Service Dog 101

Curious about all things service dog? Take a look through this page, shoot us a message, or head to the ADA's FAQ page below.

The Basics

What is a Service Dog?
Service dogs are defined as having been trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. If you see a team in public, please do not pet or take pictures without asking. Service Dogs have Public Access and Fair Housing rights.
Access Required by Law
Service Animals have public access rights, and are legally allowed to enter any business open to the public, unless the presence of the animal would fundamentally alter the nature of the business. Examples include sterile environments such as hospitals, kitchens, working farms. Allergies and fear are not valid reasons for denial of service. The animal must be in control of the handler and be houseborken.
How to Verify a Service Dog
Ask two questions:
1. Is this dog task trained to assist an individual with a disability?
2. What is that task?
You may not:
- Ask what the disability is
- Require paperwork (see below)
- Request a demonstration of the task

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Emotional Support and Therapy Animals
Emotional support animals assist individuals with mental illness through their presence and do not require specific task training.
Therapy animals provide comfort to individuals in environments like schools and hospitals. They require some training and are often locally regulated.
Certifications? Paperwork?
In the united states there is no legitimate certification for Service Dogs. There is no such thing as paperwork for service dogs, inspite of them being readily available for purchase on line. These services are predatory and misleading, and have lead to the rise in fake service dogs.
Do Service Dogs Have to Wear Identification?
No. Many choose to wear vests for a variety of reasons. Additionally, on occasion service dogs will perform tasks that require them not be on a leash. As long as the handler is in control of their animal, this is perfectly fine.