Section 36.104 of Title 3 of the Americans with Disabilities Act specifies that a Service animal is “any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.”
Sec.36.302(c) requires public accommodations to modify policies, practices, and procedures to accommodate the use of service animals in places of public accommodation.
In addition to guide dogs this can include hearing dogs, seizure alert dogs, mobility dogs and others.
A service animal is not required to have any special certification or identification. For more information, please contact:
Guide Dog Users, Inc.
14311 Astrodome Drive
Silver Spring, Maryland 20906
Tel: 1-888-858-1008
American Red Cross
Check telephone listings for your local Red Cross.
American Red Cross National Headquarters
2025 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Tel: 202-303-4498
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St., NW
Washington, DC 20037
Tel: 202-452-1100
Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section - NYAV
Washington, D.C. 20530
Tel: 800-514-0301 (voice) 800-514-0383 (TTY)
Do I need emergency plans for my service animal or pet ?
Yes. You never know when or where a disaster may occur. Just as you make emergency plans for your family, it is important to include your pet or service animal in those plans.
What should I do first?
Identification. Make sure that your service animal or pet has current identification tags, including both your home number and your out-of-state contact number. This could be as simple as affixing duct tape to their collar and writing the information on it in permanent marker. It is also a good idea to get your animal either tattooed or micro-chipped.
Do I need supplies?
Yes. Just as you should create a Disaster Kit for your family, you will need one for your service animal or pet.
What should be in my Animal Disaster Kit?
1. Any medications that your animal may require
2. Extra leash and collar, harness and/or carrier.
3. Food and water for three days.
4. Bowl
5. Plastic bags for pick up
6. A favorite toy
7. Copy of your animal’s health records, id numbers and veterinarian’s contact information.
8. If possible, blanket or bed.
9. Animal first aid kit with items such as antibiotic creams, and antiseptic ointments.
10. Written instructions on the care of your animal and or photos and descriptions of your animal in case you are separated.
You can always speak with your veterinarian about items to include in your Animal Disaster Kit.
Are service animals allowed in shelters?
Service animals must be permitted in shelters if they are trained to assist a person with a disability.
Are there any exceptions to this rule?
There are only two reasons a person with a disability may be asked to remove his service animal from the shelter: (1) the animal is out of control and the owner does not control it or (2) the animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.
What about pets?
Very few disaster shelters allow pets because of health and safety regulations.
How can I care for my pet during a disaster?
Make a list of pet-friendly places and hotels, check with friends or relatives outside your area. You can also contact your local shelter, boarding facilities and veterinarian for information.