Service Animals: Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.

• The dog must be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability. For example, a person with diabetes may have a dog that is trained to alert them when their blood sugar reaches high or low levels. A person with depression may have a dog that is trained to remind them to take their medication. Or, a person who has epilepsy may have a dog that is trained to detect the onset of a seizure and then help the person remain safe during the seizure.
• Under the Texas Human Resources Code Sec. 121.006, any person who misrepresents an animal as a service animal is guilty of a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $300 and 30 hours of community service.

Emotional Support Animals: This term is used to describe animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

Note: All approved service and emotional support animals must comply with applicable laws regarding animals, including the City of Denison Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4-Animals.