muirford
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 22, 2008
- Messages
- 2,498
- Reaction score
- 15
An interesting and easy-to-understand article about the different types of service and support animals and which government regs belong to which groups.
Service vs. Therapy Dogs
Some things to note for our industry: in 2010, it was decided that emotional support animals are not service dogs (and only dogs and miniature horses are service animals) and so are not covered under the ADA. However, they are covered under the Fair Housing Act insofar as they are able to live and travel with their handlers. I imagine this is why they are allowed on airplanes, but I don't know how that applies to lodging.
Also important to note is that saying a pet is a service animal when it is not is considered fraud and can be prosecuted as such. Not that any of us wants to be litigious but I imagine that reminder would put an end to some sketchy inquiries about taking a pet.
There is still no national licensing regulations. This was shared with me by a friend who is in the dog rescue world, after a discussion with a trainer who clearly didn't know the rules. So note that even professionals in the dog industry may not give out the right information.
You can still can only ask about tasks the dog has been trained for, but those tasks are laid out pretty well. Medical alert dogs (for people with epilepsy, diabetes, allergies, etc.) are considered service animals with specific tasks.
Service vs. Therapy Dogs
Some things to note for our industry: in 2010, it was decided that emotional support animals are not service dogs (and only dogs and miniature horses are service animals) and so are not covered under the ADA. However, they are covered under the Fair Housing Act insofar as they are able to live and travel with their handlers. I imagine this is why they are allowed on airplanes, but I don't know how that applies to lodging.
Also important to note is that saying a pet is a service animal when it is not is considered fraud and can be prosecuted as such. Not that any of us wants to be litigious but I imagine that reminder would put an end to some sketchy inquiries about taking a pet.
There is still no national licensing regulations. This was shared with me by a friend who is in the dog rescue world, after a discussion with a trainer who clearly didn't know the rules. So note that even professionals in the dog industry may not give out the right information.
You can still can only ask about tasks the dog has been trained for, but those tasks are laid out pretty well. Medical alert dogs (for people with epilepsy, diabetes, allergies, etc.) are considered service animals with specific tasks.
