Service Dog Etiquette
How NOT to Interact with Service Dogs and Their Handlers
“Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” (Americans with Disabilities Act)
Don’t interact with the dog without express permission
This includes petting, talking, “kissy” noises… even eye contact. Service Dogs are incredibly well-trained, but they are still capable of being distracted — and a distracted Service Dog can be life or death. Ignore all Service Dogs unless their handler specifically tells you that it’s OK. Remember: this is not your dog.
Don’t argue with the handler about the dog
This should hopefully go without saying, but you’d be surprised how many people immediately get defensive and argumentative. To make this extremely clear: whatever the handler says, goes. They don’t even need to give you a reason. When it comes to their dog, they don’t owe you anything.
Don’t stare
For starters, this is pretty rude. It can also make the handler uncomfortable. They already have a disability, and the Service Dog is visual evidence of that. Don’t make them a spectacle.
Don’t ask why they have a Service Dog or what kind of Service Dog
Many handlers don’t mind small talk about their Service Dog. However, this question is insensitive. If you think about it, what you’re really asking is, “what’s your disability?” This is too personal for small talk.
Don’t make jokes unless you’re close to them and know for sure that you aren’t offending them
Again, insensitive. Joking about a disability won’t typically go over well with a total stranger.
Would you do it to a wheelchair or someone in one?
This is widely applicable since wheelchairs and Service Dogs have a similar purpose and nearly identical rights. If you wouldn’t hinder the function of a wheelchair, don’t distract a Service Dog. If you wouldn’t argue with them about their wheelchair, stare at them, ask them why they can’t walk, or joke about it… You get the idea.
U.S. Department of Justice. (2011, July 12). Service Animals. Retrieved from https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
