ANIMAL ASSISTORS/SERVICE ANIMALS

WHAT IS A SERVICE ANIMAL?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually 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 IN PLACES OF BUSINESS

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 with disabilities. 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.

For more information about service animals go to http://www.ada.gov/qasrvc.htm

For more information about hearing/service dogs go to: Canine Companions For Independence

For more information about guide dogs go to: Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation

HOW TO FIND PROVIDERS IN CONNECTICUT'S COMMUNITY RESOURCES DATABASE:
Search by service name: Service Animals

SOURCE: United States Department of Justice
PREPARED BY: 211/lb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: June2012