What if a service animal barks or growls at other people, or otherwise acts out of control?

You may exclude any animal, including a service animal, from your facility when that animal's behavior poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others. For example, any service animal that displays vicious behavior towards other guests or customers may be excluded. You may not make assumptions, however, about how a particular animal is likely to behave based on your past experience with other animals. Each situation must be considered individually.


Although a public accommodation may exclude any service animal that is out of control, it should give the individual with a disability who uses the service animal the option of continuing to enjoy its goods and services without having the service animal on the premises.

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1. What are the laws that apply to my business?
2. What is a service animal?
3. How can I tell if an animal is really a service animal and not just a pet?
4. What must I do when an individual with a service animal comes to my business?
5. I have always had a clearly posted "no pets" policy at my establishment. Do I still have to allow service animals in?
6. My county health department has told me that only a seeing eye or guide dog has to be admitted. If I follow those regulations, am I violating the ADA?
7. Can I charge a maintenance or cleaning fee for customers who bring service animals into my business?
8. I operate a private taxicab and I don't want animals in my taxi? Am I violating the ADA if I refuse to pick up someone with a service animal?
9. Am I responsible for the animal while the person with a disability is in my business?
10. What if a service animal barks or growls at other people, or otherwise acts out of control?
11. Can I exclude an animal that doesn't really seem dangerous but is disruptive to my business?