When used in this document, unless the content requires other meaning,
- “Service Animal” means any dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability, and meets the definition of “service animal” under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), regulations at 28 CFR 36.104. Within Title II of the ADA is a provision allowing miniature horses as services animals provided, they meet specific assessment factors outlined in 28 CFR 35.136(i)(2). The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability.
- “Handler” means the individual with a disability, as defined under federal and state law, who uses a service animal to perform a work or task directly related to the individual’s disability. A handler may also be a personal care attendant who handles the animal for a person with a disability.
- “Emotional Support Animals” (ESA) means any animal providing emotional support, well-being, or comfort that eases one or more identified symptoms or effects of a documented disability. Emotional support animals may also be referred to as comfort or therapy animals. Emotional support animals are not individually trained to perform specific work or tasks. Pets (as defined below) are not considered ESA.
- “Pet” means any animal kept for ordinary use and companionship that does not meet the definition of an ESA.