* The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The ADA defines service animals as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animals are allowed in all public places, including government buildings, businesses, and restaurants.
* The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing the ADA. The DOJ has issued several regulations and guidance documents that clarify the rights of people with disabilities to have service animals.
* State and local governments often have their own laws and regulations that support service animals. These laws may vary from state to state, but they generally provide similar protections to people with disabilities who use service animals.
Here are some specific examples of how the government supports service animals:
* The federal government provides funding for training service animals. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides funding for veterans to train service dogs. The Social Security Administration (SSA) also provides funding for people with disabilities to train service animals.
* State and local governments provide funding for service animals. Many state and local governments provide funding for service animals through their vocational rehabilitation programs.
* The government allows service animals to travel with their handlers on public transportation. Service animals are allowed to ride on public buses, trains, and planes without having to pay a fee.
* The government provides tax breaks for people who use service animals. People who use service animals may be eligible for a tax break on their federal income taxes.
The government's support for service animals is an important part of ensuring that people with disabilities have equal access to public places and services.