A service animal may accompany a patient with which of the following?

• A. Pet allergies
• B. Unrelated health issues
• C. Special needs
• D. A disorder lacking disability

Answer: (C)

Service animals are specifically to help people who have disabilities by performing tasks or providing support that the person cannot do themselves. In healthcare, this means the animal may accompany a patient whose disability requires such assistance, enabling them to participate in care and safety.

The option describing special needs fits best because it signals a disability or condition that necessitates the animal’s trained assistance. A service animal isn’t required for unrelated health issues or for disorders that don’t involve a disability, and while pet allergies can be a real concern, they don’t override the patient’s right to have a trained service animal accompanying them for their disability.