Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is inviting members of the public, advocacy organizations, housing providers, educators, employers, and other stakeholders to submit comments on its updated Assistance, Emotional Support, and Service Animal Guidance. The comment period will run 45 days from October 1 through November 15, 2026.
The guidance outlines how the PHRC evaluates cases involving service animals, emotional support animals, and other assistance animals across housing, education, public accommodations (places open to the public, like stores, restaurants, amusement parks, schools, colleges, and universities), commercial properties, and employment. It clarifies important definitions, reasonable accommodation standards, verification procedures, and limitations on when an animal may be excluded due to direct threat or undue hardship.
"Ensuring equitable access for people with disabilities is central to the Commission’s mission,” said PHRC Interim Executive Director Amber J.E. Harris. “This updated guidance reflects our commitment to clarity, consistency, and fairness across all settings, from housing to education to public accommodations. We encourage the public to share their perspectives so we can continue strengthening our policies and better serve all Pennsylvanians."
The PHRC aims to ensure that its policies remain clear, equitable, and aligned with state and federal law, including the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fair Housing Act. Public input will help the PHRC refine the guidance to better support individuals with disabilities and the entities that serve them.
"This guidance brings together the relevant legal standards and practical considerations that housing providers, employers, schools, and businesses face when evaluating assistance animals,” said PHRC Director of Policy, Intergovernmental Affairs, and Mediation Alana Burman. “By clearly distinguishing service animals, emotional support animals, and other assistance animals, we aim to provide greater certainty for both individuals with disabilities and the entities responsible for compliance. Public input is essential to refining this framework and ensuring it remains responsive to real‑world needs."
The PHRC will accept public comments on the proposed guidance via an online survey from October 1 through November 15, 2026. Individuals, advocacy groups, businesses, and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate. Please visit the PHRC website to access the guidance and provide public comments.
In addition, two virtual public listening sessions to solicit feedback on the guidance will be held Tuesday, October 20, 4:00-7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 21, 12:00-3:00 p.m. To attend, please register in advance for either the evening session or afternoon session. If you would like to be heard at this meeting, we ask that you indicate that when you register so that we can allocate enough time for each speaker. We anticipate that each speaker will be allocated up to five minutes to speak. If a registered speaker is more than 15 minutes late for a listening session, we will cancel their allotted slot. If there is time after all the speakers, we may be able to return to the speaker. Attendees to the listening session who did not register in advance will only be allocated time to speak if there is time after all registered speakers are finished.
“The PHRC remains committed to ensuring our guidance reflects both the realities people with disabilities face and the responsibilities of institutions across Pennsylvania,” said PHRC Deputy Director of Enforcement, Policy & Compliance Desireé Chang. “Public feedback is vital to this process. We look forward to hearing from communities statewide as we work to finalize guidance that supports fairness, safety, and equal opportunity for everyone.”
After the 45-day public input period concludes, the PHRC will review comments and the guidance with then be brought before the Commission for final approval.
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.
###