Overview:
Service and support animal accommodation requests are becoming increasingly common in workplaces across industries. As mental health awareness grows and employees seek comfort and support through animals, employers must understand their legal responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and relevant state and local laws.
Areas Covered in the Session:
- Key provisions of the ADA and related laws governing service and support animals
- Differences between service animals, emotional support animals, and companion animals
- Legal obligations and suggested policies for employers when responding to accommodation requests
- Documentation employers can request (and what crosses the legal line)
- Managing employee, customer, or visitor requests involving animals
- Balancing accommodation needs with co-worker allergies, fears, or objections
- Addressing customer or invitee situations under Title III of the ADA
- Handling denials and avoiding claims of discrimination
Who Will Benefit: