What type of animal is explicitly allowed on the Valley Metro Light Rail?

Service animals that assist their owners are specifically allowed on the Valley Metro Light Rail due to their defined role in providing support and assistance to individuals with disabilities. These animals are trained to perform tasks directly related to the person’s disability, such as guiding individuals with visual impairments or alerting those who are hearing impaired.

The legal framework governing service animals, particularly the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), stipulates that only dogs are recognized as service animals, and they must be trained to perform specific tasks. This distinction is important because it sets service animals apart from other types of animals like emotional support animals and therapy animals, which may not have the same level of specialized training or tasks directly associated with disability assistance.

By allowing only service animals, the Valley Metro Light Rail accommodates individuals who rely on these animals for crucial everyday support, while maintaining a focus on safety and the comfort of all passengers.