assistance animal

American  

[uh-sis-tuhns an-uh-muhl] / əˈsɪs təns ˌæn ə məl /

noun

1. an animal that is able to provide physical or emotional assistance to a person living with a disability, as alerting a deaf person to the sound of a doorbell.

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Etymology

Origin of assistance animal

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Ian's view is that Chloe is a properly-trained assistance animal who is an essential "auxiliary aid" - a legal term for something that is providing support for someone with a disability.

From BBC • May 27, 2022

"This includes making sure all our staff are reminded that anyone attending with a guide dog or assistance animal should be allowed access," said an official.

From BBC • Jul. 29, 2021

With some human assistance, animal populations and habitat are rebounding — even the Great Barrier Reef is getting IVF treatments.

From Washington Post • Mar. 18, 2021

Do we have people trying to get their pet across as an assistance animal?

From New York Times • Oct. 4, 2015

An emotional support dog is considered an assistance animal under the federal Fair Housing Act.

From Washington Times • Mar. 8, 2015