1. Types of Support Animals
2. The ADA
A service dog is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as: “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” There are no breed regulations, however, the animal must be appropriately sized for their work (for example, a chihuahua is not the right breed for balance support work, but a terrier might be perfect for blood sugar alert work].
3. What qualifications should an ESA or SD have?
There is no standard set of ESA or SD training. An ESA is expected to be well-behaved, when with their owner. They provide comfort to their owner. A SD is trained to do a task (or none if their task is work), as well as pass a public access test. Some handlers use a “minimum of three task” rule, but that is not the law.
4. Does an ESA or SD require certification?
An ESA requires a doctor’s letter, but a service dog does not. There is no country-wide or state- wide certification.
5. Where is an ESA or SD allowed?
ESA’s are allowed live in no-pet living spaces, pet-friendly stores, but not in grocery stores or other general spaces. ESA’s are currently allowed on planes. SD’s are allowed in no-pet living spaces and all public spaces, as they are considered medical equipment. SD’s are allowed on planes. They must be granted public access. In a public place, employees may ask only two questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
6. Misrepresentation?
First of all, untrained dogs are distracting to working dogs and can be potentially dangerous if the working dog isn't able to focus on their owner. Second, state laws are being implemented to make it a misdemeanor or fineable offense to misrepresent an animal as a SD or ESA.
7. Flying?
Both ESA's and SD's must be well- behaved in airports. Each airline may have a different set of rules to abide by. Documentation may be required for clients flying with ESA's or psychiatric service animals. If you fly with an SD or ESA, be aware that they are governed under a different set of rules by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACA). For more information go to: https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/service-animals-including-emotional-support-animals
8. “OMG! That doggo is so cute! Can I pet it?”
Always ask before petting someone’s animal. Often, a SD or ESA handler has been asked that questions a hundred times already today. SD’s have important jobs to do. If you pet a SD, you may risk the owner’s safety. Not all animals like to be pet and you can’t always tell their disposition by looking at them, so ask their owner first. Some dogs wear vests– never pet a dog if they are wearing one, without asking their owner first– and always respect an owner’s right to say no.
9. Is a service dog required to wear a vest?
The ADA does not require a service animal to wear a special vest or patch. However, different pieces of equipment (such as a vest or harness), have different uses. For example, many service dogs are trained that wearing a vest means “work” and not wearing a vest means “play”.
10. What is your SD or ESA for?
This is a very personal question. It is not appropriate to ask. An SD handler is not required to answer this for you. If you work in a public and are concerned, you may only ask the questions from number 5. (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
11. What kind of training do they require? Where do I get one? Can I have one?
First, one must have a disability to qualify for an ESA or SD. ESA’s require no specific training, but do require basic manners. Service dogs may be trained by non-profit organizations, small businesses, single trainers, by owners, or any combination of these. A service dog is always in training and always practicing.
12. Isn’t this animal abuse?
No! These dogs love to work. While your pet stays home alone all day, these animals get to hang out with their humans. These dogs are more taken care or and see more vets than most humans.
13. In Conclusion
In conclusion, look at a Service Dog like any other type of medical equipment. Do not talk, stare, or take photos of it. Look at the handler (not their animal) when you’re talking to them. Understand that dogs are not machines and can have bad days just like humans. Remember that service dog handlers are probably just as annoyed (if not more) by “fake service animals”. Grant the same basic human decency to handlers and their dogs, that you would (hopefully) give any other person.
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