Guidelines for businesses on service animals  May 16, 2011|By
Georgia East, Sun Sentinel  Q: What are the laws that apply to
my business?  A: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA), privately owned businesses that serve the public must
allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals
onto business premises.  Q: What is a service animal?  A: Any
guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to
provide assistance, regardless of whether the dogs have been
licensed or certified by a state or local government.  Q: How
can I tell if a dog is really a service animal and not just a
pet?  A: Some, but not all, service animals wear special collars
and harnesses. Some, but not all, are licensed or certified and
have identification papers. You may ask if a dog is a service
animal required because of a disability. You may not insist on
proof of certification.    Q: I have always had a clearly posted
"no pets" policy. Do I still have to allow service animals in?
A: Yes. A service animal