Service Animal Policy

Company/Property: [Name] · Effective Date: [Date]

Purpose

This policy ensures [Company Name] complies with applicable law (e.g. ADA, Fair Housing Act, as relevant) regarding service animals and, where applicable, emotional support animals.

Service Animals (ADA — Public Accommodations)

A service animal is a dog (or in limited cases, miniature horse) individually trained to perform a task for a person with a disability. Staff may ask only: (1) is the animal required because of a disability, and (2) what task is it trained to perform. Staff may NOT ask about the person's disability, require documentation, or require the animal to demonstrate the task.

Where Service Animals Are Permitted

Service animals are permitted in all areas where the public is normally allowed to go, except where their presence would fundamentally alter the nature of the service (rare exceptions only).

Behavior Standards

A service animal may be excluded if it is out of control (and the handler doesn't take effective action) or not housebroken — but not based on breed, size, or fear/allergies of others.

Housing Context (if applicable — Fair Housing Act)

[If this policy applies to a rental property: assistance animals (including emotional support animals) may require reasonable accommodation review distinct from the ADA's stricter "service animal" definition — different documentation rules may apply.]

Staff Training

All customer-facing staff are trained on this policy and the limited questions they may ask.

Adopted by: ______________________ Date: ____________

*This document is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The ADA (for businesses) and the Fair Housing Act (for housing) use genuinely different definitions and documentation rules for service/assistance animals — a housing provider applying ADA's stricter public-accommodation rules to a housing accommodation request can create real fair housing liability.*