Rights of a Service Dog

Thanks to WHO 13 for doing a story about Zac and Lindsey and their efforts to educate about the rights of service dogs.

Unfortunately this is an all too common scenario: a service dog is turned away from a public place even though his or her presence is permitted through the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). There are only two questions you can ask a person with a service dog: "Is that a service dog?" or "What tasks does the dog perform?"

But did you also know you should expect a service dog to be well trained? The dog should be by the handler's side, eyes checking in frequently. The dog should be under control, likely with a leash. This means the dog should not be tugging at the end of the leash either behind or ahead of the handler. Typically, service dogs are not held or put in carts. The dog should not be standing on his hind legs looking in bins or barking at others. If the dog is disruptive, he or she can be asked to leave.

Service dogs need to be able to function in public without distraction, this is the primary difference between service dogs and emotional support animals. This can be measured by public access tests administered by accredited examiner. Puppy Jake service dogs pass annual public access tests by independent examiners.