September is National Service Dog Month, a time to celebrate and honor the extraordinary work of service dogs. These loyal and highly trained companions help people with disabilities live more independent and fulfilling lives, and their contributions deserve recognition year-round.

While service dogs are often in the spotlight, there can be confusion about their role and how they differ from emotional support animals (ESAs). In honor of National Service Dog Month, it’s important to clarify these differences and raise awareness about the rights of service dog teams.

What Are Service Dogs?

Service dogs are highly trained animals that perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. These tasks can range from guiding individuals with visual impairments, alerting to seizures, and assisting those with mobility challenges, to providing deep pressure therapy for individuals with anxiety or PTSD. Service dogs undergo rigorous training to ensure they can safely and effectively support their handlers.

Key Characteristics of Service Dogs:

  • They are trained to perform tasks directly related to their handler’s disability.
  • They are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and have public access rights.
  • They are generally highly focused, well-behaved, and able to work in public spaces.

The Important Distinction: Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

While both service dogs and ESAs provide emotional support, they are not the same thing, and understanding this difference is important, especially for businesses.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are animals that provide comfort or emotional support to individuals but are not trained to perform specific tasks related to a disability. While ESAs can provide therapeutic benefits, they do not have the same public access rights as service dogs.

The Two Questions Businesses Can Ask to Verify a Service Dog

In public places, it’s important for businesses to understand the legal rights of service dogs and differentiate them from ESAs. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses are allowed to ask only two specific questions to determine if a dog is a service animal:

  1. “Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?”
    • This question helps clarify whether the dog is specifically needed to assist with a disability. The handler does not need to go into details about their disability but can simply confirm the dog’s purpose.
  2. “What tasks or work has the dog been trained to perform?”
    • This question helps determine whether the dog has been trained to perform specific tasks or services related to the handler’s disability, such as guiding the visually impaired, alerting to medical conditions, or assisting with mobility.

It’s important to note that businesses cannot ask for documentation or insist that the dog be shown performing its task. They also cannot ask about the nature of the handler’s disability, as this is protected information.

Why Service Dogs Deserve Recognition

Service dogs are truly remarkable companions. They work tirelessly every day to provide essential support to their handlers, enabling them to live fuller, more independent lives. Without the help of their service dogs, many individuals would face significant challenges in completing everyday tasks.

But beyond their practical assistance, service dogs also provide emotional support and companionship. They are trusted partners, offering comfort in times of stress, helping with anxiety, and improving overall well-being.

Ways to Honor Service Dogs

  • Raise Awareness: Share stories of service dog teams and educate others about the vital work that service dogs do. Social media and community events can be powerful tools for spreading awareness.
  • Support Organizations: Many organizations train and place service dogs with individuals in need. Consider supporting these organizations through donations or volunteering.
  • Be Respectful in Public: If you see a service dog in public, remember that they are working. Avoid petting or distracting them while they’re performing their tasks. This helps ensure that they can focus on their job and support their handler effectively.

Celebrate National Service Dog Month

This National Service Dog Month, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible contributions of service dogs. Their work is life-changing, and their dedication to helping those with disabilities is truly inspiring.

As a pet photographer, I’m also passionate about capturing the bond between service dogs and their handlers. The love and connection between a service dog and their person is powerful and special, and I’d be honored to help document that incredible relationship. If you’re a handler with a service dog, I’d love to create lasting memories of you and your amazing companion—whether it’s through a posed portrait or candid moments showcasing their unique bond.

Let’s take this month to show our gratitude and appreciation for these extraordinary animals who change lives every day.