Service Dog Information

Service dogs are dogs that have been individually trained to perform a specific task for individuals who have disabilities. The disabilities can vary greatly, and so do the tasks that the service dogs perform. Service dogs can aid in navigation for people who are hearing- and visually impaired, assist an individual who is having a seizure, calm an individual who suffers from Post-Traumatic
Stress Disorder, and even dial 911 in the event of an emergency. Many disabled individuals depend on them every day to help them live their everyday lives.
Service dogs are protected under federal law
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an individual with a disability is entitled to a service dog to help them live their lives normally. The ADA protects disabled individuals by allowing them to bring their service dog with them to most places that the public is permitted, including restaurants, hotels, housing complexes, and even in air travel. Any dog can be a service dog, and service dogs do not have to be professionally-trained. The important thing is that the dog is trained to be a working animal and not a pet.
Most Common Reasons Listed For Service Dog Needs.
Arthritis, Ataxia (Poor Balance), Autism, Blindness (or Poor Vision), Cancer, Cardio/ Pulmonary Disease, Cerebral Palsy, Deafness Or Hearing Impaired, Diabetes, Medical Alert Needs, Multiple Sclerosis (MS),Pain Related, PTSD, Physical Mobility Issues, Psychiatric Disabilities, Seizure Disorders, Severe Allergy Alert, Spina Bifida, Spinal Cord/Head Trauma, Stroke,
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Spinone Italiano as a Service Dog
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Staffordshire Bull Terrier as a Service Dog
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Standard Schnauzer as a Service Dog
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Sussex Spaniel as a Service Dog
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Swedish Vallhund as a Service Dog
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Tibetan Mastiff as a Service Dog
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Tibetan Spaniel as a Service Dog
The Tibetan Spaniel, often revered as a "little lion," is a captivating breed known for its charming appearance and intelligent…
Tibetan Terrier as a Service Dog
The Tibetan Terrier, often referred to as the "Holy Dog of Tibet," is a unique and intriguing breed. While not…
Toy Fox Terrier as a Service Dog
Toy Fox Terrier Overview The Toy Fox Terrier may not be the first breed that comes to mind when thinking…
Treeing Walker Coonhound as a Service Dog
As a highly intelligent and driven breed, the Treeing Walker Coonhound presents both intriguing possibilities and distinct challenges when considered…
Vizsla as a Service Dog
The Vizsla, a Hungarian hunting dog renowned for its striking appearance and impressive agility, is gradually gaining recognition as a…
Weimaraner as a Service Dog
The Weimaraner, often called the "Grey Ghost" due to its sleek, silver-grey coat, is a breed celebrated for its beauty,…
Welsh Springer Spaniel as a Service Dog
Welsh Springer Spaniels, a charming and energetic breed, have been known for their versatility and dedication. While they may not…
Welsh Terrier as a Service Dog
Welsh Terriers, with their distinct wiring coats and spirited personalities, are a breed that captures the interest of many dog…
West Highland White Terrier as a Service Dog
The role of service dogs in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities is well-recognized. While breeds such…
Whippet as a Service Dog
Whippet Overview Whippets, with their elegant and athletic build, are often celebrated for their speed and grace, akin to the…
Wire Fox Terrier as a Service Dog
Wire Fox Terrier Overview The Wire Fox Terrier is known for its lively spirit and cleverness. This breed, with its…
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon as a Service Dog
Wirehaired Pointing Griffons are known for their versatility, intelligence, and adaptability. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they possess unique characteristics…
Wirehaired Vizsla as a Service Dog
The Wirehaired Vizsla, a distinguished and versatile breed, is gaining popularity as a service dog due to its unique combination…
Xoloitzcuintli as a Service Dog
The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is a breed with ancient roots that has gained modern interest…
Identifying service dogs for the public
Service dogs are often identified by wearing a service dog vest or tag, letting the public know that it is a service dog; otherwise, their handlers will find themselves having to explain everywhere that they go that their dog is a service dog. Some businesses, such as airlines, prefer to see an identification card or vest that indicates that the dog is a service dog.
The Americans with Disabilities Act has a specific definition of a disability, and it states essentially that a disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual.
Partial List of Qualified Disabilities
A disability can take many forms, including bodily functions such as those of the neurological, respiratory, digestive, circulatory, and reproductive systems.
| Physical Problems
Asthma (or other breathing problems) |
Emotional Dog Qualifications
Anxiety |
Do you have a Disability?
If you are limited in your ability to perform major life tasks such as seeing, hearing, standing, walking, eating, sleeping, thinking, speaking, or other similar tasks, then you likely have a disability that would make you eligible to have a service dog under ADA laws. The service dog helps you in performing the particular tasks that you would otherwise be unable to perform without the service dog.
Your Disability and Public Knowledge
You are NOT allowed to be asked by an owner, manager, or other representative of a business what your disability is that allows you to have a service dog. That information is private and you do not have to disclose it to anyone if you are asked. The only information that may be asked is if it is a service dog, and what tasks the service dog is trained to perform for you. For example, if you have a mental illness that requires that you take medication and your service dog is trained to alert you when it is time to take your medication by tugging at your shirt, then you may explain the task your service dog performs, but you are not obligated to divulge the nature of your illness or disability.
Living With Your Service Dog
ADA law gives individuals the right to live with their service dog regardless of any building or residences with a no pet policy. A service dog is not considered a pet and is required for daily life functions and activities. Building managers or landlords may not refuse your service dog nor may they require you to submit any pet deposits or fees for your service dog.
Hotels fall under the same policy as well. They are not permitted to deny access to you or your service dog and may not charge any extra fees or collect any deposits.
Flying With Your Service Dog
ADA law also allows service dogs on airplanes when individuals with service dogs are traveling and they do not have to pay an extra fee to have their service dog by their side. Here are the guidelines that some of the airlines have with regards to flying with your service dog:
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Federal Law Prohibits Discrimination Of Breed,Size,Training Level Or Age Of Any Emotional Support Or Service Dog.









