog or service animal, can be excluded from a facility when that animal's behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of
others. For example, any guide dog or service animal that displays vicious behavior towards other guests or customers may be excluded. Each situation must be considered individually.
Although a public accommodation may exclude any service animal that is out of control, it should give the individual with a disability who uses the service
animal the option of continuing to enjoy its goods and services without having the service animal on the premises.
There may be a few circumstances when a public accommodation is not required to accommodate a service animal--that is, when doing so would result in a fundamental alteration to the nature of the business. Generally, this is not likely to occur in restaurants, hotels, retail stores, theaters, concert halls, and sports facilities. But when it does, for example, when a dog barks during a movie, the animal can be excluded. It may be appropriate to exclude a guide dog or service animal from Food preparation areas or medical treatment areas, or any place posing a direct threat to health.
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A) Yes, major consumer organizations operate interest groups focusing on guide dog and service animal issues. These include:
Guide Dog Users, Inc. (GDUI)
American Council of the Blind
14311 Astrodome Drive
Silver Spring, MD 20906-2245
Phone: (301) 598-5771,
(888) 858-1008
Membership: Jane Sheehan
Email: info@gdui.org
Website: www.gdui.org
GDUI is affiliated with the American Council of the Blind and is a peer support network and membership organization which promotes acceptance of blind people and their guide dogs, works for enforcement, expansion and standardization of laws admitting guide dogs into public places, advocates for quality training and follow-up services, publishes an audio magazine,
"Paw tracks". GDUI's free product catalog, which lists items available for sale, is available in Braille, large print, cassette and IBM disk. Making Impressions:
A Handbook for the Prospective Guide Dog Handler is available in alternative formats and is available free of charge in GDUI's catalog. Be sure to
access the website or call the toll-free number to order books and for more information.
National Association of Guide Dog Users
National Federation of the Blind
President: Priscilla Ferris
55 Delaware Avenue
Somerset, Massachusetts 02726-3714
Phone: (508) 673-0218
Email:nfbmass@earthlink.net
Web site: http://www.nfb-nagdu.org
NAGDU is a forum for guide dog users that currently use a guide dog to travel independently, or those considering getting a guide dog, or who want to learn
more about the use of such dogs and the guide dog movement in general. NAGDU provides a forum to permit those interested in the guide dog movement to discuss
common issues, and to increase opportunities for those who have chosen to use a guide dog for independent travel, as well as to promote sound practices
in the training and use of such dogs for mobility. NAGDU also promotes various guide dog training programs and to enlighten both the general public, guide
dog users, and the blind in general to the special access legislation allowing a blind person to enter public places accompanied by their guide dogs.
NAGDU operates a mentoring program to assist potential guide dog users in making the decision to use a guide dog for increased independence, and to provide encouragement for new guide dog users, and for those dealing with access and other issues associated with the use of such dogs.
NAGDU The NAGDU Web Site is a form of outreach to the guide dog community. Join the NAGDU Discussion Group from the web site.
Organizations focusing on service animal issues:
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
2253 Air Park Road, Box 100
Rhinelander, WI 54501
Phone: (800) 826-7206
FAX: (800) 776-8872
Email: CustomerService@DrsFosterSmith.com
Ruff Wear
561 NW York Drive
Bend, OR 97701
Phone: (541) 388-1821,
(888) 783-3932
FAX: (541) 388-1831
Email: luckdog@ruffwear.com
Website: www.ruffwear.com
Ruffwear is a source of supplies for dogs and its logo is Gear for Dogs on the Go.
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A) Provider Checklist
Agency Name:
Address:
Phone/TTY:
Contact Person:
Questions
- how much will assistance dog cost?
- is there an application fee or other types of fees?
- what breeds are used?
- Where does the organization get its dogs?
- What is the minimum age of a recipient?
- Does the recipient do the training, or does the provider?
- Does training occur at home or in a facility?
- How long is the dog in training before being placed with the recipient?
- How long is training for the recipient and the dog as a team?
- What geographical area does the provider serve?
- Will the program consider applicants with multiple disabilities?
- Will providers consider training an individual's own dog as assistance dog?
- What is the waiting period for a dog?
- How many dogs does the provider place each year?
- Does the program award ownership of the dog to the recipient upon certification?
- Is the provider a member of a professional organization focusing on guide dog or service dog work?
- What are the trainer's qualifications?
- Is the facility physically accessible as defined in the ADA?
- Does the agency provide room and board to recipients during training?
- And is this included in the fees advertised?
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A) Yes
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
2253 Air Park Road, Box 100
Rhinelander, WI 54501
Toll free: (800) 826-7206
FAX: (800) 776-8872
Email: CustomerService@DrsFosterSmith.com
Ruff Wear
561 NW York Drive
Bend, OR 97701
Phone: (541) 388-1821,
(888) 783-3932
FAX: (541) 388-1831
Email: luckdog@ruffwear.com
Website: www.ruffwear.com
Ruffwear is a source of supplies for dogs and its logo is Gear for Dogs on the Go.
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A) Yes, the following are lists of organizations, publications, websites and listserves that you may find helpful:
A. Agencies and Organizations
Listing of agencies and organizations Serving General Disability Populations
All Purpose Canines, Inc.
P.O. Box 214
Aberdeen, SD 57402-0214
Phone: (605) 225-1131
Email: apc@allpurposecanines.com
Website: www.allpurposecanines.com
Types of dogs trained: Service, and Social/Therapy
Provides dogs to children with autism and other pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) as well as those individuals diagnosed with diabetes,
asthma, epilepsy and other seizure disorders. Dogs partnered with those individuals who have been diagnosed with Autism or PDD will assist with social
interaction, safety issues & communication.
Prior to the team training one or both parents will need to travel to Aberdeen, SD where they will undergo approximately five days of basic instruction
on dog behavior. Trainers may deliver the dog and do the team training /certification in and around the child's home, depending on the situation.
You are not required to pay anything for the dog; however, you may be required to conduct fund-raising events to assist with payment. The total amount needed is approximately $12,500, which includes all the equipment and follow-up consultations. No one will be denied services based upon their inability to obtain
the needed funding.
Assistance Dog Institute
Phone: (707) 585-0300
Website: www.bichonfrise.org/assist.html
Types of dogs trained: Service, Social/Therapy
The Assistance Dog Institute is committed to enhancing the assistance dog field worldwide. The Institute's Social/Therapy Dog Program is supported entirely
by fund-raising efforts and donations, and is dedicated to "helping animals help people." The program specifically deals with the use and training of social/therapy
animals. Teams (people and their dog partners) visit various settings and help identify the most effective applications for social/therapy animals in those
environments. A speaker's bureau also makes volunteers with demonstration dogs available to speak to interested schools, clubs and organizations.
Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
Canine Partners for Life
#130 D, R.D. #2
Cochranville, PA 09330
Phone: (610) 869-4902
Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs
P.O. Box 229
Manassas, Virginia 20108
Phone: (703)369-5878
Website: www.blueridgeassistancedogs.org
Types of Dogs Trained: Service, Mobility, Balance
Canine Companions For Independence
P.O. Box 446
Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446
Phone: 1-866-CCI-DOGS (1-866-224-3647 toll-free).
Website: www.caninecompanions.org
Types of dogs trained: Hearing, Service, and Social/Therapy
This agency has five Regional Training Centers around the country as well as numerous state chapters, comprised of volunteers, graduates and others. The
closest training center is located in Farmingdale, New York. Individuals ages fifteen and older are eligible to apply for a service dog, while children
5 and older can apply for a skilled companion dog, which is similar to a service dog. Team trainings are two weeks long and are conducted at the Regional
Training Centers. The cost to applicants is approximately $130, which includes an application fee and registration fee for team training, but not lodging
and related expenses. The team-training fee is reimbursed in food and supplies upon completion of training. There is regular support for graduates as well
as follow-ups scheduled.
Dogs For The Deaf, Inc.
10175 Wheeler Road
Central Point, OR 97502
Phone: (541) 826-9220 V/TDD
FAX: (541) 826-6696
Email:info@dogsforthedeaf.org
Website: www.dogsforthedeaf.org
Types of dogs trained: Hearing
Dogs for this program are selected from animal shelters and are usually mixed breeds no more than two years old. Each dog is evaluated for the appropriate
temperament, intelligence and healthcare characteristics. The waiting period is usually one year from acceptance of an application. Training is done in
the home, where the trainer spends two to five days working with a team. Recipients are required to regularly report on their progress. Support is provided
by the agency, and in-home follow-ups are done on a regular basis.
Great Plains Assistance Dogs Foundation
920 Short Street
P.O. Box 513
Jud, ND 58454-0513
Phone: (701) 685-2242
FAX: (701) 685-2290
Email: gpadf@daktel.com
Website: www.greatplainsdogs.com
Types of dogs trained: Service, Hearing, Social/Therapy, Seizure Alert/Response
This organization trains a variety of service dogs. Eligibility requirements include a minimum age requirement of 8 years old. The waiting period for a
dog can be anywhere from a year to a year and a half from the time that an application is accepted. The first step in the process is to complete a pre-application form. Facilities include two student apartments for individuals who may not live in the area.
Kansas Specialty Dog Service
124 W. 7th
P.O. Box 216
Washington, KS 66968
Phone: (785) 325-2256
FAX: (785) 325-2258
Email: ksds@washingtonks.net
Website: www.ksds.org
Types of dogs trained: Service, Guide
Loving Paws Assistance Dogs
P.O. Box 12005
Santa Rosa, CA 95406
Phone: (707) 586-0798
FAX: (707) 586-0799
Email: info@lovingpaws.org
Website: www.lovingpaws.com
Types of dogs trained: Service, Social
Loving Paws provides Service and Social Dogs for children with Muscular Dystrophy, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida and other disabilities. Individuals interested in applying must write or email the organization for an application. Children ages 7 and older are eligible for Social Dogs. In addition, Social Dogs are sometimes placed with therapists and other healthcare professionals to facilitate therapeutic activities. Children ages 12 and older are eligible for Service
Dogs. Training includes a two to three week class, which children must attend with at least one parent. Following the training, there is a six-month trial
period, after which ownership is given to the graduate. Support services are provided and regular follow-up visits are scheduled after the trial period.
NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dogs Services)
P.O. Box 213
West Boylston, MA 01583
Phone: (978) 422-9064 V/TDD
FAX: (978) 422-3255
Email: info@neads.org
Website: www.neads.org
Types of dogs trained: Service, Hearing, Social/Therapy, Balance Walker Dogs, Laptop (meaning small dogs weighing less than 30 lbs. Trained to sit on handler's
lap to retrieve small items)
NEADS goal is to provide "the highest quality of trained dogs to all qualified applicants within a reasonable amount of time (one year or less)." In addition
to providing Service, Hearing, Social/Therapy Dogs to both adults and children with disabilities, NEADS provides dogs that have been released from their
program to individuals without disabilities. Often times, dogs in this latter situation have completed only a portion of the training program. Recipients
are required to pay $500 for an assistance dog. This covers both the costs of the dog as well as special equipment, supplies, and toys. Payment may be
made in full or installments anytime before graduation. A post graduation payment plan can be arranged if necessary.
Paws With A Cause
4646 South Division
Wayland, MI 49348
Phone: (616) 877-7297
TTY: (616) 877-7297
Toll free: (800) 253-7297
FAX: (616) 877-0248
Email: paws@pawswithacause.org
Website: www.pawswithacause.org
Types of dogs trained: Service, Hearing, Seizure Response
PAWS trains hearing dogs only for individuals 18 years of age and older, and service dogs only for those 14 years of age and older. Clients pay no fee to
apply for or receive their Assistance Dog Partner. It is PAWS policy not to place an Assistance Dog in a home with another dog under the age of 10 years.
The agency believes that a young dog in the home can interfere with the bonding and training process of the Assistance Dog team.
Delta Society National Service Dog Center
875 124th Ave NE, Ste 101
Bellevue, WA 98005
Phone: (425) 226-7357
FAX: (425) 235-1076
Email: info@deltasociety.org
Website: www.deltasociety.org
Delta promotes the study of the human/animal bond. In addition to its publications and annual conference, it hosts a fund-raising dinner to honor and focus public attention on outstanding teams in the assistance dog field and on those involved with therapy animals. It offers an Access Specialist course for those who want to go into business, selling Delta's video and kit along with a presentation that will educate businesses about the access rights of customers with service animals. The Delta Society publishes alert newsletter quarterly.
International Association of Assistance Dog Partners
Information and Advocacy Center
38691 Filly Drive
Sterling Heights, MI 48310
Phone: (586) 826-3938
Email: IAADP@aol.com
Website: www.iaadp.org
The website contains information on topics related to dogs. There are links to legal resources and other topics related to service animals.
The Veterinary Care Program provides financial aid to IAADP members whose assistance dogs require high cost veterinary intervention beyond the disabled
partner's ability to pay. There is a monthly newsletter, Partner's Forum, which gives up-to-date information on assistance dog-related issues.
KSDS, Inc.
124 West 7th Street
Washington, KS 66968
Phone: (785) 325-2256
FAX: (785) 325-2258
Email: ksds@washingtonks.net
Website: www.ksds.org
Area Served: continental United States
Saint Francis of Assisi Service Dog Foundation
P.O. Box 19538
Roanoke, VA 24019
Phone: (540) 342-(dogs-3647)
FAX: (540) 324-0906
Email: info@saintfrancisdogs.org
Website: www.saintfrancisdogs.org
Types of dogs trained: Service, Hearing, Social/Therapy
Area Served: VA
Puppies are obtained from "reputable breeders of Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Australian Shepherds." Most of the costs of the service dogs
are covered by the Foundation. Recipients are responsible for paying a total of $225, which covers an application fee, backpack and other equipment as
well as future veterinary care chosen by the recipient. Ownership is transferred after extensive training and a successful three-week bonding period. A
follow-up visit is scheduled within six months and teams must be re-certified every two years.
Service Animal Registry of America (SARA)
P.O. Box 607
Midlothian, TX 76065
Phone: (206) 333-6861
Website: affluent.net/sara/sara1.htm
Provides certification identification cards for service animals trained by an individual or professional.
Service Dogs of Virginia, Inc.
4783 Turkey Sag Road
Keswick, VA 22947
Phone: (434) 975-3770
Email: plaw@cstone.net
Website: www.drwwebdesign.com/pservicedogs.htm
Types of dogs trained: Service
Area Served: Charlottesville, Albemarle County, VA
This agency serves any disabled person that requires the use of a wheelchair full or part-time, or that involves balance or motor coordination. They are particularly interested in serving the needs of children who are old enough to manage a dog independently, or who can manage a dog with limited help from an adult.
Listing of guide dog schools and organizations specifically for blind and visually impaired persons:
Eye Dog Foundation
Administrative Office
211 South Montclair Street
Bakersfield, CA 93309-3165
Phone: (661) 831-1333
Toll free: (800) 393-3641
FAX (661) 831-0681
Email: eyedog@arrival.net
Website: www.eyedogfoundation.org
Area Served: Unlimited
Eye Dog Foundation, Training Center
8252 South 15th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85041-7806
Phone: (602) 267-0051
Guide Dogs for the Blind, Inc.
Box 151200
San Rafael, CA 94915-1200
Phone: (415) 499-4000
Toll free: (800) 295-4050
Email: iadmissions@guidedogs.com
Website: www.guidedogs.com
Area Served: US & Canada Has "At A Glance - An Educational Resource Guide" on the website. In addition, application for admission and state access
laws are available also on this website.
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind
371 East Jericho Turnpike
Smithtown, NY 11787
Phone: (631) 265-2121 x329
Toll free: (800) 548-4337 x329 (outside the New York Metropolitan area)
FAX: (631) 361-5192
Email: info@guidedog.org
Website: www.guidedog.org
Area Served: International 56th year providing Second Sight (r). Visit their website for additional information.
Guide Dogs of America, Guide Dogs for the Blind
13445 Glenoaks Blvd.
Sylmar, CA 91342
Phone: (818) 362-5834
Toll free: (800) 459-4843
FAX: (818) 362-6870
Website: www.guidedogsofamerica.org
Area Served: US & Canada
Guide Dogs of the Desert
Box 1692
Palm Springs, CA 92263
Phone: (760) 329-6257
FAX: (760) 329-2127
Email: Info@guidedogsofthedesert.org
Website: www.guidedogsofthedesert.org
Area Served: US, Canada and Mexico
Guiding Eyes for the Blind
611 Granite Springs Road
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
Phone: (914) 245-4024
Toll free: (800) 942-0149
FAX: (914) 962-1403
Email: webmaster@guidingeyes.org
Website: www.guidingeyes.org
Area Served: Unlimited
Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation
Box 142
Bloomfield, CT 06002
Phone: (860) 243-5200
FAX (860) 243-7215
Email: pnowicki@fidelco.org
Website: www.fidelco.org
Area Served: primarily New England.
Fidelco is unique in that their instructors go to the students, rather than the students going to the school. Fidelco uses its own line of German Shepherds as guide dogs.
Leader Dogs for the Blind
Box 5000
Rochester, MI 48308
Phone: (248) 651-9011
Toll Free: (888) 777-5332
FAX: (248) 651-5812
Email: leaderdog@leaderdog.org
Website: www.leaderdog.org
Area Served: Unlimited.
Leader Dogs can offer a variety of information pertaining to their program. Braille, audio, large print and video are all available.
A new offering, Accelerated Mobility Program (A.M.P.) offers brush-up Orientation and Mobility training for potential students. Leader Dogs continues to
offer training to university O&M programs as well as seminars for O&M professionals in the field.
Pilot Dogs, Inc.
625 West Town Street
Columbus, OH 43215-4496
Phone: (614) 221-6367
FAX (614) 221-1577
Website: www.pilotdogs.org
Area Served: US, Canada, Mexico & Other Countries
Southeastern Guide Dogs
4210 77th Street East
Palmetto, FL 34221
Phone: (941) 729-5665
Toll Free: (800) 944-3647
FAX: (941) 729-6646
Email: info@guidedogs.org
Website: www.guidedogs.org
The Seeing Eye, Inc.
P.O. Box 375
Morristown, NJ 07963-0375
(973) 539-4425
FAX: (973) 539-0922
Email: info@seeingeye.org
Website: www.seeingeye.org
Area Served: US, Canada & Puerto Rico
The Seeing Eye breeds, raises and trains dogs as guides for people who are blind and provides qualified people who
are blind with specialized instruction in the use and care of Seeing Eye dogs. Videos about using a dog guide, The Seeing Eye program and adjusting to
blindness are available upon request. Also publishes a passport-sized booklet, "Access Laws: A Handbook for Dog Guide Users" covering the U.S., Canada,
Bermuda and the Virgin Islands. It is searchable online for laws in your state or province and the full document can be downloaded.
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B. Publications
A Guide to Guide Dog Schools, 2nd Edition, 1994, by Toni and Ed Eames, is available on loan from the National Library Service at (800) 424-8567 and the
Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic at (800) 803-7201. It is available from Disabled on the Go in Braille or cassette, or for sale for $10 in print or computer
disk. Their address is Disabled on the Go, 3376 N. Wishon, Fresno, CA 93704.
“harness Up” published by the National Association of Guide Dog Users, National Federation of the Blind, www.nagdu.org
“Paw Tracks” published by Guide Dog Users, Inc, a division of the American Council of the Blind, www.acb.org
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C. Websites and Listserves
Also, some guide dog and service animal schools have listserves, please contact them for information.
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