What is a Service Dog?

A service dog is a specifically trained animal that assists individuals with disabilities. These dogs are trained to perform tasks that help their handlers perform daily activities, such as opening doors, retrieving dropped items, alerting to an oncoming seizure, or providing physical support. Service dogs are highly trained to be responsive to their handler’s needs and can be an invaluable asset to those with disabilities.

What are the Qualifications for a Service Dog?

To be considered a service dog, the animal must be individually trained to perform tasks that mitigate the effects of a handler’s disability. The handler must have a disability that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The dog must also be trained to behave appropriately in public situations and must be under control at all times. Additionally, the dog must be trained to work for their handler and not be distracted by other people or animals.

What Tasks Can a Service Dog Perform?

Service dogs can perform a wide variety of tasks, depending on the handler’s specific needs. Some common tasks include guiding individuals with visual impairments, alerting to the onset of medical events such as seizures or low blood sugar, providing physical support and balance assistance, retrieving items, and opening or closing doors. Service dogs can also provide emotional support and companionship to their handlers, but this is not considered a task under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).