ADA, Service Animal and Therapy Dog Details: It’s Complicated

Can That Lady Really Bring That Rottweiler Into This Preschool?

Yep, for $22 and a smile (Click) your kids could be put at risk and there’s nothing the school can do about it until an untrained “certified” dog grabs someone’s child by the face and the owner suddenly realizes how hard it is to stop a 120 pound dog that’s gone out of it’s mind with fear. If a ‘licensed’ dog savages some kid, you’ll ALL just be surprised how inadequately “Service / Therapy Dog” regulations are enforced.

And that lady can feed her three Chihuahuas from the table in a restaurant. It just can’t be ON the table.

There are some limitations, most of which are “common sense”. They can’t bark their heads off. She can’t seat them on the table. And the if the Rottweiler is in the LEAST bit assertive, the businesses, organizations and venues can require an owner to leave the animal outside.

The airlines have even LESS control over what they have to allow than restaurants and hotels.

Do commercial airlines have to comply with the ADA?
A: No. The Air Carrier Access Act* is the Federal law that protects the rights of people with
disabilities in air travel. For information or to file a complaint, contact the U.S. Department
of Transportation, Aviation Consumer Protection Division, at 202-366-2220.

service_animals_airlines <= this is the Federal Government’s ACAA position on Support Dogs on planes.

service_animal_faq <= This is the Federal Government’s ADA position on Support Dogs. This document does not control airlines and Support Dogs. See below for that document.

Dr Erik Johnson is a Marietta, Georgia Veterinarian with a practice in small animal medicine. He graduated from University of Georgia with his Doctorate in 1991. Dr Johnson is the author of several texts on Koi and Pond Fish Health and Disease as well as numerous articles on dog and cat health topics.