CLEARING UP THE CONFUSION ABOUT SERVICE ANIMALS
This article details the most common situations that can arise on a property and offer helpful guidance based on best practices and the Fair Housing Act.
Many violations and court cases stem from claims of discrimination involving service animals. The amount of misinformation on the internet, coupled with the misinterpretation of overlapping laws,
can create complicated situations for property management professionals to navigate, so it’s important to stay informed.
Service Animal, Assistance Animal, or Emotional Support Animal: Which One?
With so many terms being thrown around, it can be challenging to know which one applies. As a rule, the term “service animal” is generally reserved for dogs that meet the criteria for public assistance under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). Assistance animals or ESAs (Emotional Support Animals) are general terms we use for animals that provide a service to a disabled person with regard to housing. For simplicity in this article, we will use the term assistance animal when relating to housing.
THE TERM “SERVICE ANIMAL” IS GENERALLY RESERVED FOR DOGS THAT MEET THE CRITERIA FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE UNDER THE ADA.
PAGE 22
Powered by FlippingBook