You are expressly permitted to be accompanied by a service dog in Nevada in almost any area of the public space, with very little exceptions. A service dog in Nevada may accompany their handlers wherever they would otherwise be able to go, subject to exceptions like sterile hospital environments. Further, there is no specific breed required, and any breed is eligible to be a service dog in Nevada.
Service Dog in Nevada Definition
Under the ADA, a service dog is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Pursuant to the ADA, business and public establishments may not discriminate against anyone due to a disability, which includes those who utilize service dogs to assist with their disabilities. Service dogs may accompany their handlers in all areas of the public, including:
- Movie Theatres and Arenas
- Restaurants and Bars
- Hotels
- Public transportation and taxis
- Shopping Malls
Nevada State law defines a service animal as “a dog, and/or miniature horse, that is individually trained to do work, or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
How do I Register a Service Dog in Nevada
Nevada does not have any mandatory registration identification requirements, however we always recommended possessing a digital ID in order avoid getting into disputes with third parties about the validity of the service dog’s registration. Any dog that meets the ADAs definition of a service dog in Nevada, is by law, a true and valid service dog. Accordingly, any dog that has been individually trained to perform a specific task to assist someone living with a disability is a service dog.
We’ve distilled the requirements of how your dog can become a service dog in Nevada as follows:
- Identify the right service dog for your disability
- Ensure proper training
- Registering and certifying your service dog
Step 1: Identify the right service dog for your disability
While any dog breed is eligible to be a service dog, certain breeds have characteristics and instincts that allow them to excel at specific tasks. Service dogs may assist individuals who suffer from psychiatric disabilities such as:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- OCD
- Schizophrenia
- Substance Abuse and Addiction
- Eating Disorders
Service dogs can assist those suffering with psychiatric disabilities through numerous tasks such as tactile stimulation, blocking in public spaces, assisting with taking medication and many more physical and emotional tasks.
Step 2: Ensure Proper Training
This is the most important step in having your dog become a service dog in Nevada. Training and temperament are the key aspects and markers of a service dog. Nevada does not issue or require any formal training certifications. This aspect of the process is completely self-regulated by the community. Training may be received professionally, but you are also permitted to self-train your service dog.
Step 3: Registering and Certifying Your Service Dog in Nevada
There is no official registry for service dogs in Nevada and service dog certificates are not a formal requirement. Any service dog registry claiming to be government operated or sanctioned is simply false information. Business operators and government officials cannot legally require proof of registration, training or licensing as a condition to enter their establishment where the public is permitted.
Pursant to Nevada State Law N.R.S. 426.510 , it is a crime to misrepresent an animal as a service dog and fines can be issued up to $500.
The only two questions that are permissible for you to be asked about your service dog in Nevada are:
- Is the animal required because of a disability?
- What task has the animal been trained to perform?
If the task your dog is trained to perform is extremely obvious, then these questions are not permissible to ask.
Once you confirm the above, businesses must make reasonable accommodations. Unfortunately, many businesses that interact with the public are unfamiliar with the laws surrounding service animals and insist on receiving physical proof of service dog registration.
As a matter of convenience and to ensure proper access as intended by the ADA, many service dog handlers choose to voluntarily register their dogs as service dogs and carry a digital ID card and/or certificate with them. This can prevent uncomfortable situations or confusion when interacting with staff at public establishments.
Where Are Service Dogs in Nevada Permitted?
Nevada and Federal laws states that business are required to allow service dogs in the same areas that the general public is permitted. The only exceptions to this are situations where there is a risk to public health that outweighs the individual benefits received from the service dog.
Companion Animals in Nevada
If your disability does not rise to certain thresholds or if your dog is not specifically trained to perform a specific task, you may be eligible to register your dog as a Companion Animal in Nevada. A companion animal is defined as any animal that provides comfort, companionship or emotional support. Companion animals are not considered service dogs, however, there are many tangible benefits to registering, such as being able to travel to hotels without extra fees. Companion Animals may be approved as a reasonable accommodation under Title 1 (employment).
Emotional Support Animals in Nevada
Emotional Support Animals are also not considered to be Service Animals. However, ESAs are included under the Fair Housing Act’s definition of assistance animals, and accordingly may permitted to live in buildings where landlords do not otherwise allow pets for no additional fees.f
Register now to receive your uniquely identifiable Service Dog Identification and Certification.