Many people, (including some business owners and employees who should know better) are ignorant of the laws regarding Service Dogs which were put into place to protect those who choose to utilize the Services of a trained dog to mitigate a disability.
For the most part though, it seems business owners are becoming better acquainted with the laws and are quite accommodating and friendly, and for that I am grateful.
Even so, I am still occasionally asked to show ID for my Service Dog, but what I show them instead is the handout (provided for that purpose) by the Department of Justice with certain pertinent points highlighted (although in case of confrontations I also used to carry a letter from my doctor explaining that I require a Service Dog, but I don’t do that anymore).
Remember, in the USA, at this time, the only thing necessary is your word that the Service Dog is trained to mitigate your disability. However, PLEASE, make sure that s/he is fully capable of doing so before you say that s/he is. People must take us at our word, and in this, as in any other area of our lives, we should be trustworthy.
If someone won’t accept your word about the laws, there is an ADA Information Line to call, (800-514-0301) where somebody is available during normal business hours (Eastern Time) to set a business owner straight about your rights.
You can also carry an official paper from the Department of Justice called “Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA”. You can either go to their website (ada.gov) to get a copy (though it is a little tricky to find) or I can send you one. (There is a form at the end of this post.)
So don’t let anyone tell you that you “must” have documentation to show. “Service Dog IDs” and other “papers” mean nothing (as is plainly stated in number 17 of the handout from the Department of Justice mentioned above). If you feel the need to carry a paper for your Service Dog, carry this one!
Keep This Document Handy on Your Tablet!
This is the handout published by the Department of Justice regarding the rights of those with disabilities who are using Service Animals. It’s Better to Have It and Not Need It,Than to Need It and Not Have It!
The next time someone wants to see your Service Dog’s “papers” give them this!
I got your book, am in the first chapter, and love it already. I am hoping to get your form, Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA, to give to those who need to read it-concerning my SD I am training with your book.
I’m glad to hear that you like the book! Remember that your book purchase comes with a complimentary coaching session to answer any questions that the book didn’t cover. 🙂
Love the website
Am really enjoying your book. Have had a lot of success with my standard poodle. I’m going to have to go through again just to hit it home. (It’s me not him) I have Fibromyalgia and am wondering what should be the first service I teach him to perform as a service dog
It depends on what you feel would help you the most. Begin there, and the sky is the limit.
As your dog “learns to learn” it will get easier and easier to teach him new Tasks. 🙂