Service and Emotional Support Animals: Updates on Animal Accommodation Laws (2024 Edition)

Abby Volin | D.C. Government and Animal Accommodation Law Specialist

Abby Volin is a nationally recognized subject matter leader on animal accommodation laws. She previously worked at the DC Office of Disability Rights, whose mission is to oversee the implementation of the District of Columbia’s obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Prior to this role, she founded a consulting and legal firm that helped residential and commercial property professionals manage pets on properties. She also worked at the Humane Society of the United States as a public policy specialist focusing on housing and dog breed legislation. Before her venture into animal welfare and disability rights, Ms. Volin worked as a litigator in the New York City office of Harris Beach PLLC and is licensed as an attorney in New York, and New Jersey, and Washington, D.C. She holds a JD from Loyola University Chicago and a BA in quantitative economics and community health from Tufts University.

I. The basics of animal accommodation laws and updates | 2:00pm – 2:30pm

II. The distinctions between service, assistance, and comfort/therapy animals | 2:30pm – 3:00pm

Break | 3:00pm – 3:10pm

III. Protections available for individuals living with a disability under various laws | 3:10pm – 3:40pm

IV. How to combat fraudulent requests | 3:40pm – 4:10pm