Fresh from the ECAD Blog
Service Dogs play an indispensable role in the lives of many individuals with disabilities, helping them navigate the world and performing tasks.
Despite the growing prevalence of these amazing canines, many people need clarification on the proper etiquette around these dogs in public spaces.
Generally, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are typically allowed. This federal law applies to all businesses open to the public, including restaurants, hotels, taxis and shuttles, grocery and department stores, hospitals and medical offices, theaters, health clubs, parks, and zoos.
Whether you’re a business owner, a pet lover, or a passerby, you’ll likely encounter a Service Dog in a public space. Continue reading to understand how to interact with Service Dogs appropriately.
Understanding the Role of Service Dogs
Before delving into the rules of engagement, it’s essential to understand what Service Dogs do and who they assist. The ADA defines a Service Dog as “any dog individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of people with disabilities.” Disabilities can include physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities.
Service Dogs differ from emotional support animals or therapy dogs, which do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Although Service Dogs can and do provide companionship and emotional comfort, they are trained to provide assistance related to a person’s disability. For example, Service Dogs perform tasks like alerting a deaf person, pulling a wheelchair, or calming someone with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack.
Respecting Service Dogs: The Dos
Understand That a Service Dog Is Not a Pet
Yes, they’re cute and loveable, but Service Dogs undergo rigorous training to assist their handlers, and they’re considered working dogs. Respecting their space allows them to remain focused on their job.
Respect the Handler’s Privacy
Although you might be curious about a person’s disability or the dog’s role, respecting their privacy is essential. Asking intrusive questions can be considered disrespectful and might even be illegal.
Respecting Service Dogs: The Don’ts
Assume All Service Dogs Wear Vests or Other Identification
While some Service Dogs wear vests or harnesses for easy identification, the ADA does not require Service Dogs to wear a vest, ID tag, a specific harness, or documentation.
Pet Service Dogs Without Permission
It might be tempting to pet a Service Dog, but asking its handler for permission first is critical. Be aware that a handler may decline since the dog is on duty.
Feed Service Dogs
Feeding a Service Dog could disrupt its schedule and focus. The handler is responsible for feeding their Service Dog.
Understanding the correct etiquette around Service Dogs ensures their well-being and effectiveness and shows respect for their handlers who rely on them. However, interacting appropriately in public spaces isn’t just about respect — it’s about fostering an inclusive society where individuals with disabilities can navigate the world more easily. Following these dos and don’ts, you’re helping create a more understanding and compassionate world for everyone.
If you found this article informative and helpful, please consider sharing it. More awareness about Service Dogs and the correct etiquette around them will benefit everyone in public spaces.
How To Obtain a Service Dog
Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD) breed Service Dogs and train them as puppies. By the time they’re nine months, they know several commands. They then undergo extensive training for 18 to 24 months before they are matched with someone.
Each person's final training is individualized once a potential match has been identified. When a client arrives for team training, the dog has had up to 1,500 hours of training and socialization. If you or a loved one could benefit from a Service Dog, contact Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities to learn more or apply for a Service Dog.
Help Us Transform the Lives of People Living With Disabilities
Service Dogs can significantly impact the lives of people living with disabilities. From physical assistance to emotional support, they can provide the help needed to live independently and confidently. Having a Service Dog by your side means you can enjoy a better quality of life.
Everyone can take part in helping people with disabilities with Service Dogs. Support us with a donation, bequest, planned giving, contributions to our wish list, or create a fundraiser. Your support can change someone’s life.
- Service Dogs: A Lifesaving Solution for People With Sleep Apnea and Vertigo
- Service Dogs: A Lifesaving Partner for People with Central Congenital Hypoventilation Syndrome
- People With Spinal Cord Injuries Gain Independence With a Service Dog
- Service Dogs Help People With Cerebral Palsy With Tasks and Enhance Their Well-Being
- Friedreich's Ataxia Patients Gain Mobility and Independence with Service Dogs
- How to Respect Service Dog Etiquette in Public Places
- Parkinson's Patients Gain Mobility and More With a Service Dog
- Debunking Myths and Misunderstandings About Service Dogs
- Service Dogs in Schools: Benefits, Challenges, and Policies
- Fake Service Dogs: The Growing Problem and Its Impact
- Service Dogs Can Improve Life for People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
- Service Dogs: Transforming the Lives of People With Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Service Dogs in the Workplace: Rights, Benefits, and Limitations
- Service Dogs Deliver Independence to People with POTS Disease
- Service Dogs Provide Improved Mobility and Independence to People With ALS
- Service Dogs Give Muscular Dystrophy Patients a Better Quality of Life
- A New Twist On the Dog Days of Summer
- Service Dogs Are Loyal Canine Companions
- A Canine Bundle of Joy
- Volunteers: The Heart and Soul of a Nonprofit
- Autism Service Dogs Offer Safety, Security, and a Larger World
- Service Dogs: Helping People with Multiple Sclerosis
- Ideas for Naming Your Dog—Or These Puppies!
- Best Service Dogs: Stories of Dogs Making a Difference
- What Do Autism Service Dogs Do?
- Help Lucas Get A Service Dog
- Walking By My Side: Hailey and Service Dog Honor
- How You and Service Dog Passion are Changing Brian's Life
- Stories About Dogs Changing Lives: Matthew and Gunner
- How to Acquire a Service Dog
- Veteran PTSD Symptoms & What To Do
- How to Help Veterans: Service Dogs Can Improve and Save Lives
- A Story from ECAD's Nursery Team
- Canine Companions & Service Dogs: How They Help
- Service Dog Training: Breeding, Nurturing and Training
- Service Dog Trainers: Meet the ECAD Team!
- Where Can Service Dogs Go?
- Your Gift to ECAD Makes an Impact this Year End
- A Veteran's Day Thank You: Service Dogs Making a Difference
- National Service Dog Month: How Service Dogs Make a Difference
- Service Dogs are Essential Workers Too: Jeanie and McGrew’s Story
- Service Dogs and COVID-19: Needed More than Ever
- Puppy Naming Auction
- ECAD & PAWP
- Join Us in Feel Good Friday
- Judy’s Leaving a Legacy
- One Dog, One Million Reasons to Be Thankful: Beth’s Story
- This #GivingTuesday, Your Donation to ECAD is Tripled!
- A Veteran’s Best Friend: Charlie’s Story
- In Honor of Tuesday
- Labor of Love: Gaining Independence Through ECAD’s Open Door Program
- Service Dogs for PTSD: A Treatment Like No Other
- ECAD's Facility Dogs Help Change Lives Too
- Service Dog Zoom Backgrounds
- A Window into ECAD Team Training
- YOU SAVED ADRIAN’S LIFE! How Service Dogs for Children With Autism Save Lives
- How ECAD’s High Standards Make an Impact
- This Veteran and his Service Dog are More than Just a Team - Thanks to You!
- Laura Has Hope for the Future Because of YOU
- Service Dog Sterling is a Lifesaver—LITERALLY!
- Celebrating International Assistance Dog Week with Heather and Service Dog Marea
- How Tony Charles, a Veteran, Regained his Independence with the Help of his Service Dog and YOU
- A Father’s Day Gift
- An ECAD Mother's Day Story
- Volunteer to Handle Service Dogs in CT – One Volunteer’s Story
- Types of Assistance Dogs
- How Do Service Dogs Help?
- What Are the Laws About Service Dogs?