Unfortunately for service dog handlers, the world of owning a service dog is full to the brim with questions about what is – and isn’t – permitted. This can create confusion for everyone involved, from the handlers themselves, to their families, and particularly for outside parties who may not be fully aware of the legal provisions that protect service dog handlers.
One such question that crops up from time to time – whether in conversation with prospective clients, on social media groups, or internet forums – is about the number of service dogs that one person can own. Depending on your source, and their knowledge and understanding of the situation, the validity of the information available can vary.
In this article, we want to clear up any confusion and confirm what the legal framework says about this topic.
How many service animals can an individual have?
The short answer to this question is that an individual can have as many service animals as is needed to assist with their disability (or disabilities). For example, if a person has two separate disabilities, they may own two service dogs if each dog is task-trained to help with one disability each.
As service animals do not have to be certified or accredited by any governmental organization in the United States, individuals can, in theory, own as many service dogs as is needed. In practice, there would be a limit to the amount of dogs that could realistically be trained and handled, particularly in public places.
Scenarios where more than one service animal may be required
Typically, two service animals are needed in situations where the handler has more than one disability, and each dog is trained to perform a different task that could assist with their day-to-day life. It is uncommon, but not unheard of, for two service dogs to be trained to help with the same disability. Some examples could include:
- An individual who has mobility issues and suffers from seizures may need one service dog to provide stability when they walk, and another service dog to alert them to the onset of a seizure.
- An individual who has autism and a visual disability may need one service dog to provide assistance such as deep pressure therapy (DPT), and another service dog to help them navigate the world when they are walking.
- An individual who has significant mobility/stability issues may need two service animals to help them when walking (this example is listed on the ADA’s online FAQs regarding service animals).
Can you bring more than one service animal into a public place?
If both dogs can be accommodated in a public place (such as a restaurant or bar), then yes, you can bring more than one service dog. Where the situation becomes a little trickier is in a crowded place where the second service dog may unwittingly become an obstacle which could result in a health and safety issue (such as if one service dog was under the table in a restaurant, and the other was sat in the aisle, blocking the pathway).
If you are intending to bring more than one service dog to a location, it may be prudent to call ahead and check if the proprietor will be able to accommodate more than one service dog.
Can people bring more than one service animal into rented accommodation?
The ADA – combined with the Fair Housing Act (FHA) – sets out the legal protections for service dog owners in rental accommodation. The ADA applies to programs administered by state or local government, while the FHA protects public and privately-owned accommodation.
There are several protections afforded by this legislation. There is nothing that explicitly specifies the number of service dogs that can be brought into a home. In addition, ‘no pet’ policies do not apply, as a service dog is not a pet. In addition, landlords cannot charge an extra fee or deposit for service dogs (although it should be noted that any damage or ‘wear and tear’ caused by the service dog could still be chargeable).
Regardless of the number of service dogs that an individual may own, they must all be well-behaved, in the handler’s control, and must be housebroken.
Differences between service dogs and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
There are differences in the way that service dogs and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are treated in terms of legal protections. As we explored in a previous article, service animals are dogs that are specifically trained to perform a given task to help with a handler’s disability; ESAs can be any animal (not just dogs), and they provide comfort and support, but are not task-trained.
Service dogs have specific protections under the ADA, which enable them to be taken into public places as long as it doesn’t fundamentally alter the nature of the program or service. There is nothing specific in the ADA or FHA that prohibits multiple ESAs, but more generally, ESAs are not afforded the same protections and privileges as service dogs. Unlike with service dogs, business owners do not have to permit ESAs onto their premises if they do not allow animals in general.
In conclusion
Service dog owners can take reassurance from the fact that there are several provisions within the ADA that protect their rights. As part of those rights, there is no upper limit on the amount of service dogs that they can own. Regardless of if you have one service dog, two service dogs, or more, they must be task-trained to help with a specific disability.
If you have any questions regarding service dogs and the applicable laws, please feel free to reach out to us! Email your questions to info@autismassistancedog.com, or call (704) 500-8281.
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