Q: Under the American with Disabilities Act, must my service animal be "near" me at all times?
Under the American with Disabilities Act, must my service animal be "near" me at all times, and if so, what is the limit of distance? It says she does not need a leash and that it must "be under my control". the library, for the 8th time, is questioning me about my service animal even though I have discussed it with the Director NUMEROUS times. I told her to "sit and stay". She sat and stayed. I walked 20 ft away to make a call, they told me at the library that I had to have her next to me at all times. So what say you? I am in Colorado.
A: Your reading of the ADA is correct and based on your facts the library is wrong. While it is possible to file a lawsuit for violation of the ADA, I would not recommend this approach at this point. Maybe try sending a letter to the director stating the rule and requesting a discussion of this matter. You can contact a lawyer who can also send a letter which may carry more wright (letterhead of a law firm tends to make people jumpy...).
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