Understanding the Difference Between Service and Support Animals
When it comes to assistance animals, many people tend to think of service animals and support animals as the same. While both types of animals play an important role in helping individuals with disabilities, they have distinct differences, and property owners and property managers need to approach each type of request with care.
Service Animals
Service animals are specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. For example, a guide dog assists someone who is visually impaired, or a dog may help someone who uses a wheelchair by retrieving items. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are strictly limited to dogs and, in some cases, miniature horses. They must be trained to carry out a specific task directly related to the individual’s disability.
When managing properties, teams are only allowed to ask two questions regarding service animals:
- Is the service animal required due to a disability?
- What specific task has the animal been trained to perform?
If the disability is apparent, such as when a person is accompanied by a seeing-eye dog, even these questions should not be asked. Most state laws follow the federal ADA definition of a service animal, but in some cases, such as in California, the definition is broader. California includes any animal trained to perform tasks that benefit a disabled individual, not just dogs and miniature horses.
Support Animals
Support animals, on the other hand, are not required to have any formal training. They provide emotional support, comfort, and companionship to individuals who may have mental or emotional disabilities. Unlike service animals, support animals can be any type of animal, and property teams are allowed to ask for documentation confirming both the resident’s disability and the need for the support animal.
It’s essential to understand these differences to ensure property managers are following the correct procedures when handling requests for service or support animals, ensuring both compliance and compassion.
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