Can You Legally Ask for Proof of a Service Dog?

Service dogs are trained, skilled companions who assist people with disabilities. They provide therapeutic relief, offer comfort through their presence, and help their handlers gain more control over their lives.

If you’ve ever seen someone with a service dog out in public, you may have wondered whether you can legally ask them for proof or if there is an official way to identify a genuine service dog. We’ll delve into all this today and address everything else you need to know about these wonderful working pups.

What Is a Service Dog?

A service dog is a working animal rigorously trained to perform tasks that ease symptoms of a disability. With their assistance, individuals can significantly improve their emotional well-being and gain more control over their lives.

A service dog’s tasks will vary depending on their handler’s needs, and they only need to perform one disability-related task to receive legal protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Some tasks a service dog might perform include:

• Deep pressure therapy
• Obstacle navigation
• Balance assistance
• Medical alerts
• Sound alerts
• Opening doors
• Retrieving items
• Finding help during a time of crisis
• Crowd control

Any dog, regardless of size, breed, or age, can gain legal recognition as a service dog. They are protected under federal law and, therefore, exempt from typical breed restrictions and size limits in housing and public or private spaces.

What Rights Does a Service Dog Have?

Due to their importance in the lives of those with disabilities, service dogs are protected under multiple federal laws in the US. Their central legal rights include but are not limited to:

• Public access rights
• The right to travel on a plane at no additional cost, with exemption from airline pet policies
• Reasonable accommodation at the workplace
• The right to live with their owners in rented properties, with exemption from pet-related fees and restrictions

How Can I Tell if a Service Dog Is Genuine?

It can be difficult to tell whether a dog is a genuine service dog or a pet. Despite what online media may lead you to believe, a service dog doesn’t need to wear a vest or any other form of identification. They also aren’t required to be tethered (leashed or harnessed) if it interferes with their trained tasks.

What’s more, there is no official database or registration process for service dogs, meaning you won’t be able to look up their identification to check whether they’re legitimate.

However, here are a few potential red flags to watch out for:

• Aggressive, unruly, or disruptive behavior
• The owner is carrying the dog throughout the facility (most tasks require the dog to keep their paws on the floor)
• The dog is noticeably reactive to their environment, such as barking excessively at passersby

If you suspect a service dog isn’t genuine and they’re endangering others, tell a member of staff immediately.

Can I Legally Ask for Proof of a Service Dog?

In short, no. Under the ADA, individuals are only allowed to ask someone with a service dog two questions. These questions are:

1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

You cannot legally ask any further questions about the person’s disability, nor can you request to see identification, medical evidence, or training documentation. You also can’t ask the individual to have their service dog demonstrate their trained tasks.

Since a service dog can perform a wide array of tasks, some more evident to the eye than others, it’s always best to give the owner the benefit of the doubt. Trying to interrogate them or demand proof breaches their rights, and you may face legal repercussions.

Can a Service Dog Be Made to Leave the Premises?

Generally, a service dog cannot be forcibly removed from the premises, but a few exceptions exist.

According to the ADA, an individual with a disability can be asked to remove their service dog from the premises if:

• The dog is out of control, disruptive, aggressive, or risks endangering others
• The dog isn’t housebroken
• Accommodating the animal creates an undue hardship
• The facility cannot feasibly (and safely) accommodate the dog, even if reasonable adjustments are made to the environment

Discover More About Service Dogs Today

Service dogs are skilled, specially-trained companions who can make a huge difference in the lives of those with disabilities. While it’s true that some people pass off their pets as service dogs to escape pet-related fees or breed regulations, these instances are few and far between.

If you see a service dog in public, they’re highly likely genuine and are providing their handler immense support and relief. Do not interrogate the individual about the service animal or demand proof — this is against the law, and you may face legal repercussions.

You can learn more about service dogs by contacting the team of experts at US Service Animals or by reviewing our dedicated blog, where you can find a whole wealth of information and resources about service dogs.