Terminology

Service Animal (ADA)

A dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.

Task

Performed by the service animal and must be directly related to the person's disability.

Disability

Any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult for a person with the condition to do certain activities or interact with the world around them.

Handler

A person who trains and is in charge of animals; the human end of the leash.

Guide Dog

A dog that is trained for the purpose of guiding physically disabled, blind, or hearing impaired persons.

Service Dog ID Card

Certification that can help service dog owners signal to members of the public that their animal companion is a trained service animal and is allowed to accompany them in public places.

Alert Service Animal

A service animal that serves the purpose of alerting the handler in certain situations. This alert could be caused by an anxiety attack, low blood sugar, heart condition, etc.

Service Animal Vest

The service animal vest is worn by all service animals. This is to show that the handler is in need of the animal and to show that the animal is a legal service animal.