There is no specific regulation or law that limits a disabled owner to a certain number of Assistance Animals. Because there is no direct guidance, it is likely that an owner would have to show a reasonable need for the number of animals in question.
For example, if a disabled owner/handler has diabetes and mobility issues, and keeps two Service Animals because one animal is trained to detect a drop in blood sugar, and the other is trained to provide physical support and stability, and to fetch objects and open doors, then it would probably be deemed reasonable to have both animals.
However, if a tenant keeps two Emotional Support Animals to assist with combating suicidal tendencies and severe depression, then the landlord could have a viable argument against allowing both animals unless there was a reasonable justification for needing both animals.
The landlord could argue that one animal alone would provide the needed support. A physician’s note would likely need to specifically recommend the multiple animals.
Are you an owner of an assistance animal?
The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.
Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.
Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the text or image below.
