Service Animals

The ASPCA supports the use of humanely trained and professionally evaluated domestic animals to assist people who have disabilities. Responsibility for a service animal’s care and well-being rests with the person to whom the animal has been assigned (the “handler”). The ASPCA advocates selecting service animals from shelters when feasible, and recommends that retired service animals become household pets in their handlers’ homes or other carefully screened placements. The ASPCA does not support the use of primates or other exotic or wild animals as service animals.