Service and Assistance Animals in Oregon - Animal and Veterinary Care Services
From hmis
| Group | Basic Services |
| Category | Animal and Veterinary Care Services |
| Name | Service and Assistance Animals in Oregon |
| Provider | Disability Rights Oregon, Inc |
|---|
Description
Under Oregon’s disability discrimination law and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities may bring assistance animals to all “public accommodations,” including businesses, motels, restaurants, stores, theaters, schools, government buildings, and more. Under Oregon law, a service animal is an animal that has been individually trained to perform tasks or do work for the benefit of a person with a disability. Examples of service animals including hearing dogs, guide dogs, psychiatric service animals, seizure alert animals, and allergen alert animals. Under the ADA and Oregon law, a public accommodation may not ask questions about the individual’s disability or demand to see certification, identification, or other proof of the animal’s training or status. If it is not apparent what the service animal does, the establishment may ask only whether it is a service animal, and what tasks it performs.
The ADA and Oregon law prohibit public accommodations from charging a special admission fee or other extra costs for a service animal. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in rental housing accommodations against those who use service animals. There is no formal certification process or paperwork recognized by the state or federal government. However, air carriers, employers, and housing providers may require specific documentation. Vests, tags, and other “working animal” accessories are not legally required or recognized but may make it easier for other people to identify a service animal.
Some counties allow individuals to register animals as a “service animal” rather than a pet and waive or reduce animal licensure fees. Contact local county animal control for more information.
Facilities
Disability Rights Oregon (DRO)
Contacts
Contact: Disability Rights Oregon Phone: 1-(800) 452-1694