Service Dogs

Service Dogs are dogs that have been trained to perform a specific task, or multiple tasks, that assist their handler with their disability in some way. These dogs are different from Emotional Support Dogs (ESA) and Therapy Dogs, as providing emotional support or comfort is not qualified as a task related to a person’s disability. They are also granted access to the vast majority of public spaces, within reason. It’s also important to note that Service Dogs can be any breed and any size of dog as long as it does not hinder their ability to complete the tasks they have been trained for.

Because Service Dogs are not required to wear vests in public, a dog that is wearing a vest is not necessarily a service animal. Service Dogs still need to go through specific, intentional training to perform a task for an individual with a disability in order to be a service animal. They also must be able to function without disruption in public spaces, maintaining their composure around various stressors like other people, other dogs, loud and sudden noises, being bumped or stepped on, etc.

Due to the need for a Service Dog to be well-composed and well-trained, it is highly recommended to have your dog evaluated with a Temperament Test and complete at least a Basic Obedience training program with your dog. Once that is complete or even during if possible, you’ll want to have them trained to perform the specific task(s) they’ll need to assist with the disability. Many Service Dog owners also obtain a Canine Good Citizen title as proof of their dog’s training and general demeanor.

Here at The Clever Canine, we’re well-versed in assisting owners with their Service Dog needs. We’ve helped provide training to aide in many different disabilities and can help you reach your goals with ease. Whether you’re just starting out or are needing to further your training for your Service Dog, check out our Dog Training Pricing and Packages and let us know how we can help by Contacting Us!

Some examples of tasks that Service Dogs are trained to provide are:

• An individual who is blind may have their dog help them navigate their environment
• An individual with mobility issues may have their dog help them open and close doors
• An individual with depression or anxiety may have their dog remind them to take their medication at specific points or moments
• An individual who uses a wheelchair may have their dog retrieve objects for them
• An individual with epilepsy may have their dog trained to detect the beginning of a seizure and also help them remain safe during said seizure
• An individual with stability issues may have their dog assist them when getting up to stand or when standing overall
• An individual with PTSD may have their dog alert them to an oncoming panic attack

In general, Service Dogs are allowed to be with their person at all times, even in public spaces that don’t typically allow pets. For example:

• Shops/stores
• Restaurants
• Hospitals
• Hotels
• Schools
• Transportation

Where are Service Dogs not allowed to go? In general, service animals cannot be restricted from most spaces - but - a business or facility does not need to allow service animals in specific spaces if their presence will fundamentally alter the nature of the business, their activities, or their services. A good example of ”fundamentally altering” is a hospital’s operating room where the presence of an animal will compromise, or alter, the sterile environment needed to perform a surgery.

If a manager or owner of a public space thinks it is unclear that an individual’s dog is a Service Dog, there are some things they can and can’t ask. 

They CAN ask if the dog is a service animal required because of a disability. They can also ask what task the dog has been trained to perform.

They CANNOT ask for any documentation stating the dog is licensed, registered, or certified as a service animal. They also cannot ask that the dog demonstrates its trained task or inquire about the nature of the individual’s disability.

Businesses are also within their rights to ask an individual to remove their service animal if the dog is not housebroken, or the dog is out of control and disruptive to the environment around them. True Service Dogs are able to be in public without issue, blend in and remain calm/focussed to assist their owner whenever needed, and are non-reactive toward other people and dogs.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) covers the following types of housing:

• Emergency shelters
• Public housing programs
• Housing at public or private universities
• Rental properties, regardless of the landlord’s pet policies

Under the Fair Housing Act, an owner with a Service Dog has the right to keep their dog in the home regardless of what the landlord’s pet rules are. As long as the resident or applicant can provide proper documentation for their Service Dog and that dog is trained to assist with their disability, the landlord also won’t charge any pet fees. If there are any damages done by the Service Dog though, this is not covered and the owner of the dog will be responsible for those damages.

Under the Air Carrier Access Act, the rights of individuals with disabilities are protected during air travel. For information on this topic and how it would apply to you, or to file a complaint, you’ll want to contact the Department of Transportation (DOT), Aviation Consumer Protection Division at 202-366-2220.