Are assistance animals limited to only dogs and cats?

Assistance animals are not limited to just dogs and cats; they can indeed include a variety of species, depending on the needs of the individual and the context in which the animal provides assistance. The Fair Housing Act recognizes the importance of assistance animals for individuals with disabilities, encompassing not only dogs and cats but also other types of animals that can assist a person with a disability.

For instance, there are instances where other species, such as miniature horses, may qualify as assistance animals under certain circumstances because they can provide support for specific disabilities. Therefore, the correct understanding is that assistance animals can encompass a broader range of animals beyond just dogs and cats, which aligns with increasing recognition of the diverse roles that different animals can play in assisting individuals with disabilities.

While some landlords may have specific policies or may request additional information to justify the presence of certain types of animals, the fundamental principle is that the classification is not restricted solely to common pets like dogs and cats. The importance lies in the function of the animal in aiding the individual's ability to manage their disability rather than the species of the animal itself.