Service Dogs Granted More Access to VA Facilities

In an evolution of current policy, the Department of Veterans Affairs will expand access to all types of service dogs onto its facilities.

This change is more wide-ranging than a similar law passed in 2012, which required the VA to allow “seeing eye dogs, mobility dogs and other guide dogs that have been trained and accredited by an organization that evaluates guide dogs and service dogs”, according Navy Times. Under the new law, “businesses, state and local governments, non-profits and other entities that serve the public must grant access to all service dogs. Establishments are not allowed to ask for any documentation that the animal is a service dog; they can only ask if the animal is needed for a disability and what task the animal has been trained to perform.”