Nevada to Limit Service Animals to Dogs and Miniature Horses: Employment Law Manual Updated, Legal Timetable Entry Added

Authors: Melissa Burdorf and Beth Zoller, XpertHR Legal Editors

Nevada has enacted amendments to its antidiscrimination law regarding service animals in the workplace. The law currently defines service animal as "any animal" that has been trained to assist an individual with a disability. Effective October 1, 2015, a service animal is limited to a dog or a miniature horse. An employer will have the right to determine whether it is reasonable to allow an employee to use a miniature horse as a service animal in the workplace by using the assessment factors laid out under federal regulations.

Also effective October 1, Nevada has amended its definition of service animal to align with federal law applicable to public accommodations. In addition, use of a service animal will no longer be limited to individuals who are blind, deaf or have a physical disability; the word "physical" has been removed.

In light of this development, the Nevada Disabilities (ADA) and EEO - Discrimination sections of the Employment Law Manual have been updated and a Legal Timetable entry has been added.