By Meghan L. Mills, PhD

NCHPAD Operations Director

The use of a Service Dog is a civil right afforded to people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that service dogs must be allowed to accompany people with disabilities “in all areas of [a] facility where the public is allowed to go.”

As a service dog user (and researcher), I often get a lot of questions when people see me out in public with my service dog, Arrow. And as a person with a largely “invisible” disability, I know the importance of sharing clear and reliable information about service dog teams.

Know that while the ADA does not “approve” or certify  service dog teams, a service dog team is defined as a specially trained dog who can perform specific tasks to mitigate/assist/etc. a physical or mental disability of a person, or handler, they are teamed with.

Here are some of my top tips for how to act around a service dog team:

Don’t pet a service dog.

You may love dogs, or you may have allergies or be afraid of dogs. Either way, most handlers strongly prefer that you not pet their service dogs or interrupt their work. Don’t be offended.

According to the ADA, service dog teams cannot be denied entry anywhere because of allergy risk. Service dogs are also bathed and groomed regularly. As long as you are not touching the dog, they pose no more allergy risk than pet dander on clothing.

 If you are afraid of dogs, know that you are safe around service dogs. Service dogs are obedient and undergo extensive training.

Don’t distract a service dog.

Service dogs are very well trained, but interfering with a service dog while they are working could put their handler’s life in danger.  

Ignore the service dog. Address the person.

When approaching or talking to a service dog team, acknowledge the person. Don’t center the conversation around the service dog, and respect boundaries.

Don’t approach a service dog with your own pet.

Remember, service dogs are working. Allow the dog to concentrate and don’t be a distraction.

If a service dog team looks like they need help, ask first.  

Ask the handler if they need any help, and don’t try to take control of a situation without consent.

If you wouldn’t do something to someone’s wheelchair, do not do it to their service dog. 

The service dog is as important to an owner as another assistive device like a wheelchair or cane.

Not all disabilities are visible. Don’t ask personal medical questions.

Don’t assume anything about a handler. They might not want to discuss their medical history or specifics about their service dog.