Is it permissible to train a pit-bull as guide dog for the blind?

Answer

It would be permissible in a legal sense, if you were able to do such training on your own, or have it done for you. Very few programs would accept outside animals for training.

The federal Americans with Disabilities Act gives tremendous rights to people using service animals. Service animals are not exempted from other local laws, including vaccination, leash, and breed ban laws. There is no certification process, since the use of service dogs varies so widely, from seizure alert dogs, to emotional support, to retrieving dropped items. So strictly speaking, yes, if a dog (of any breed) has the temperament to do guide work, it would be allowable.

Keep in mind that the Americans with Disabilities Act does not restrict service animals to dogs. The ADA defines service animals as: any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government.

With this in mind, you can choose any animal you wish to act as a "guide."

First answer by Bahamutt99. Last edit by Kirsten07734. Contributor trust: 18 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 27 [recommend question]