What is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

The ADA and FHA work in harmony to protect people with disabilities, but they define and apply to service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs) differently based on context (public access vs. housing).

• ADA Definition (Public Access Law): A service dog is a dog (or miniature horse) individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Examples: Guiding the blind, alerting to seizures, interrupting anxiety attacks, or reminding someone to take medication.

  • What it means for service dogs: They get full public access (stores, restaurants, airports) with no proof/ID/vest required. Businesses can only ask: (1) Is it a service dog for a disability? (2) What task does it perform?

  • For ESAs: Not covered—ESAs provide comfort but aren't trained for tasks, so they don't qualify for ADA public access.

• FHA Definition (Housing Law): Assistance animals include both service dogs and ESAs. An assistance animal provides work/tasks or emotional support to alleviate disability symptoms (e.g., reducing anxiety or depression). No training required for ESAs.

  • What it means: Landlords must allow service dogs and ESAs in housing (even "no pets" properties) as a reasonable accommodation. No pet fees/deposits/breed bans. They can request documentation (like a doctor's letter) if the need isn't obvious.

  • For service dogs: Fully protected in housing too.

  • For ESAs: Only protected in housing (not public places).

How they harmonize: If you have a service dog, both laws apply—ADA for public access, FHA for housing. For an ESA, FHA covers housing only. Neither law allows faking a disability or misrepresenting your animal. Rules unchanged as of December 2025.

Quick Comparison Table: