“I’m protected under the ADA. This is my service dog. You may ask only whether the dog is required because of a disability and what work or task the dog has been trained to perform.”

What staff may ask

1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

What staff may not ask

• You to disclose your diagnosis or details of your disability
• For medical records or doctor letters as a condition of entry
• For certification, registration, ID card, or proof of training
• That the dog demonstrate the task on demand

When a business can ask the dog to leave

• The dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it
• The dog is not housebroken

Handler responsibilities

• Keep the dog under control with leash, harness, or voice control when appropriate
• Maintain public-access behavior
• Pay for actual damage caused by the dog if the business normally charges customers for damage

HIPAA clarification

HIPAA applies to covered health care entities and related business associates, not to ordinary stores, restaurants, truck stops, or most other businesses you enter.

That means people often say “HIPAA” in access disputes, but the more accurate point is this: you are generally not required under the ADA to show medical documentation to a business to enter with a service dog.

If challenged

• Stay calm and keep your voice even
• Answer only the two ADA questions
• Ask for a manager if the employee is unsure
• Offer to let them review ADA Department of Justice guidance

DOJ ADA Information Line