SERVICE DOG RULES FOR THE STATE OF GEORGIA        Ga. Code Ann., § 16-11-107.1

What Counts as a Service Animal in Georgia? 

Under Georgia law, those who are blind or have a visual disability, are deaf, or have another physical disability may bring a guide dog or service dog into public accommodations. The dog must have been trained specially to provide assistance by a school for seeing-eye, hearing, service, or guide dogs. The law defines a physical disability as a physiological deficiency or defect that renders the person unable to move around without aid, or limits the ability to walk, climb, ascend, sit, rise, or perform related functions. Note that this definition doesn't include mental, developmental, or intellectual disabilities. Therefore, psychiatric service animals are likely not covered by the law, unless they assist someone who also has a disability that creates the mobility or sensory restrictions discussed above. 

The ADA defines a service animal as a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks or do work for the benefit of a person with a physical or mental disability. (In some cases, a miniature horse may also qualify as a service animal under the ADA.) The tasks or work the animal does must be directly related to the person's disability. 

Neither law covers ordinary pets or what some call "emotional support animals": animals that provide a sense of safety, companionship, and comfort to those with psychiatric or emotional disabilities or conditions. Although these animals often have therapeutic benefits, they are not individually trained to perform specific tasks for their handlers. Under the ADA and Georgia law, owners of public accommodations are not required to allow emotional support animals, only service animals.