What is the Law in the Philippines regarding service animal?
In the Philippines, the laws regarding service animals are still developing, but here are some key points:
Definition: A service animal is typically defined as a dog trained to assist individuals with disabilities. This includes guiding the visually impaired, alerting the hearing impaired, or providing support for individuals with mobility issues.
Access Rights: Under the Accessibility Law (Republic Act No. 7277) and related legislation, persons with disabilities (PWDs) have the right to bring their service animals into public places, including restaurants, hotels, and public transport.
Training Requirements: Service animals must be specifically trained to perform tasks related to the person’s disability. Emotional support animals do not have the same legal status as service animals.
Registration: While there isn’t a formal registration process mandated by law, some establishments may require proof of a service animal’s training.
Responsibilities: Handlers are responsible for the care and control of their service animals and must ensure that the animal is well-behaved in public.
For the most accurate and current information, especially regarding any local regulations or updates, it’s best to consult local authorities or organizations that support persons with disabilities.
