Service Dog Laws: Domestically and Internationally

Both service and assistance dogs are protected in the United States (under the ADA) and many international locations. Learn about the legalities protecting these incredible working dogs below.

Throughout the USA, disabled people are legally allowed to freely access public places with their trained service dogs without any type of discrimination. Before we take a closer look at the domestic and international laws protecting service and assistance dogs and their handlers, below is a quick reminder about the dogs not protected under the ADA.

K9 Exceptions to ADA

While all service and assistance dogs are legally protected, dogs used for protection or defense and therapy, comfort or emotional support animals are not given the same legal protections in public places under the ADA.

Our infographic below illustrates the distinctions for each category.

ADA: Quick Review

Since 1990, the ADA guarantees individuals with physical or mental disabilities equal civil rights in employment, fair housing and public places for themselves and their working service dog. This is the governing law except on airlines where “The Air Carrier Access Act” protects the rights of people with disabilities and their service dogs (see below).

The ADA specifically defines that:
A service dog is trained to do specific tasks for an individual with a disability. Since March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as legal service animals.
Service animals are permitted to accompany people with disabilities in all public areas, buildings and public transportation where the general public has access.

Click here for the public places service dogs and their handlers are allowed free access.

The Carrier Access Act (ACAA)

Under this Act, enacted in 1986, disabled people are allowed to travel with their service dog and without discrimination on commercial airlines. (Note: Emotional Support Animals are no longer allowed on airplanes as of the end of 2020.) Service animals are allowed to travel in the cabin for free.

See the U.S. Department of Transportation Brochure, “Air Travel with Service Animals,” for more information.

Always call the airline beforehand for the latest information on traveling with your service dog and for a note to be made on your ticket indicating a service dog will be with you.

NOTES:

If you are traveling internationally with your service dog, it’s important to understand that “foreign airlines operating to and from the United States are only required to accept dogs.”
Not all countries permit service animals from foreign countries. Ensure your destination country allows your service dog; follow all legal requirements including documentation.

International Laws for Service Dogs

Many countries do not have broad protections for service animals like in the United States.

Some countries only legally recognize service dogs for the blind.
Others recognize alert dogs, mobility dogs and signal dogs.
Very few countries recognize service animals for mental or psychiatric disabilities.

Always do your research before embarking on travel outside the United States. Contact the Embassy, Consulate and/or the Department of Agriculture in your destination country. (Also check on the requirements of re-entering the United States with your service dog.)

For up-to-date information on Public Access Laws around the world, go to Assistance Dogs International.

For information on Canadian Assistance Dog Legislation, go to IAADP.

Learn the “10 Steps to Bring Your Service Animal or Guide Dog to Another Country” on the Mobility International USA website.

Learn more about Traveling with Your Service Dog our website.