Service Dog at Work — ADA Rights in the Workplace

Service Dogs in the Workplace Under the ADA

Title I of the ADA requires employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities — and this includes allowing a trained service dog in the workplace. The accommodation must be provided unless it would cause undue hardship to the employer.

How to Request Accommodation

To bring a service dog to work, submit a formal reasonable accommodation request to your HR department or direct supervisor. Include:

• A statement that you have a disability
• That your service dog assists with disability-related needs
• A description of the tasks your dog performs

You do not need to disclose your specific diagnosis. The employer may request documentation from a healthcare provider confirming the functional limitations of your disability.

What Employers Can and Cannot Do

Employers can ask what tasks your service dog performs. They cannot ask about the nature of your disability, require formal certification, or deny the request without engaging in an interactive accommodation process. Employers must also address coworker concerns (such as allergies) through solutions that do not eliminate your accommodation.

Handling Coworker Concerns

If coworkers have allergies to dogs, the employer must attempt to find a solution that accommodates both employees — such as air filtration, workspace separation, or schedule adjustments. The mere presence of a coworker with allergies does not automatically override a service dog accommodation.

Self-Employment and Remote Work

Self-employed individuals are not subject to ADA Title I, but may still need to bring their service dog to client meetings or business locations — where ADA Title III (public accommodations) applies. Remote workers may bring their service dog into any spaces they need to work from, including shared workspaces and coworking facilities.

Documentation for the Workplace

Having a professional digital ID and service certificate is particularly useful in the workplace setting, where formal documentation is often expected. A QR verification page gives HR departments and managers a way to confirm credentials without requiring you to present paperwork repeatedly.