Service animals play a crucial role in many people’s lives, assisting with various tasks and providing essential support. These highly trained companions are more than just pets – they’re working professionals who deserve our respect and understanding.
As service animals become more common in public spaces, everyone should know how to behave around them. This guide will cover 17 key dos and don’ts for interacting with service animals.
Don’t pet without permission
Service animals are working and need to focus on their job. Petting them can distract them from helping their owner. Always ask the owner before touching a service animal. If the owner says no, respect their decision and don’t feel bad.
Do speak to the handler, not the animal
When you see a service animal, talk to the person with them, not the animal. The animal is there to help its owner, not to interact with others. Talking to the animal can distract it from its job. Remember, the handler is the one you should communicate with.
Don’t offer food or treats
Giving food to a service animal can be dangerous for its health. The animal might have special dietary needs you don’t know about. Offering treats can also distract the animal from its important work. Always let the handler be in charge of feeding their service animal.
Do respect the animal’s space
Service animals need room to work and move around. Don’t crowd them or block their path. Give them enough space to help their handler. Remember that the animal and handler are a team, so respect their personal space.
Don’t make loud noises
Sudden, loud noises can startle or distract a service animal. This can make it hard for them to do their job properly. Try to keep your voice calm and quiet around service animals. If you need to make noise, try to move away from the animal first.
Do ask before taking photos
It’s polite to ask the handler if you can take a picture of their service animal. Some handlers might not want photos taken. If they say no, respect their privacy and don’t take the picture. Remember, the animal is there to work, not to pose for photos.
Don’t assume all disabilities are visible
Some people who use service animals might not look disabled. Their disability might be something you can’t see. Never question someone’s need for a service animal. Trust that if they have one, they need it for an important reason.
Do educate others
If you see someone else bothering a service animal, speak up politely. Explain why it’s important not to distract working animals. Sharing what you know can help make things easier for service animal teams. Your words can make a big difference in how people treat service animals.
Don’t fake having a service animal
Pretending your pet is a service animal is wrong and illegal. It makes things harder for people who really need service animals. Fake service animals can give real ones a bad name. Always be honest about your pet’s status.
Do follow business rules
Businesses must allow service animals, but they can have some rules. The animal should be well-behaved and under control. If a service animal is causing problems, the business can ask it to leave. Remember, service animals are working animals, not pets.
Don’t ask about the handler’s disability
It’s rude to ask someone why they need a service animal. Their health information is private. If you’re curious, you can ask what tasks the animal performs instead. This shows respect for the handler’s privacy while learning about the animal’s job.
Be patient
Service animals might need extra time or space in public places. Don’t get frustrated if they’re moving slowly or taking up more room. Remember that the animal is helping its handler in important ways. Your patience can make their day much easier.
Don’t bring your pet too close
Keep your own pets away from service animals. Your pet might distract the service animal from its job. Even friendly pets can cause problems for working animals. If you have a pet with you, keep it at a distance from any service animals you see.
Do report misbehaving service animals
Real service animals are well-trained and behave properly in public. If you see an animal causing trouble, you can report it to the business owner. This helps keep everyone safe and protects the reputation of real service animals. Just be sure it’s actually misbehaving before you say anything.
Don’t assume all similar animals are service animals
Not all dogs in vests are service animals. Some might be therapy animals or emotional support animals, which are different. Service animals have special training to help with specific tasks. Learn the differences between these types of helper animals to avoid confusion.
Do let service animals do their job
Service animals are always working when they’re with their handler. Even if the animal looks like it’s resting, it’s still on duty. Don’t try to play with the animal or get its attention. Letting it focus on its job is the best way to help.
Don’t spread false information
Not all animals helping people are service animals. Therapy animals and emotional support animals are different. Service animals are trained to do specific tasks for people with disabilities. Using the right terms helps people understand the important work these animals do. It also helps protect the rights of true service animal teams.
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