Service dogs are an integral part of many people’s lives, providing assistance to those with disabilities. These remarkable animals come in various breeds, each selected for their unique qualities that make them suitable for service work.
The most popular breeds for service dogs include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Poodles. These breeds are known for their trainability, intelligence, temperament, and size, making them well-suited for service work. However, other breeds such as Boxers, Great Danes, Border Collies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Pomeranians, and Portuguese Water Dogs are also commonly used as service dogs.
It’s important to note that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not restrict the type of dog breed that can serve as a service animal. This means that service dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and should not be judged by their appearance.
To make your dog a service dog, you’ll need to start with an assessment by a service dog trainer. A good trainer will help you assess and evaluate your dog for public access work. It’s important to remember that not all dogs are cut out for service dog work, and many may “wash-out” during training.
The process of making your dog a service dog involves several steps. First, you’ll need to determine if your dog has the characteristics needed to become a service dog and if you are disabled under the ADA definition. Your dog will have to undergo extensive temperament testing and must have a clean health record.
Next, you’ll need to train your dog for service work. The ADA doesn’t require service dogs to be trained by an official organization, so handlers are permitted to train their own dogs. However, working with a service dog organization can be helpful as the employees and trainers are well-versed in the requirements.
After training, your dog may undergo a Public Access Certification Test (PACT). This test evaluates your dog’s ability to safely navigate public spaces and respond to commands. Finally, while state and local governments can offer voluntary service dog registration programs, they cannot require registration or certification of service dogs according to the ADA.
Understanding the Distinction Between Service Dogs and Emotional Support Dogs
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) clearly differentiates between service dogs and emotional support dogs. While both types of canines offer invaluable assistance to their owners, they serve in distinct capacities and are governed by different regulations.
A service dog is specifically trained to perform tasks that aid individuals with disabilities. For instance, a dog might be trained to detect impending anxiety attacks and take preemptive action to mitigate or prevent them. In such cases, these dogs are classified as service animals under the ADA. On the other hand, an emotional support dog provides comfort through its presence, helping to ward off panic attacks without performing specific tasks related to the disability. These dogs do not qualify as service animals under the ADA’s definition.
Unlike service dogs, emotional support dogs are not protected under the ADA and consequently do not enjoy the same freedom of access to public spaces. This includes businesses, nonprofit organizations, and state and local government facilities, even in places where pets are generally prohibited.
It’s important to note that service dogs are not required by law to wear any form of identification, such as a vest. However, if it’s not evident that a dog is a service animal, there are only two questions that someone can legally ask the handler: whether the dog is a service animal required due to a disability and what specific tasks the dog has been trained to perform.
There are, however, certain scenarios in which service dogs can be legally excluded. These include instances where admitting the service animal would fundamentally alter the nature of the service or program, if the service animal is out of control and the handler fails to take corrective action, or if the service animal is not housebroken.
Becoming a service dog is a lengthy process that typically spans around two years. This extensive period is necessary to address any concerns and adequately socialize the dog to a wide array of environments, sounds, and smells. It’s generally recommended that dogs start their service training at around six months of age, having passed the puppy phase.
In conclusion, while both service dogs and emotional support dogs offer valuable assistance to those in need, it’s crucial to understand the distinctions between them. The ADA provides clear guidelines on the roles and rights associated with each type of assistance dog, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the support they require in various aspects of their lives.
