The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed by the federal government in 1990. Since then, several titles and amendments have been changed and added. The purpose of this act is to provide and protect the legal rights of individuals with all types of disabilities.
A summary of this law, in regard to Assistance Dogs is:
"The Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees a blind, deaf, or physically disabled person the legal right to be accompanied by a service animal in all areas open to the general public. Service animal (see note) means any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including but not limited to guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a wheelchair, or fetching dropped items.1"
For questions or claims please contact the U.S. Department of Justice (800) 514-0301 voice (800) 514-0383 TDD
State Laws
Individual state statutes are much more detailed and are enforced by local police and courts. These are the laws which can be asserted immediately upon interference. Each state has separate statutes regarding such things as: accessibility, interference, housing, owner licenses and fees, trainers, dogs in training, etc.
1 Assistance Dogs International; Legal Rights of Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Service Dogs; First Edition, June 2005
Betty & Albert
Betty loves the companionship, freedom and independence Albert gives her. Before Albert came into Betty's life, her family feared for her safety. She would either have family stay with her or have to accompany her husband on out of town business. Now Betty has her freedom to enjoy her own life.
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