Can I Bring My Service Dog to a Job Interview?

Question

Can I Bring My Service Dog to a Job Interview?

Short answer

In the United States, a service dog may be protected as a reasonable accommodation during the application and interview process, but the exact framework depends on the applicable law and employer. The ADA distinguishes public-access rules from employment rules. In employment, the request is usually handled as a reasonable accommodation.

How to approach it

If you need the dog during the interview, tell the employer in advance that you use a service dog and need that accommodation to participate in the process. Keep the message short, professional, and focused on the accommodation, not medical details.

Example message

“Hello [Name], I use a service dog related to a disability and would like to confirm that I can have the dog with me during the interview as an accommodation. The dog is trained to behave appropriately in public/professional environments.”

Legal note

This is general information, not legal advice. Rules vary by country, state, and situation.

Conclusion

If the dog is needed for you to participate in the interview, request it as an accommodation clearly and in advance.

Sources consulted

• American Kennel Club — Can You Have a Dog While Working a 9-5?: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/have-dog-working-9-5/
• ASPCA — Separation Anxiety: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/separation-anxiety
• Animal Humane Society — Crate Training Your Dog or Puppy: https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/crate-training-your-dog-or-puppy
• ADA.gov — Service Animals: https://www.ada.gov/topics/service-animals/
• ADA National Network — Taking a Service Animal to Work: https://adata.org/service-animal-resource-hub-work
• ADA National Network — Service and Support Animals in the Workplace: https://adata.org/employment-resource-hub/service-and-support-animals-workplace
• U.S. Department of Labor — Accommodations: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/employers/accommodations
• Job Accommodation Network — Service Animal Accommodation Requests: https://askjan.org/articles/What-to-do-When-an-Employee-Requests-an-Accommodation-to-Bring-their-Service-Animal-to-Work.cfm
• University of Florida Small Animal Hospital — Coping with Guilt: https://smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu/resources-2/pet-loss-support/coping-with-guilt/