Service Animal Licensing

Download the form to submit with your service animal license application »

Q: What is a service animal?

A: Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.

Q: What does “do work or perform tasks” mean?

A: The dog must be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability.

Q: Are emotional support, therapy, comfort or companion animals considered service animals under the ADA?

A: No. These terms are used to describe animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

Q: Does the ADA require service animals to be professionally trained?

A: No. People with disabilities have the right to train the dog themselves and are not required to use a professional service dog training program.

Q: What tasks do not qualify?

A: The crime deterrent effects of an animal’s presence and the provision of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship are not considered work for purposes of the definition of a service animal.

Q: May pet owners license cats or mini pigs as service animals?

A: No. Only dogs are considered service animals under the ADA.

For additional questions, email licensing@nehumanesociety.org or call (402) 444-6716.