National Assistance Dog and Service Dog Day: Learn More About Service Dogs, Public Access, and Traveling with a Task-Trained Dog

We really love dogs here at Classic, whether they be a family pet, an ESA, a therapy dog, or a working canine.  So, since today is National Assistance Dog Day, we will be celebrating the many tasks and jobs that hardworking pups do across the globe as service animals to their handlers!

You may see these special canines (and even sometimes miniature horses) out and about during your daily activities. Service dogs will work alongside their handlers in all sorts of public places such as malls or theme parks or stores, accompany their handlers on mass transit or taxis and uber, and are able to assist at hospitals, dentists, and doctors offices, or even schools and universities.  Let’s take a look at some of the dos-and-don’ts, ins-and-outs surrounding the different things you need to know about Service Dogs and Assistance Dogs to learn more!

What is a task-trained Service Dog or Assistance Dog?

A service dog is task-trained to provide assistance and/or mitigate a person’s disabilities.  They have been individually trained to perform a task such as retrieve, alert, mobility assistance, etc.  Service Animals require a specific temperament and personality, and are federally protected working animals.  The work or task they perform must be specifically related to the handler’s disability. A person’s disability may be visibly apparent, or may be considered an “invisible disability or invisible illness” meaning signs may not be overtly obvious; service teams of all kinds are valid, regardless. 

Here Are Some of The Types of Service Dogs You May See:

• Guide Dogs
• Hearing Dogs
• Brace/Mobility Assistance Dogs
• Diabetic Alert Dogs
• Seizure Alert and Seizure Response Dogs
• Psychiatric Service Dogs
• Autism Support Dogs
• Allergy Detection Dogs
• PTSD Service Dogs

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This list is not an exhaustive one, and a service dogs tasks are specifically tailored to their handler’s needs. If you see one of these canine good citizens out and about you may notice they have a special leash wrap, harness, cape or vest with a designation; please adhere to the requests on the handler’s signage. While service animals are not required to be labeled or vested, many handlers do opt to do so for easier public access, smoother travel, and to help the public understand not to interact with these task-trained animals.  These animals have spent years of training and had thorough education in their specialized areas to be able to best assist their owners to lead a more independent, accessible life. They are held to an extremely high standard for behavior as well as grooming, far beyond that of the average household pet.  Some states and countries have specific laws covering Service Dogs in Training versus a fully-trained Service Dog.

There are no limitations to size or breed of service animals, but you may see the “Fab Four” of breed  options (Labradors, Collies, Poodles, Golden Retrievers) or you may see more unconventional breeds such as Chihuahuas, Yorkies, Pitbulls, or even mixed breed rescue/shelter animals! 

A doctor’s note or letter is not the only requirement to certify animals as a service animal, though the guidance and endorsement of medical professionals does help. What makes a Service Dog an official working dog is that they have been through a rigorous program of obedience and behavior management and explicitly specific task training classes with a professional or owner-trained.  In the United States, there are no official Service Dog registries, but in other areas of the world such as Canada and Europe, there are Assistance Dog registries which may require certifications and parameters to follow; each region will have its own rules and regulations for residents and visiting travelers.

How do Service Dog Teams Travel safely in cars and on public transport?

Service Dog handlers and trainers do their best to prepare dogs for public transport such as trains, buses, airplanes and cars. They’ll utilize different environments such as hardware stores, sitting on park benches near a busy street, and may even have them ride on a cart or in a wagon. These things help socialize the dogs to different environmental stimuli so they can learn to settle quietly even amidst noises, bumps, jiggles, and movement.

Chartered car services and public transportation may not refuse service to a passenger due to the presence of a task-trained working service dog; service animals must be allowed public access same as the owner, even on ride share services such as Uber or Lyft or private taxi/limo.

Service dogs will usually be trained with a catchphrase for loading and unloading into the vehicle, and must sit quietly after doing so.  They should not be allowed to roam from front to back. They should remain calm and quiet when someone approaches the vehicle, and await their handlers cue to enter. On public transportation or car services, they will generally ride tucked under a seat or on the floor near their owner’s feet; most handlers will not have their dog on the seat unless it is required for tasking.

If you see a service animal in a public environment or on public transportation, here are some do’s-and-don’t’s:

Businesses may legally ask only two questions of a Service Dog Team to assess their legitimacy: “Is the dog a Service Animal” and “What tasks does the animal perform?” They may not ask further questions or for a demonstration.

If you see a team working in public not approach or distract the animal; if you have a question, approach the handler only.  Remember, these dogs have a very important job to do; i’s not appropriate to make kissy noises, whistles, or other physical or verbal cues to get a Service Dog’s attention. You may approach the handler respectfully if you have questions, but please be aware they may not be able to respond to you or may not wish to answer questions. 

Assume that every dog you meet is a working canine, and never touch a service dog without permission first. Likewise, do not allow your dog to walk up to other dogs without asking permission or speaking to the handler to verify.  Service dogs may not be vested or tagged at all times, and it is not a requirement of ADA regulations that they do so.  Be mindful of interactions with dogs in public and always ask a handler if it is safe to pet or approach the animal. It may be someone’s mobility aid or medical device!  Allowing other dogs to interact without permission can cause irreparable damage to this working team.

Remember: Dogs are not robots, and mistakes do happen.  Service dogs undergo an average of 2 years worth of training before they’re fit for the job, and it requires rigorous training and public access tests.  If you see a working dog in an unexpected place such as a food establishment or public transportation, they’re allowed to be there and the establishment will handle it.  Although service dogs are trained for public access, they’re still dogs and may have days off the same as any human even if they’ve been working for several years. A handler will correct.

An Unattended Service Dog who approaches you may be a sign that its handler needs help.  If you see a service dog wandering around without its handler and it approaches you, follow the dog and it will lead you to its owner.  You can identify the handler, assess the situation, check for medical info, and call 9-1-1 if needed.  A service dog may nudge, paw, or bark at you to alert you to an emergency situation.

Where can I go with my Pet or ESA?

If you’re looking for some fun, dog friendly things to do with your household pet or ESA, we’ve got some great blogs to peruse! Check out our past posts for dog-friendly camping, restaurants, breweries, beaches, and more. We also have some posts with some great safety gear to keep your pets safe and sound on your travels.  And, of course, feel free to suggest your own dog-friendly ideas in the comments!

Remember to always check with a public venue to see if pets are allowed before bringing your furry bestie in tow. Be respectful of the rules if it is a Service Dog/Assistance Dog only facility; this includes but is not limited to retail stores, public transportation, hotels, and offices.

We all love going on adventures with our pets, but it’s important to remember that disobeying legal restrictions can put a Service Dog Team’s safety at risk; reactive animals or even just an overly friendly pet can distract a working dog and thus cause harm to a team.  Additionally, impersonating a Service Dog to bring a pet or ESA into public is a genuine legal issue, and some states classify this as a misdemeanor punishable by hefty fines, community service, or even jail time. 

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