What should be the primary focus when evaluating a request for accommodation regarding an assistance animal?

When evaluating a request for accommodation concerning an assistance animal, the primary focus should be on the disability of the individual requesting the accommodation. The Fair Housing Act mandates that individuals with disabilities must be allowed to have assistance animals, regardless of any pet restrictions that may be in place. This legal framework is designed to ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal access to housing and the necessary support that their assistance animal provides.

The assessment focuses on understanding how the animal alleviates a particular symptom or effect of the individual's disability. Documentation might be required to verify the presence of a disability, but the main concern remains how the assistance animal plays a crucial role in the person's ability to manage their disability effectively.

In contrast, the other factors—such as the owner’s benefit from the animal, the type of animal requested, or the training level of the animal—are secondary in this evaluation process. These factors do not have the same foundational connection to the legal requirements for accommodations under the Fair Housing Act. The emphasis is on ensuring that individuals with disabilities are supported in their needs by allowing them to utilize their assistance animals to mitigate their disabilities.