Service animal guides now available

The New York City Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association have jointly released a guide created to clarify the legal rights and obligations of individuals and institutions regarding the use of service animals in the state.

People with disabilities may rely on dogs and other service animals to assist them at their homes and workplaces, schools, retail stores, restaurants, theaters and when traveling. However, there has been confusion in connection with the federal, state and local laws regarding the use of service animals and those who must accommodate them.

The Guide to the Use of Service Animals in New York State recognizes that various federal, state and local laws address service animal use in differing manners. For example, depending on the context and the location, such as in housing, transportation, employment or places of public accommodation, in or outside of New York City, the definition of service animal may differ.

The guide is intended to clarify the existing laws for: individuals with disabilities who use service animals; those who train service animals; and those who must accommodate them, such as employers, landlords, merchants and places of public accommodation. It also offers guidance to lawmakers, government officials, attorneys and the courts.

The guide is posted at www.nycbar.org/ServiceAnimalGuide and www.nysba.org/ServiceAnimalGuide.