A Costa Mesa employment attorney can explain the laws regarding service and emotional support animals. In particular, he or she can describe the requirements provided under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act.

Freedom from Discrimination

California prohibits discrimination in the workplace based on a person’s mental or physical disorder. California employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees, which may include allowing for service or emotional support animals.

Covered Employers

The law pertaining to reasonable accommodation apply to employers with five or more employees. Federal law applies to employers with 15 or more employees.

Assistance Animals

The California law applies to animals that have been trained and that are necessary for individuals with a disability. This includes service dogs, psychiatric service dogs, guide dogs and signal dogs. It also pertains to animals that assist a person’s psychological needs or emotional needs. Support animals do not need to be specially trained in order to be covered under the California law.

Rules

California employers can establish certain parameters regarding the introduction of such animals into the workplace. For example, animals may have to be potty-trained and must not engage in conduct that can adversely affect the health or safety of other people in the workplace. A Costa Mesa employment lawyer can explain that employers are not required to make this accommodation if it would pose an undue hardship on the employer.

Legal Assistance

If you would like more information about service animals in the workplace, contact a Costa Mesa employment attorney from Daily Aljian LLP.