Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is in the process of developing guidance for the public regarding how it will evaluate cases involving the use of emotional support animals (ESA) in education, employment, housing, and public accommodations.
Under the PHRA’s current provisions, emotional support animals are recognized primarily in the context of housing accommodations, ensuring that individuals with disabilities receive equal housing opportunities. However, these provisions do not extend to other public spaces or accommodations.
The PHRC is seeking public input regarding access to public accommodations with emotional support animals specifically. Emotional support animals are not service animals like seeing eye dogs and they are not trained to do a particular task. Rather, individuals with certain disabilities have found the presence of these animals provide a significant emotional benefit.
Public accommodations are places open to the public, like stores, restaurants, amusement parks, schools, colleges, and universities.
Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW, PHRC Executive Director, underscored the agency’s commitment to fairness and dialogue: “The PHRC continues to listen, learn, and lead on complex civil rights issues. This process allows us to bring people together—individuals with disabilities, advocates, and businesses—to identify solutions that honor both accessibility and community understanding.”
“Emotional support animals play a vital role in the lives of many Pennsylvanians,” said Alana Burman, PHRC Director of Policy and Intergovernmental Affairs. “As we examine this issue, it’s essential that we hear from those directly impacted—individuals with disabilities, ESA owners, and business operators—so that any future guidance reflects both fairness and practicality.”
The PHRC is looking to hear from individuals who use ESAs, advocacy groups, businesses, and other effected individuals and entities. We would like to hear about your experiences, concerns, and suggestions. Public comment will be accepted via an online survey from December 1 through December 31, 2025.
After the one-month public input period concludes, the PHRC will develop draft guidance informed by the feedback received. Once the draft is finalized, it will be released for a public comment period before being reviewed and accepted by the Commission.
“Many people rely on emotional support animals to feel safe, grounded, and able to participate fully in daily life,” said Joseph Green, PHRC Chief Counsel. “As we explore this issue, it’s important that we listen closely to the lived experiences of individuals who use ESAs, as well as the concerns of businesses and service providers.”
About the PHRC:
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission enforces state laws that prohibit discrimination and promote equal opportunity for all people. The PHRC investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, education, and public accommodations. Anyone who has experienced acts of discrimination or hate is urged to file a complaint by calling 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available on the PHRC website. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.
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