service animal

American  

[sur-vis an-uh-muhl] / ˈsɜr vɪs ˌæn ə məl /

noun

1. an animal that is specially trained and able to provide assistance to a person with a disability, such as guiding a blind person or assisting a person with epilepsy during and after a seizure.

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Etymology

Origin of service animal

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

service animal

The Americans With Disabilities Act allows the staff to ask just two questions: Is the dog a service animal, required because of the owner’s disability?

From New York Times ● May 16, 2024

Studies of the potential benefits of animal interactions often take a holistic approach, comparing people's mood or hormone levels before and after spending time with a service animal.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 13, 2024

Professionally trained or not, the service animal needs to perform physical tasks for their handler.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2023

There are limits to where a service animal can be, Garrett said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 3, 2023

It is rhetoric in the leader of extempore prayer; studied inflexions in the conductor of liturgical service; animal excitement, or sentimental pensiveness, or assent which is merely vocal, among the worshippers.

From The Expositor's Bible: The Book of Exodus by Chadwick, G. A.