What distinguishes an assistance animal from a regular pet?

An assistance animal is distinguished from a regular pet primarily by its ability to perform specific tasks that assist individuals with disabilities. This may include guiding individuals who are visually impaired, alerting those who are deaf, or providing support for individuals with mental health conditions through emotional support. Unlike regular pets, which may provide companionship but are not trained for specific tasks related to a disability, assistance animals are trained to perform functions that directly alleviate their owner’s disability. This functional aspect is crucial for determining the status of an animal as an assistance animal under fair housing laws. Therefore, the defining characteristic is the tasks that the animal can perform to aid its owner, promoting greater independence and quality of life for individuals with varying needs.