What is a service animal and emotional support animal?  A service animal is defined as an animal that is trained to perform a certain task that benefit an individual with a disability. Tasks performed can include, pulling a wheelchair, retrieving dropped items, and alerting a person to a sound. Service animals are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Law.  An emotional support animal is used to treat disabilities such as depression, anxiety or a certain phobia.  Emotional support dogs are not protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act, but are protected under the Fair Housing Law.  The landlord may not ask an applicant about the existence, nature or extent of their disability. However, an applicant with a disability who is requesting reasonable accommodations will be asked to provide documentation for the request. One major difference between Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals is that Emotional Support Animals are not allowed in public accommodations since they are not protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act.  This is why tenants with Emotional Support Animals do not take them to work.  Do you have other questions about Service Animals or Emotional Support Animals, Contact Real Living Home Realty Group for more information. A Guide to Disability Rights Laws: