How to Interact with a Service Animal

While food shopping the other day, I ran into three handlers with service dogs-in-training. How do I know they were in training? Each dog was wearing a bright green vest that said they were learning to be service animals. My second clue was that the handlers were running the dogs through their paces — sitting, laying down, and heeling on command. I stopped to watch at a bit of a distance, not wanting to interrupt the lesson. You might encounter a service animal just about anywhere: the mall, the food store, an airport terminal, a restaurant, and more. Do you … Continue reading

Service Animals and the Law

All animal assistants are not treated equally by United States law. Service animals are legally defined by Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. By law, they are not considered pets. A service animal is specially trained to assist a person with a disability. Some examples of service animals include (but are not limited to): guide animals for the visually impaired, animals who warn owners of seizures, animals who pull or guide wheelchairs. A person with a disability has a legal right to be accompanied by a service animal in public places — businesses, the workplace, airports, and more. … Continue reading