Service animals help people with disabilities perform tasks for which they need assistance. Most of us are familiar with guide dogs used by people who are blind or have visual impairments. However, service animals also help people with a variety of other disabilities. Examples include:
Service Animals vs. Pets
How the Law Affects Your Business
Businesses may not demand identification cards or make unnecessary inquiries about an individualís disability under any circumstances, including when a person is accompanied by a service animal.
Violation of the Service Animal Access Act is a Class C misdemeanor.
Violation of the White Cane Law is a Class A misdemeanor.
*In certain circumstances, businesses must also permit the use of a miniature horse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I say to an individual with a service animal who comes into my business?
You may ask whether the animal is a service animal and inquire as to what tasks the service animal has been trained to perform. You may not, however, require identification documents for the animal or ask about the personís disability.
Who is entitled to use a service animal under the ADA?
The ADA does not limit the type of disability one must have in order to use a service animal. It only requires a link between the task the animal performs and the person with a disability. In other words, the animal must be individually trained to work for the benefit of the person with a disability.
Are there any limitations or conditions that I can place on the use of a service animal in my establishment?
No. Neither a deposit nor a surcharge may be required as a condition of allowing the service animal to accompany the individual. The service animal may not be segregated or excluded from areas of the facility open to the public. Further, you may not ask the individual to remove the service animal from the premises, unless: (1) the presence of the animal fundamentally alters the goods, services, facilities or accommodations of your business or (2) the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
What if I have a "no pets" policy that applies to all persons who enter my establishment? Do I still have to admit a service animal?
Yes. The ADA requires that you modify your policy to allow use of a service animal by a person with a disability. A service animal is not a pet; it is a working animal.
Are there any services that I have to provide for service animals while they are in my business or public facility?
No. The owner of the service animal is solely responsible for its care and supervision. You are not required to provide care, food or a special location for the animal.
What can I do if I have a dispute or experience a violation of the ADA or state law?
Complaints can be filed with the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the U.S. Department of Justice, or by contacting the Disability Rights Bureau at the Office of the Attorney General. A complaint alleging a violation of the White Cane Law or the Service Animal Access Act should be filed with your county stateís attorney.
Disability Rights Bureau:
Fore more information on service animals or other requirements of the ADA, call the U.S Department of Justice's toll free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 (TTY: 800-514-0383)