Sample Service Dog Policy

Clarify your Service Dog Policy with your staff & customers.

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Service Dog Policy

  • Purpose: This policy aims to ensure that individuals with service dogs have equal access to our goods, services, and facilities. This policy complies with federal law under the Americans with Disabilities Act. (ADA)

  • Service Dog Definition: A service dog is a dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.

  • Allowed Areas: Service dogs are allowed in all areas of our business where customers are normally allowed to go.

  • When it is not obvious that a dog is a service dog, (based on the dog’s behavior or other identifiable gear) staff may ask only two specific questions:
    • (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? 
    • (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? 
    • Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability.
    • The ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest, ID tag, or specific harness as identification and shall not be required to access a business location.

  • The Service Dog Handler:
    • is responsible for the service dog’s care, supervision, and control at all times.
    • is responsible for cleaning up any messes made by the service dog.
    • must remain with their service dog at all times 

  • Prohibited Behavior: Service dogs that display aggressive behavior or are not under the handler’s control may be asked to leave the premises. It’s important to note that service dog exclusion should be done carefully and respectfully, only when necessary, and always following the law. 

  • Compliance with Laws: This policy complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

  • Questions and Complaints: Any questions or complaints regarding our service dog policy should be directed to the manager on duty.

  • For more information: Review the ADA’s Frequently Asked Questions on service dog law using the link or QR code below.

    https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/