Resources
Educational information about service dogs, the ADA, and combating fraud
Understanding Legitimate Service Dogs
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. The tasks performed must be directly related to the person's disability.
Service dogs are working animals, not pets. They undergo extensive training to perform specific tasks that help their handlers maintain independence and safety.
The Problem with Fake Service Dogs
Misrepresenting a pet as a service dog creates serious problems:
- Undermines the credibility of legitimate service dogs
- Creates disruptions in public spaces through untrained animal behavior
- Contributes to stigma affecting people who genuinely need service animals
- Causes confusion with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), which have different requirements
- Damages public trust and access rights for legitimate service dog handlers
Legal Consequences
Over 33 states have criminalized the misrepresentation of pets as service dogs. Violations are typically classified as misdemeanors or civil infractions, with penalties including fines and potential criminal charges.
These laws exist to protect both the public and people with disabilities who rely on legitimate service animals.
Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals
It's important to understand the difference between service dogs and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs):
Service Dogs
- • Trained to perform specific tasks
- • Protected under ADA
- • Public access rights
- • Must be under handler control
- • Can be any breed
Emotional Support Animals
- • Provide comfort by presence
- • Not covered under ADA
- • No public access rights
- • Housing accommodations only
- • No specific training required
Additional Resources
For more information about service dogs and the ADA, visit: