To: Department of Justice and Lawmakers

We urge the Department of Justice and lawmakers to reconsider the definition of service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Currently, only dogs and ponies are recognized as service animals, excluding other species that provide vital support and assistance to individuals with mental disabilities.

My son, Koda, with Autism and anxiety, benefits greatly from his Emotional Support Animal (ESA), Blizzard, a bearded dragon. While Blizzard provides essential support, her ESA status limits public access rights. As a service animal, Blizzard could:

Enhance Koda's communication and speech

Boost confidence in emergency situations

Help manage anxiety and prevent meltdowns in public

Support social interactions and friendships

Blizzard is trained, calm, and friendly, posing no risk to the public. We propose revising the ADA to include:

A broader definition of service animals beyond dogs and ponies

Recognition of mental disabilities as equally important as physical disabilities

Inclusion of calm, trained animals like bearded dragons

Exclusion of species that are dangerous or disruptive

Expanded rights for public spaces and businesses to ask owners of dangerous or disruptive animals to leave

By redefining service animals, we can:

Promote inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with mental disabilities

Enhance quality of life and independence

Support mental health and well-being

Join us in advocating for a more inclusive definition of service animals. Sign and share this petition!