This our own test for Service Dogs
This our own test for Service Dogs
New Mexico State Information
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) state only dogs and miniature horses can be considered a service animal. Under the New Mexico law, it is a misdemeanor to misrepresent a dog or miniature horse as service animal with fines up to $1,000 and less than one year of imprisonment (31-19-1 NMSA 1978).
A qualified service animal must be individually trained to perform a task that benefits an individual with a disability. The task performed by a service animal must be directly related to the person’s disability.
Emotional support animals, comfort animals or therapy animals are not considered service animals and are not protected under the New Mexico Service Animal Act or the ADA.
Emotional support animals, comfort animals or therapy animals are only allowed in public places that permit pets in the area.
Service animals must be allowed to enter buildings and other areas open to the public based on their service animal status.
A service animal needs to be tethered, harnessed or leashed at all times. An exception is made if the handler is unable to use such devices due to their disability or if it would interfere with the trained task(s) the service animal performs. However, the service animal has to be under the handler’s control at all times with voice commands, signals or other effective means.
If a service animal behaves in an unacceptable manner and is not under the control of the handler, the establishment does not have to allow the animal on the premises; however, the handler cannot be barred from the premises.
Unacceptable behavior of a service animal:
Service animals should be:
