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,
Not Registered Yet?
Papillon as a Service Dog
The idea of using various dog breeds for specific functions has been rooted in their unique capabilities and temperaments. While…
Parson Russell Terrier as a Service Dog
The Parson Russell Terrier is a lively and intelligent breed often associated with hunting and agility sports. However, their potential…
Pekingese as a Service Dog
When considering a dog for service work, many envision larger breeds like Golden Retrievers or Labrador Retrievers. However, the regal…
Pembroke Welsh Corgi as a Service Dog
Service dogs are invaluable companions for people with disabilities, providing assistance in daily activities, offering emotional support, and enhancing overall…
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen as a Service Dog
The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen (PBGV) is a charming and spirited small dog known for its merry disposition and adventurous…
Pharaoh Hound as a Service Dog
Exploring the unique capabilities of different dog breeds for service works can greatly influence the success of their placements. The…
Plott Hound as a Service Dog
The Plott Hound is a relatively under-the-radar breed when it comes to service work, but it has qualities that make…
Pointer as a Service Dog
Pointers, renowned for their hunting prowess and unparalleled agility, may not be the first breed that comes to mind when…
Polish Lowland Sheepdog as a Service Dog
The Polish Lowland Sheepdog, also known as the Polski Owczarek Nizinny or PON, is a medium-sized, robust dog breed known…
Pomeranian as a Service Dog
In the realm of service dogs, breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers often steal the spotlight due to their…
Poodle as a Service Dog
The Poodle, an elegant and intelligent breed, is often seen donned in elaborate coat patterns in dog shows. However, their…
Portuguese Podengo Pequeno as a Service Dog
The Portuguese Podengo Pequeno is a small, agile, and lively breed known for its hunting prowess and unique blend of…
Portuguese Water Dog as a Service Dog
The Portuguese Water Dog, with its rich history of working alongside fishermen and its versatile skill set, presents itself as…
Pug as a Service Dog
Service dogs play a vital role in assisting individuals with varying disabilities. The demand for different types of service dogs…
Puli as a Service Dog
The role of a service dog is both critical and diverse, serving individuals with varying disabilities and needs. While many…
Pumi as a Service Dog
The demand for service dogs continues to grow as more people discover the invaluable assistance and companionship these animals provide.…
Pyrenean Shepherd as a Service Dog
Service dogs provide invaluable support to individuals with disabilities, and choosing the right breed is crucial to ensuring both effective…
Rat Terrier as a Service Dog
Understanding the suitability of different dog breeds for service roles is essential as each breed comes with its unique set…
Redbone Coonhound as a Service Dog
Redbone Coonhound Overview The Redbone Coonhound is a breed that traces its origins back to American colonial times, recognized for…
Rhodesian Ridgeback as a Service Dog
Rhodesian Ridgeback Overview The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed renowned for its distinctive ridge of hair that runs along its…
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:
Not Registered Yet?





















Federal Law Prohibits Discrimination Of Breed,Size,Training Level Or Age Of Any Emotional Support Or Service Dog.









