Why is a Service Dog Not a Pet?
Jack and Jake are Service Dogs
Simply said, Service Dogs are not pets. Learn why this statement is true below.
If you have a service dog assisting you in your day-to-day life and even if you consider them as part of the family as a beloved pet, they are working dogs first!
White Poodle Service Dog Helping with Laundry
It’s the Law
We understand it’s almost impossible not to see your incredible service dog being more than just an indispensable part of your daily life as they assist you. We get it. In addition to the priceless actions and tasks they do for you daily, you also have a tight, emotional bond with them like any other kind of family pet!
However, the ADA Act (Americans with Disabilities Act) strictly defines and protects all service dogs under federal law as working dogs “trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.” (As of March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as legal service animals.)
Also, viewing a service dog as a pet over a working dog can do them a great disservice especially when they are working. Keep reading to learn how.
Service Dogs are Legally Recognized as Medical Equipment
Working Dog vs. Pet
While most dog owners enjoy sharing their beloved K9s with everyone they meet, the same does not apply to a working service dog.
Remember, the service dog is a legally recognized “medical device” for the disabled handler. Can you imagine a person walking up to a person in a wheelchair and asking to take it for a spin? Or asking someone with an oxygen tank if they can take just a quick whiff?
Of course not.
It’s the same with a working service dog. It’s never okay to approach a working service dog and distract them from their important work. Doing so can:
Distract the dog from properly doing its job; and
Put the handler at risk or injury.
Interrupting the team can also break the dog’s concentration and confuse them. Also, imagine how unsettling it can be for the handler to be approached/interrupted by a complete stranger without an invitation.
Learn more about this important topic from our earlier blog: “Please Do Not Pet My Service Dog.”
MobilityDog’s Founder, Janie Henrich with Her Service Dog
Sometimes a service dog handler may ask you to meet their dog if they are working on socialization. But always wait for an invitation before interacting with the working K9 or handler. Never assume it’s ok.
Also, no matter how curious you are, never interrupt the working service dog team to ask questions. Imagine if your life and dependence solely depended upon a service dog. Now imagine total strangers constantly approaching you with intrusive questions. It’s rude behavior and you could be breaking the law!
Service Dog in Training in a Grocery Store
Again, It’s the Law
Under the ADA, only two specific questions are allowed:
Is your dog a service animal/dog for a disability?
The ADA does not require the dog to wear an identifying vest, ID tag, or harness.
Also, the ADA also does not require mandatory registration of service animals.
What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
All other questions are prohibited by the American Disabilities Act.
So, the next time you’re out and about and observe a working service dog team, just offer a warm smile and allow the team to get where they’re going safely.
All Images Courtesy of MobilityDog.org.
Mobility Service Dogs West Coast Project
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