US ADA service animal rules for shops, restaurants and hotels

The definition turns on an individually trained task

The Title III rules generally cover dogs trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. The task must relate to the disability. The Department of Justice explains that a person can train their own dog, and comfort from the animal’s presence alone does not meet the task requirement. Source 1 Source 3 Source 2

Staff can ask two questions when the role is unclear

Staff may ask whether the dog is required because of a disability and what work or task it was trained to do. They cannot require a demonstration, request certification or ask for the nature of the disability. Where the dog’s work is readily apparent, the rules generally do not permit those inquiries. Source 1 Source 2

A business can address specific behavior

A business can ask for the dog to be removed if it is not housebroken, or if it is out of control and the handler does not take effective action. The business must still offer the person the opportunity to obtain its goods or services without the animal. The handler remains responsible for its care and supervision. Source 2 Source 3

Hotels and trained miniature horses have specific provisions

A hotel cannot charge a service animal cleaning fee for hair or dander. Its ordinary actual-damage charge may still apply. The rule also requires reasonable modifications for individually trained miniature horses where appropriate, taking the listed facility and safety factors into account. Source 3 Source 2

Sources

• US Department of Justice service animals overview
• US Department of Justice ADA Title III regulations, service animals
• US Department of Justice service animal questions and answers