The ADA and Employer Obligations for Service Animals, Emotional Support and Companion Animals
June
17
2026
(Wednesday)
Time
10:00 AM PDT | 01:00 PM EDT
Duration: 60 Minutes
67 Days Left To REGISTER
Id: 212163
Duration: 60 Minutes
67 Days Left To REGISTER
Id: 212163
Instructor
Wendy Sellers
Wendy Sellers
Overview
Service and support animal accommodation requests are becoming increasingly common in workplaces across industries. As mental health awareness grows and employees seek comfort and support through animals, employers must understand their legal responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and relevant state and local laws.
Areas Covered in the Session
- Key provisions of the ADA and related laws governing service and support animals
- Differences between service animals, emotional support animals, and companion animals
- Legal obligations and suggested policies for employers when responding to accommodation requests
- Documentation employers can request (and what crosses the legal line)
- Managing employee, customer, or visitor requests involving animals
- Balancing accommodation needs with co-worker allergies, fears, or objections
- Addressing customer or invitee situations under Title III of the ADA
- Handling denials and avoiding claims of discrimination
Who Will Benefit
- All
Speaker Profile
Wendy Sellers Wendy Sellers, is a committed business ally and HR expert, holding multiple academic qualifications along with a broad array of HR certifications and licenses. With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years, she has contributed her expertise across various HR disciplines including operations, downsizing, change management, corporate culture, and both remote and traditional workplace environments, as well as in coaching, training, HR education, and leadership development.
She firmly believes that the workforce is the most valuable asset of any organization, advocating for the necessity of training and empowering management, supervisors, and employees alike to excel in their respective roles. To her, ensuring these individuals are prepared and effective is not just beneficial, but essential. Known as “The HR Lady®”, she provides training on HR compliance specifically for administrators and covers the broader spectrum of employee management for managers, from recruitment to dismissal.
She firmly believes that the workforce is the most valuable asset of any organization, advocating for the necessity of training and empowering management, supervisors, and employees alike to excel in their respective roles. To her, ensuring these individuals are prepared and effective is not just beneficial, but essential. Known as “The HR Lady®”, she provides training on HR compliance specifically for administrators and covers the broader spectrum of employee management for managers, from recruitment to dismissal.
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