service animal

[sur-vis an-uh-muhl]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of service animal¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Otherwise, the script prunes the couple’s legal battle down to one scene with Ivy’s viperous lawyer, played by Allison Janney, who brings a rottweiler to the showdown and claims it’s her service animal.

From Los Angeles Times

The man is DJ Swagrman, an L.A.-based artist, musician and social media influencer, and his internet-famous dog is Swaggy Wolfdog, a 9-year-old service animal — and he says they’ve both been banned from Dodger Stadium after riding around the parking lot area.

From Los Angeles Times

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

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

The 4-year-old Brodie is a service animal who is trained to behave well in any circumstances.

From Los Angeles Times