September is National Service Dog Month
September is National Service Dog Month
National Service Dog Month was first established by actor and animal advocate Dick Van Patten in 2008 , after what he called " a life-changing visit " to a Guide Dog facility in California . The trip inspired him to spearhead a fundraiser to benefit guide and service dog training schools throughout the country . That event grew into an annual celebration that recognizes and honors all assistance animals . Most people are familiar with seeing-eye and guide dogs , but there are well over a dozen different kinds of service animals , including Allergy Alert , Autism Assistance , Medical Response , Seizure Alert , Diabetic , Hearing , and Psychiatric Service Dogs . Dogs who serve in the Military have recently been added to the Service Dog Designation . Service animals can include cats , bunnies , horses , even pot-bellied pigs ! Most are dogs , however , and a few of the more common breeds used as service dogs are Golden Retrievers , Labradors , and German Shepherds . Any dog can be trained to be one , though , if they have the proper temperament and physical capability to do what their owner requires . So let ' s tip our hat to acknowledge these extraordinary animals who dedicate , sometimes even risk their lives , to serve , protect , and help their humans have a better one !
- FAQs About Service Dogs -
Q : What kind of tasks can service dogs perform ? A : Service dogs can be taught a multitude of tasks to help their owner , including , but not limited to , turning lights on and off , opening and closing doors , pushing or pulling wheelchairs , licking a person having a seizure to help bring them out of it ( with tactile stimulation ), alerting a diabetic to dangerous shifts in blood sugar , waking a person with PTSD from a nightmare , bracing an unsteady handler , and retrieving dropped items .
Q : Are service dogs required to wear gear that identifies them as such ? A : Despite popular belief , service dogs in this country do not have to wear identifying gear . Vests , harnesses , and jackets are very commonly worn to avoid situations such as people petting the dogs or handlers not being let into particular businesses , but there is no law requiring the dogs to do so . They are also not required to have any paperwork , such as documentation , registration , or certification . A service dog ' s handler does not have to provide proof of his or her dog ' s status .
Q : If dogs don ' t have gear or paperwork , how do you know if it ' s a genuine service dog ? A : Service dogs are usually very identifiable with their outstanding behavior and obvious training . If uncertain , however , it ' s best to assume they are a genuine service dog and respond with proper etiquette . Remember , not all disabilities are visible , and it ' s not polite to make inquiries . In fact , legally , handlers can only be asked two questions to determine accessibility to businesses - " Is the animal required because of a disability ?" and " What work or tasks has the dog been trained to perform ?" Do not question a handler ' s medical history or diagnosis !
Q : Are people allowed to go anywhere with their service dogs ? A : Actually , no . Legally , service dogs don ’ t have public access rights . Their handler ( who must have a disability in order to be partnered with a service dog ), has the right to access “ places of public accommodation ” with their service dog . The difference is the person is the one with rights , not the dog . While the person has the right to not be discriminated against because they have a service dog , having one does not automatically grant a handler access to places where members of the public aren ’ t allowed , including private clubs , certain areas of zoos , aquariums , and refuges where the dog ’ s presence could cause danger or stress to the resident animals , and places where people can be excluded , like particular hospital rooms ( ICU , MRI and radiology areas , etc .) sterile labs , or factory floors .
Q : What is proper etiquette when encountering a service dog ? A : While tempting for pet lovers , service dogs should not be approached , offered food , talked to , or petted , unless permission is asked for and granted by the dog ’ s handler . Distracting a service dog can interfere with its focus and ability to spot or follow potentially life-saving cues or commands . That could result in potential harm to its handler . Don ' t be offended if the handler asks you not to interact with his or her dog , as they have a job to do , and don ' t need any diversions . If you have your own pet with you , keep a distance from the service dog to be on the safe side .
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Pawsitively Pets -- September