NV Court Says No Special Training Required for Service/Assistance Animal under FHA

US District Court, District of Nevada decision (May 23, 2014).

This case involves an ongoing legal battle between HOA members and their homeowners association over the members’ right to bring their Chiwawa dog (Angel) in the common area clubhouse. The homeowners contended that under the Federal Housing Act (FHA), the dog qualified as a service or assistance animal and was necessary to provide assistance because of a disability. The association challenged whether or not the dog was actually trained to provide the alleged assistance and whether or not assistance from the dog was necessary for the members to enjoy use of the association’s clubhouse.