Which of the following would be considered a service animal by ADA standards?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recognizes service animals primarily as dogs that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. However, the ADA also makes provisions for miniature horses, provided they have been trained to assist an individual with a disability and their presence is reasonable in a given facility. This means that both dogs and miniature horses can qualify as service animals under specific circumstances, making the correct answer encompass both types of animals.

Dogs are the most recognized service animals and generally assist individuals by performing a wide range of tasks, such as guiding individuals with visual impairments or alerting those who are deaf. Miniature horses, while less common, are also recognized due to their unique traits and capabilities, particularly in tasks similar to those performed by dogs. For example, they can be trained to provide support or retrieve items for someone with mobility issues.

Other options do not correctly interpret the ADA definition of service animals. While many animals can provide emotional support or companionship, they do not meet the ADA's specific criteria unless they are dogs or miniature horses specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. Therefore, the acknowledgment of both a dog and a miniature horse as service animals reflects the inclusive nature of ADA standards regarding service animals.