Service Dog Etiquette
A service dog is specially trained to assist a person with a disability and may accompany its handler wherever they go.
Please keep a respectful, open mind toward the working teams you meet: a handler’s disabilities may not be immediately apparent.
Our dogs can assist with “invisible disabilities:”
Seizure alert dogs
Hearing dogs
PTSD dogs perform “block” or “cover” and other reassuring tasks
Bracing dogs help handlers to sit or stand
An entity that allows access to the general public must allow access to a service dog team. No paperwork or ID should be requested, as per the ADA. If the service an animal provides is not obvious, staff can legally ask these two questions only:
Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
It is crucial to recognize that when dog and handler are together as a “team” in public, the two are working partners. The public must allow a service dog to focus on its handler’s needs. One should never reach out and pet or touch a service dog. A quick “hello” could distract the dog from alerting its handler to a problem (e.g. a seizure) and could endanger the handler’s life.
Ask before approaching a working team.
Each service dog handler has their own comfort level about talking with strangers about their dog and their own disability. Understandably, some are very cautious and private, while others will welcome your interest. Please do not be offended if a handler chooses to not engage in conversation nor allow interaction with their dog. Handlers get many requests per outing.
For the health and safety of the service dog team, please remember these tips:
Keep snacks for yourself. Never offer food of any kind to a service dog unless the handler has specifically approved it.
Keep calm and quiet. Do not call out or cause any distraction for the service dog.
Keep children and pets under control. Do not allow them to rush the service dog.
Thank you for respecting working teams!