Emotional Support Animals/Service Animals

Neither the ADA nor Virginia’s service animal law includes “emotional support animals.” Emotional support animals are not allowed at this Practice. The ADA requires that any service animal be under the control of the handler at all times. This can occur using a harness, leash, or other tether. Uncontrolled barking, jumping on other people, or running away from the handler are examples of unacceptable behavior for a service animal, and the handler may be asked to remove the service animal.