| The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) legislation, | | | | number or registry if available. Additional information |
| enacted in 1990, is so vague that it has created two | | | | explaining the ADA law, with reference to Department |
| classes of service animals. The first is for animals that | | | | of Justice phone numbers or web address, is usually |
| perform a specific task - Guide Dogs for the blind, | | | | printed on the card as well. |
| wheelchair assistance, hearing dogs, and animals that | | | | By carrying a Service Dog ID Card the owner/handler |
| can detect medical emergencies, like seizures, and | | | | will more times than not avoid the situations that arise |
| summon help. These dogs have been specifically | | | | when an animal is taken into a public area. This is |
| trained for their service mission. | | | | particularly true when traveling with the service animal |
| The problem is the second classification - emotional | | | | on an aircraft. While airline employees are supposed to |
| support animals. All animals - lizards, chickens and | | | | be trained in this area of the law, many sometimes |
| snakes - can be designated service animals because | | | | forget. The card will quickly explain to the check in |
| they lend emotional support to the owner. In most | | | | person that you are allowed to have your dog with |
| cases they have no task-specific training. While this | | | | you on the plane. |
| definition is currently under review, it has placed an | | | | Bringing your Service Dog into a restaurant, theater, or |
| enormous burden on those people who truly have a | | | | other public venue can also create some problems |
| Service Animal. | | | | unless you can explain that your dog is allowed |
| This burden is particularly identified in airports and | | | | access under Federal law. Of course this means that |
| restaurants. While not required under law, it is often | | | | you animal must be suited for crowded environments |
| recommended that the handler/owner carry an ID | | | | and trained to act properly around people. This is |
| card for their service animal. This ID card will often | | | | another case where a Service Dog ID Card will be of |
| include such information as a picture of the dog and its | | | | value. |
| name, handler/owner's name, city, state, and microchip | | | | |