Service Dog Requirements & Public AccessRequisitos de Perros de Servicio
An evidence-based guide for handlers, trainers, and providers -- clear and up to date for 2026.Una guía basada en evidencia para manejadores y entrenadores.
Key: A Service Dog is defined by what it does -- not by a vest or ID. The dog must perform specific tasks for the handler's disability.Un Perro de Servicio se define por lo que hace -- no por un chaleco o ID.
What Is a Service Dog?¿Qué es un Perro de Servicio?
Under federal law, a Service Dog is trained to perform tasks that directly mitigate a person's disability. The task is the foundation of legal access rights.Bajo la ley federal, un Perro de Servicio está entrenado para realizar tareas que mitigan directamente la discapacidad de una persona.
🏛️ ADA
Governs public access for service dogs.Rige el acceso público.
🏠 FHA
Applies to housing accommodations.Aplica a vivienda.
✈️ DOT
Governs airline travel for service dogs.Rige viajes aéreos.
💼 EEOC
Workplace accommodations.Acomodaciones laborales.
Public Access Test (PAT)Prueba de Acceso Público
- ✓Entry: Dog enters calmly, ignores distractionsEl perro entra tranquilo
- ✓Focus: Maintains position with distractionsMantiene posición
- ✓Behavior: No barking, jumping, aggressionSin ladridos ni agresión
- ✓Tasks: Performs trained tasks on cueRealiza tareas cuando se indica
Ready to Get Started?¿Listo para Comenzar?
Take our free screening to see if you qualify.Realiza nuestra evaluación gratuita.
Start Free Screening →Comenzar →Editorial Review
This page was reviewed by Dr. Patrick Fisher, PhD, NCC, Clinical Director on January 30, 2026 for accuracy, currency, and clarity. Content is updated when laws or clinical guidance change.