What is a common characteristic of assistance animals?

Assistance animals are defined by their ability to perform specific tasks that assist individuals with disabilities. This means that they are trained to help their owners manage daily life and mitigate the effects of their disabilities. For example, a guide dog helps a visually impaired person navigate their environment, while a therapy animal might assist someone with emotional support. The focus is on the tasks these animals perform rather than simply providing companionship.

While there are many types of animals that can be considered assistance animals, not just any animal qualifies as an assistance animal; they must have a trained capability to perform specific tasks related to the owner's disability. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the functional role of assistance animals in supporting those with disabilities.