Service animals help individuals with disabilities live and work independently. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is a dog that has been trained to perform tasks for an individual with a disability such as:
- Vision problems
- Mobility impairments
- Seizure disorders
- Mental health conditions
Emotional service, therapy, comfort, or companion animals are not considered service animals. These terms are used to describe animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
The ADA provides great information and frequently asked questions about Service Animals. If you are considering having a Service Animal or are the employer of someone who has made that request, be sure you review the rules!
For assistance managing your workplace policies, contact the HR professionals at Vinna Human Resources.