assistance animal

[ uh-sis-tuhns an-uh-muhl ]

noun

1. an animal that is able to provide physical or emotional assistance to a person living with a disability, as alerting a deaf person to the sound of a doorbell.

Word History and Origins

Origin of assistance animal¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

About a dozen states have penalties for falsely claiming a need for an assistance animal in housing, according to Rebecca Wisch, an editor at the Animal Legal and Historical Center at Michigan State University, which keeps track of the laws.

From Seattle Times

Ian's view is that Chloe is a properly-trained assistance animal who is an essential "auxiliary aid" - a legal term for something that is providing support for someone with a disability.

From BBC

"This includes making sure all our staff are reminded that anyone attending with a guide dog or assistance animal should be allowed access," said an official.

From BBC

Second, "does the person making the request have a disability-related need for an assistance animal?"

From Salon

With some human assistance, animal populations and habitat are rebounding — even the Great Barrier Reef is getting IVF treatments.

From Washington Post