Individuals with disabilities may use service animals for a variety of reasons. Title II and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.
Titles II and III of the ADA also make it clear that service animals are allowed in public places. Even if the business or facility has a “no pets” policy, a person with a service animal cannot be denied entrance. Service animals are not pets.
In 2013, a new law passed by the Tennessee General Assembly helped to bring service animal guidelines in our state in line with federal law.
The Tennesse Disability Coalition has partnered with Disability Rights Tennessee and a number of self advocates who use service animals to provide free trainings on service animal guidelines.
We have developed two ADA Tip Cards that provide a quick snapshot for individuals with disabilities who use a service animal and encounter discrimination, and for businesses and public facilities who are concerned that someone has entered their establishment with a dog that is not a service dog. We encourage you to print these tip cards on your own, or call us at: 615-383-9442 to request copies.
For more information on service animal guidelines, check out the Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals Manual at the ADA National Network site.
