Service Dogs in Public- How To Be A Good Ally

When I was first diagnosed with hereditary spastic paraplegia, I wanted a service dog to help me if I fell, and to retrieve items for me on days I couldn't walk, such as medications, water, and other important things one needs throughout the day. I have since gained a lot more mobility and don't have a need for a service dog. However, I watch other disabled content creators with service dogs, and I want to discuss proper service animal etiquette. This week, I want to define what a service dog is and share ways to be an ally to someone with a service dog.

---

What is a service animal? According to the ADA (2020), a service animal, as of 2015, is a dog or miniature horse that is trained to perform a task for a person with a disability. Examples of tasks include guiding a blind person, alerting deaf people of noises, altering for medication, assisting with PTSD symptoms, warning people of seizures, and more. All businesses that are open to the public must allow service dogs. Service animals must be on a leash or under control in some way, unless this is impossible. The dog must be housebroken and trained. Service animals must be allowed in businesses, even if other animals are not permitted. Allergies are not a valid reason to deny access to a service animal. Additionally, owners of service animals may be charged if their animal causes damage to a business. Service animals may only be asked to leave an establishment if they are acting in a destructive way to others or the business. According to the ADA (2020), business owners or staff are only allowed to ask two questions about service animals: "Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?" The second question is, "What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?" Lastly, service animals are not required to get certifications or wear special badges identifying themselves as legitimate service animals.

Emotional support animals are not protected by the ADA, and are not allowed in public spaces the same way service animals are. Registered emotional support animals help provide comfort for those with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other psychological disorders (US Service Animals, n.d.). Emotional service animals are pets, not trained medical equipment. If you want to have an emotional support animal, you must obtain a letter from a medical professional, such as a therapist. The Fair Housing Act allows emotional support animals in rental units and other living arrangements that do not allow pets, provided proper documentation is provided. However, emotional support animals are not afforded the same public access as service animals. They can include any animal as long as it is not violent and has been properly domesticated (US Service Animals, n.d.).

---

Now that I have defined what a service dog is, I want to talk about service animal etiquette. The most effective way to help someone with a service dog is to leave it alone. Service dogs in public are often working to assist their owners with tasks they are trained to perform. By talking to the animal, petting it, or engaging in any other interaction, the animal risks becoming distracted from the tasks it is performing. I'm sure the dog or mini horse is adorable, but it is working and should be left alone. You can ask if you can pet the animal, but be prepared for the answer to be no and move on. Additionally, you can ask if someone needs help, but be prepared for the answer to be no and respect it. Another way to help someone with a service dog is to refrain from staring. When I have a cane, wheelchair, or other noticeable mobility equipment, I suddenly feel much more exposed. Don't stare beyond what is a typical interaction, and leave the service animal to help the person they are trained to assist. Lastly, don't ask invasive questions. Remember that individuals with service animals are protected under the ADA and may not want to answer personal medical questions.

The best way to help someone with a service animal is to leave them be. Don't pet the animal without asking, and don't beg to pet the animal after the owner says no. This might seem obvious, but the animal is performing an essential task and needs to stay focused and alert to help the person with the service animal. By maintaining mutual respect, people with service animals can access public spaces with equitable accommodations.

---

Thank you for reading about ways to be an ally for people with service animals.  If you have any questions or comments, please comment on the blog, reach out at @Anniekrollblog on Instagram or Facebook, or email me at Anniekrollblog@gmail.com. I hope to see you next week!