Service Animals

The Law and Service Animals

Service animals are an essential feature of American society. They assist a great number of people with disabilities. However, as service animals become more and more prominent in the modern world, there is growing confusion that surrounds them. Questions regarding where service animals are permitted, what tasks they can perform, and what a service animal even is remain as common as ever before. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, service dogs are allowed to accompany their handlers anywhere the individual with disabilities is allowed to enter. 

Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or to perform tasks for people with disabilities. As there is no central registry for service dogs, we understand that there are many attempts to pass off pet dogs as service animals. In an effort to clear up any confusion as to what is acceptable, the GCD has developed a brochure to clarify any confusion when considering a service animal. Click here for the service animal brochure.

Any information provided herein, including any attachments and all associated webpages, is non-binding and for informational purposes only. Nothing herein should be construed and/or interpreted as a legal opinion, counsel, or advice. Further, there is no expertise, advice, or recommendations of any kind presented herein. It is the responsibility of the recipient(s) to verify accuracy and compliance with all local, state, and federal laws, and it is recommended that the recipient seek the advice of an attorney, and/or any other professional within the discipline which is relevant to the subject matter.

To help business owners and managers in complying with applicable laws addressing service animals in public places, the Legislature authorized the Secretary of State and Governor’s Commission on Disability to produce a free decal that can be displayed on the front door or window of your business.  The “NOTICE” decal states “Service Animals Welcome”, and that it is illegal to misrepresent a pet as a service animal.  The decal includes an informational brochure for business owners or employees explaining what questions may be asked when an animal is brought onto the premises to determine if it meets the requirements of a service animal. To request the free decal and information card, please call the Secretary of State’s Corporation Information Line at (603) 271-3246, or send an email to corporate@sos.nh.gov.