Assistance animals are specifically defined as?

Assistance animals are specifically defined as animals that assist or perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. This definition encompasses both service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with physical or mental disabilities, and emotional support animals that provide comfort and emotional support but may not necessarily perform trained tasks. The key aspect of assistance animals is their role in aiding individuals with disabilities, making them distinct from other types of animals such as pets or companionship animals.

Options that describe animals kept solely for companionship, those that help with emotional well-being without performing tasks, or pets providing no specific service do not align with the legal definition of assistance animals. These animals do not meet the necessary criteria to be recognized under fair housing laws, which specifically focus on the functional assistance provided to individuals with disabilities.