What are the rights and responsibilities of service animal users in places of public accommodation? Are there circumstances under which a business is allowed to refuse access to an individual accompanied by a service animal? What is the best way to resolve issues that arise because of the choice to use a service animal? What remedies are available to those who feel their civil rights have been violated?

     Most people are surprised to learn how frequently service animal handlers are turned away from businesses because of their service dog, a violation of both state and federal law.

     Advocates for Service Animal Partners (ASAP), the only organization dedicated exclusively to supporting, protecting, and advancing the civil rights of disabled individuals who use service animals to mitigate their disability and live full, productive, and independent lives, has launched a one-of-a-kind new service. The ASAP Service animal Information and Resource Hotline (ASAP211) allows service animal handlers and businesses alike the opportunity to speak with an advocate who is trained to answer questions about service animals and resolve access concerns as they occur. ASAP211 is available 24/7 by calling toll-free 855-ASAP211 (855-272-7211).

     According to the implementing regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability.” (28 CFR Part 35.104 & 28 CFR Part 36.104). Businesses and governmental agencies are required to modify their policies, practices, and procedures to allow an individual accompanied by a service dog the same access as all other patrons or visitors. The service animal must be under the direct control of the handler, be kept on a harness or leash unless a harness or leash interferes with the work the dog performs, and may not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others. Thirty-seven states also have criminal laws prohibiting such discrimination.

     “We find that most access problems are the result of a lack of information,” says Marion Gwizdala, ASAP’s President. “This hotline is an excellent resource for service animal handlers and businesses alike during an active access issue.”

     Advocates for Service Animal Partners offers free webinars concerning service animals in housing, retail establishments, restaurants, hotels, medical facilities, taxicabs, and other places of public accommodation. ASAP also provides service animal policymaking services, implementation of standard operating procedures concerning service animals, and in-service training for business and governmental staff. For more information about these services, you can contact ASAP at 386-ASAP411 (386-272-7411) or visit ServiceAnimals.info.

Contact:
Marion Gwizdala, President
Advocates for Service Animal Partners Inc.
386-ASAP411 (386-272-7411)
Advocacy411@gmail.com

For general information about service animals or for other administrative needs,
please call our office during business hours of 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Eastern, Monday-Friday 386-ASAP411 (386-272-7411)