A Service Dog is a "Medical Device?" Absolutely!

Yes, service dogs are legally recognized as “necessary medical equipment” for a disabled person to maintain their life and lifestyle.

So, just like you would not discriminate against a person with a wheelchair, cane, an oxygen tank or some other medical device, federal law prohibits any discrimination against a person with a service or medical dog.

The Legal Definition

A service dog (also known as a medical dog) is legally recognized as a specifically trained animal (not primarily a “pet”) serving a medical need that may – or may not - be visible. Just like necessary medical equipment, devices, or aids, service animals assist the disabled to live their life as normally and as independently as possible.

The ADA further defines service animals “as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.”

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also legally includes service animals in the same class as medical devices preventing any discrimination against the service dog or their handler when it comes to housin

Service Dogs: Types

The most well-known service or medical dog is the “seeing-eye dog.” They assist people with partial or no eyesight to independently navigate their world.

Four other types of service dogs also help with other medical needs, including:

Signal Dogs (also known as hearing dogs) help those with partial or complete hearing loss with important noises in their day-to-day life. The signal dog must also be trained to signal or alert the owner differently for each noise like the phone, doorbell, smoke alarm, crying baby, and more.
Mobility Dogs assist their humans with a variety of tasks that may be difficult or impossible to do without their service dog. Things like:

a. Walking and balance (also known as Brace/Mobility Support Dogs)

b. Opening doors

c. Pushing buttons

d. Turning lights on and off

e. Retrieving items

Medical Alert Dogs are trained to recognize and alert to certain medical conditions, including:

a. Strokes

b. Heart Attacks

c. Seizures

d. Complications with diabetes

e. Anxiety or panic attacks

f. Life-threatening allergens.

Psychiatric Assistance Dogs can recognize and alert to upcoming panic attacks, calm autistic behaviors, and generally help reduce stress, blood pressure, and more.

4 Tips to Know About Service Dogs

The Americans with Disabilities Act (or ADA) clearly defines a Service Animal and what is allowed under this legislation.

The ADA specifically defines a service animal as a trained dog to perform tasks related to their handler’s disability.
Legally, therapy, comfort, or emotional support animals are not considered service animals by the ADA.
Service dogs and their handlers are allowed free access and use of all public places without discrimination, refusal of entry, or services. Businesses or facilities which have a “no pets” policy must allow a disabled person’s service animal, a service dog team.
Public facilities and businesses are not allowed to:

a. Ask for documentation or proof.

b. Inquire about the person’s disability.

c. Ask that the dog demonstrate its trained skills.

The next time you see a service animal assisting his handler, take a moment to appreciate what a precious gift they are to those living with disabilities in being able to navigate the world freely and independently!