Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, recognized under the ADA. Emotional support animals (ESAs) provide comfort through their presence but are not required to have specialized training.

There is no official certification process required by law in the U.S. Service dogs are identified by their ability to perform tasks that mitigate their handler's disability. However, many organizations offer training and certification that can help validate a dog's training and behavior.

The ADA allows service dogs to accompany their handlers in most locations open to the public, including restaurants and stores. It prohibits discrimination based on the presence of a service dog and does not require documentation to prove a dog's status as a service animal.

Yes, any breed of dog can be a service dog if it has the temperament, ability, and training to perform specific tasks to assist an individual with a disability.

Service dogs can be trained for a variety of tasks, including guiding people who are blind, alerting individuals who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with PTSD during an anxiety attack, and more.

While there are no mandated programs, it is recommended that service dogs undergo training from reputable organizations that specialize in training dogs for specific disabilities. The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) provides guidelines and standards for training.

Yes, under the ADA, service dogs are allowed to accompany their handlers in all public areas where the general public is allowed. This includes restaurants, stores, hotels, and other public accommodations.

It's best to ignore a service dog to avoid distracting them from their work. Always ask the handler's permission before interacting with a service dog.

As of the latest guidelines, airlines cannot refuse transportation to a service animal based on breed. Handlers need to provide documentation, usually 48 hours before travel, confirming the dog's health, behavior, and training. Airlines might also require documentation stating the dog's necessity for the passenger's mental or physical health.

Yes, under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities, which includes allowing service dogs regardless of the building's pet policy. Landlords cannot charge pet fees for service dogs but may require documentation of the individual's need for the animal.

The consequences vary by jurisdiction but can include fines and penalties. Misrepresenting a pet as a service dog undermines the legitimacy of real service animals and can create challenges for individuals with disabilities who rely on their service dogs.