gatekeeper

Definition

(Noun) Person responsible for deciding whether to admit a service dog team into a business or allow access to a service. Under the ADA and most state laws, service dog teams are supposed to be given access to anywhere the public is permitted. To insure that the dog is a service dog, not a pet, a gatekeeper may ask, "Is that a service dog?" and "What tasks has your service dog been trained to do to assist you?" A gatekeeper may NOT require either that the service dog wear a cape, vest, or other identifying equipment or that the handler provide documentation of either his/her disability or proof the dog's being certified or registered. Identifying a pet or a companion dog whose only function is providing emotional support as a service dog is illegal under both federal and state law.