As a service dog owner, you are probably familiar with the challenges of navigating public access. A simple trip to the grocery store can turn into a gauntlet for public attention.
People gather around, wanting to pet your dog or ask about their training and your disability. Others, like store owners and employees, rush to tell you there are no pets allowed on their property.
The irony? A service dog is meant to give the handler independence. Meanwhile, the handler, the one person the dog is there to help, can’t get through a simple errand in peace. But there are some simple phrases you can use to stop busy bodies in their tracks. This article will provide a few useful ones.
Dealing With the Drive-By Petter
These are the people who just can’t resist petting every dog they see- including your working service dog. While it’s nice to love animals, a distracted dog can escalate into a dangerous situation. Here’s what happens when dogs are unable to pay attention to their handler’s need
- A dog is unable to alert others when they detect their handler is at risk of a seizure.
- A diabetic alert dog misses a cue about dropped blood sugar, and the handler goes into hypoglycemic shock.
- A psychiatric service dog is unable to provide the grounding work or deep pressure therapy that their owner needs during a crisis.
Script Examples
Handlers can choose a response suited to the situation, based on the petter’s persistence and their own comfort level. Here are some options:
- Polite and Quick: “Please ignore him, he’s working.”
- Educational: “I know he’s cute, but petting him distracts him from his medical job. Please ignore him.”
- The Firm Boundary: “Do not touch my dog. He is a piece of medical equipment and needs to stay focused.”
De-Escalating Business Confrontations
Another common situation- you walk into a store with your service dog, when a store owner, worker, or manager runs up to warn you, “No pets allowed.”
It can get annoying, but it’s best to stay calm and objective rather than get defensive. Approach it as an educational moment. Remember, you catch more flies with sugar than vinegar.
As a service dog owner, you are not required to show a store certification to be on the premises. However, there are two questions a business is legally permitted to ask under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
- Is this service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has this dog been trained to perform?
The best approach is to beat them to the punch. Start with, “He is a trained service dog.” Then answer these questions before they even ask.
The Law Is on Your Side
When a store owner approaches you about leaving their shop, it may seem wrong to stay, but remember, the law is on your side.
According to the ADA, people with disabilities have a right to be accompanied by their service dog in any place that’s open to the public, including hospitals, retail stores, and hotels. This applies whether the facility has a no-pets policy or not.
Under the law, service animals are not pets; they are working animals trained to perform a medical function, and businesses are required to accommodate them.
If a handler’s disability isn’t apparent, store workers are legally permitted to answer the two questions listed above. Everything else is off-limits. Therefore, stores cannot:
- Ask for proof of registration, documentation, and certification
- Require the dog to perform the task on the spot
- Ask you to describe your disability, diagnosis, or why you need the dog beyond asking what task it performs
Stores that impose these requirements are violating the ADA, and you can take action against them.
USA Service Dog Saves You the Hassle
Even when you know your rights and have the right words ready, having these conversations repeatedly is exhausting. A clearly marked, professional looking vest does the work before you open your mouth, stopping confrontations before they start.
We understand that your dog works hard, and wear and tear on accessories is inevitable. A faded vest or scratched dog tag gives gatekeepers and drive-by petters the perfect excuse to say, “I didn’t see that!”
That’s why you may consider upgrading your dog’s accessories, and USA Service Dogs offers high-quality options, including durable, comfortable vests. Browse our accessories section for more peaceful outings with your service animal.
