Disabilities That Qualify
A clear, plain-language breakdown of which disabilities qualify a person for a service dog under the Americans with Disabilities Act — and what the law actually requires of handlers and businesses.
What disabilities qualify for a service dog under the ADA
ADA Qualifying Disabilities
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a qualifying disability is any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
No Certification Required
The ADA does not require service dogs to be certified, registered, or licensed. A service dog is defined by its training and the work it performs — not by paperwork.
Task-Driven Work
The dog must be individually trained to perform work or tasks directly related to the handler's disability. Emotional support alone does not qualify a dog as a service animal.
