The rules for service and assistance animals are different in stores, in housing, and on flights — and each comes from a different federal law. Pick your setting to see what's allowed, what a business or landlord may lawfully ask, and where emotional-support animals fit. Facts only, each linked to the official source.
There is no single nationwide 'service animal' rule. In stores, restaurants, and other public places, the Americans with Disabilities Act applies and a service animal is a dog trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. In housing, the broader Fair Housing Act treats allowing an assistance animal as a reasonable accommodation, which can include animals beyond task-trained dogs. On flights, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Air Carrier Access Act rules govern. Knowing which law applies is the first step.
Under the ADA, staff at a business may ask only two questions — whether the dog is required because of a disability and what task it is trained to perform — and may not demand documentation or proof. Emotional-support animals are not service animals under the ADA, and airlines are not required to treat them as service animals. In housing, the rules are broader and a provider may ask for information supporting the request when the need isn't obvious. This tool lays out each setting and links to ADA.gov, HUD, and the DOT.
Disclaimer: NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice, and is not a law firm. Using a tool does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws change and vary by situation — verify anything important with the official source or a licensed attorney in your state.