New Federal Guidelines for Disabled Using Service Animals

A new set of federal guidelines regarding service animals for the disabled be they at work or outside the office was unveiled recently by the U.S. Department of Justice for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The new recommendations limit service animals to dogs and housebroken miniature horses.

 

 

According to the Associated Press, the new guidelines are not binding to states, municipalities and other agencies, which are free to enact the policy or to comprise their own. Individuals, however, who rely on other types of animals to assist them in managing physical disabilities and conditions, are reportedly expressing concerns. (WCxKit)

 

 

The DOJ chose to revamp its service animal regulation due to comments from businesses, state and local governments and individuals with disabilities, including several who use service animals, according to a department spokesman. People were putting vests on pocket pets and calling them service animals, the spokesperson noted. "Changes were needed."

 

 

As it turns out, federal agencies are not in sync when it comes to animals.

 

 

The U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development permit service animals of all kinds as well as emotional support animals, although some airlines may require advance notice, a doctor's note and some additional documentation. (WCxKit)

 

 

The Department of Justice posted its proposed rules in 2008 and the adopted version was not much different, so people have had time to react, according to a policy analyst for the Disability Rights Education and Defence Fund (DREDF).