Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Pets: Accommodation Rules and Best Practices

Summary

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission expanded the vulnerable and underserved worker priority in its 2024-2028 Strategic Enforcement Plan to include people with intellectual, developmental and mental health-related disabilities, but business owners may struggle with the proper response when asked by employees to allow service animals into their places of business. This practice note provides guidance on providing accommodations to persons with disabilities and their related animals.