You can NEVER ask a Service Dog handler, what disability they have.
There are only two questions that businesses may ask a service dog team.
1. Is that a service dog? or my favorite 'Is that your pet?', the answer should be service dog.
2. What task does the dog perform for you?
Valid answers vary: guide, hearing, medical alerts or for a medical condition.
This answer may be vague to hide the persons disability, as long as the dog is trained to do a specific task to assist the disabled handler the dog is a legal service dog.
The second question should only be asked if there are doubts to the validity of the dog.
ESA (Emotional Support Animals) and Therapy Dogs do not have ADA protections in public, they are trained pets.
Service Dogs are for the Disabled, period. The handler must be legally disabled to have the dog. Some states allow trainers public access. Pets posing as service dogs have stiff penalties in most states, up to 2 month in jail in FL.
You don't approach a service dog. If you want to interact with a service dog you need to approach the handler and ask if it is ok for you to visit with their dog. They may or may not give permission.
Yes. A valid service dog may accompany their handler anywhere the handler is allowed to go. The dog should be on it's best behavior. Service Dogs are not allowed to smell food, graze on the floor or poke their head/nose above the table top. In a buffet line, the dog should just walk with the handler, usually on the side of the handler away from the buffet table. This places the handler between the dog and the counter.
Any time it is something other than a dog. See the related questions for additional information on what else a dog might be: "What is a dog when it's not a dog?" "Is a dog a dog?" and "Is my dog a dog?"
NO. It can distract the service dog and put the handler at risk of injury or even death! Never distract a service dog.
Yes, a service dog is permitted in all locations that are not *sterile* environments.There are some locations in the hospital where the dog may not be permitted.The dog should remain in sight of the handler when possible. If the handler is in the *sterile* operating room the dog may view from a window or through the door. If infection permits, the dog should be allowed in the operating room.
a dog handler
No! If the person is not disabled then the dog is not a service dog, it is a pet!Some states do allow service dog trainers to take dogs in training out in public places for training purposes.Not all disabilities are visible and the handler may not look disabled. A place of public accommodation may ask two questions:Is this a service dog?How is this service dog trained to assist you with your disability?
For one, the dog and the handler are usually not apart when in public. Think about it for a minute----what use is a Guide dog for the handler if the dog is not with the handler? Most Guides will not leave their handler even if the leash and harness handle are dropped. That is their person, and they do not normally leave their side. The only time my wife's Guide is away from her in public is if the dog has to relieve and I am taking it out to do so or back in to where she is waiting.If something has happened to the guide dog handler, the dog may be searching for someone to help their handler. My own service dog is trained to do this.
For one, the dog and the handler are usually not apart when in public. Think about it for a minute----what use is a Guide dog for the handler if the dog is not with the handler? Most Guides will not leave their handler even if the leash and harness handle are dropped. That is their person, and they do not normally leave their side. The only time my wife's Guide is away from her in public is if the dog has to relieve and I am taking it out to do so or back in to where she is waiting.If something has happened to the guide dog handler, the dog may be searching for someone to help their handler. My own service dog is trained to do this.
For one, the dog and the handler are usually not apart when in public. Think about it for a minute----what use is a Guide dog for the handler if the dog is not with the handler? Most Guides will not leave their handler even if the leash and harness handle are dropped. That is their person, and they do not normally leave their side. The only time my wife's Guide is away from her in public is if the dog has to relieve and I am taking it out to do so or back in to where she is waiting.If something has happened to the guide dog handler, the dog may be searching for someone to help their handler. My own service dog is trained to do this.
A service dog CAN wear just about anything the handler wants them to. SHOULD a service dog handler be presenting their dog in such a way...maybe not so much if they want to maintain a semi proffesional image with the public. The only thing a service dog HAS to wear is a collar or harness for restraint purposes, and a leash per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Anything else is optional according to the handlers needs and wishes.
no your are the master