Service animals are highly trained over the course of many years. The ADA does not consider an emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companion animal to be the same as a service animal.

A business cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task. Service animals are not required to wear a vest, patch, or special harness identifying them as a service animal.

When a provider is requested to provide transportation, only two questions can be asked of the rider:

• Is the service animal required because of a disability?
• What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for refusing service to people using service animals.

The ADA does require the service animal to be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work. The individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

Minnesota Statutes, section 256C.02 outlines the rights of a disabled person who uses a service animal. This statute does include modes of transportation.

For further information about service animal use in Minnesota, visit the following website: www.disability.state.mn.us/technical-assistance/service-animals/