service animal

[ sur-vis an-uh-muhl ]

noun

1. an animal that is specially trained and able to provide assistance to a person with a disability, such as guiding a blind person or assisting a person with epilepsy during and after a seizure. assistance animal, therapy animal.

Word History and Origins

Origin of service animal¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

The Americans With Disabilities Act allows the staff to ask just two questions: Is the dog a service animal, required because of the owner’s disability?

From New York Times

Studies of the potential benefits of animal interactions often take a holistic approach, comparing people's mood or hormone levels before and after spending time with a service animal.

From Science Daily

The 4-year-old Brodie is a service animal who is trained to behave well in any circumstances.

From Los Angeles Times

Under federal law, a handler cannot be asked to remove their service animal from the premises unless the dog is out of control and the handler is unable to restrain the animal.

From Los Angeles Times

By appearances alone, it’s tricky to identify whether a dog is a service animal or not because legally it doesn’t have to wear any type of identifying collar or vest.

From Los Angeles Times