Service Dogs Guide
Comprehensive guide to service dogs, their roles, training, and legal rights
What are Service Dogs?
Service dogs are specially trained dogs that perform specific tasks to assist people with disabilities. Unlike emotional support animals or therapy dogs, service dogs are protected under federal law and have public access rights.
These remarkable animals undergo extensive training (typically 18-24 months) to master skills that directly mitigate their handler's disability. Service dogs provide life-changing independence and assistance to their partners.
Types of Service Dogs
Guide Dogs
Assist people who are blind or visually impaired
Tasks:
- •Navigate around obstacles
- •Stop at curbs and stairs
- •Find doors and elevators
- •Locate empty seats
Common Breeds: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd
Training Duration: 18-24 months
Hearing Dogs
Alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing to sounds
Tasks:
- •Alert to doorbells and knocks
- •Notify of alarm clocks
- •Signal phone ringing
- •Warn of smoke alarms
Common Breeds: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel
Training Duration: 12-18 months
Mobility Assistance Dogs
Help people with physical disabilities
Tasks:
- •Open and close doors
- •Pick up dropped items
- •Help with balance and stability
- •Retrieve objects
Common Breeds: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd
Training Duration: 18-24 months
Medical Alert Dogs
Detect and alert to medical conditions
Tasks:
- •Detect changes in blood sugar
- •Alert to oncoming seizures
- •Sense cardiac episodes
- •Get emergency help
Common Breeds: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Poodle
Training Duration: 12-24 months
Psychiatric Service Dogs
Assist people with psychiatric disabilities
Tasks:
- •Interrupt harmful behaviors
- •Provide deep pressure therapy
- •Create personal space in crowds
- •Remind to take medication
Common Breeds: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd
Training Duration: 18-24 months
Autism Service Dogs
Help children and adults with autism
Tasks:
- •Provide calming presence
- •Prevent wandering
- •Interrupt repetitive behaviors
- •Create sensory connection
Common Breeds: Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Bernese Mountain Dog
Training Duration: 18-24 months
Service Dog Training Process
Puppy Selection (8 weeks)
Careful selection based on temperament, health, and aptitude
Puppy Raising (2-18 months)
Socialization and basic training with volunteer puppy raisers
Advanced Training (6-12 months)
Specialized task training with professional trainers
Client Matching
Careful pairing based on lifestyle, needs, and compatibility
Team Training (2-4 weeks)
Handler and dog train together to work as a team
Ongoing Support
Lifetime support and periodic check-ins
Training Costs
Training a service dog typically costs $20,000-$50,000 when including:
- • Breeding and early socialization
- • Professional training (18-24 months)
- • Health care and certification
- • Ongoing support and follow-up
Many organizations provide service dogs at no cost to qualified individuals through fundraising and donations.
Legal Rights and Protections
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- ✓Service dogs are allowed in all public places
- ✓No pet fees or deposits can be charged
- ✓Service dogs in training may have limited access
- ✓Only two questions can be asked: Is the dog required for a disability? What work/task is the dog trained to perform?
Fair Housing Act
- ✓Service dogs allowed in housing with no-pet policies
- ✓No additional fees or deposits
- ✓Must provide reasonable accommodation
Air Carrier Access Act
- ✓Service dogs can fly in cabin free of charge
- ✓Must be trained and behave appropriately
- ✓Documentation may be required 48 hours in advance
Important Note:
Businesses cannot require documentation or certification as a condition of entry. They can only ask if the animal is required for a disability and what task it performs.
Service Dog Etiquette
Do:
- ✓Treat service dog teams with respect
- ✓Give service dogs space to work
- ✓Ask permission before petting (when not working)
- ✓Be patient and understanding
Don't:
- ✗Pet or distract a working service dog
- ✗Feed a service dog
- ✗Make kissy noises or call to the dog
- ✗Ask invasive questions about disabilities
Resources and Organizations
Service Dog Organizations
- • Guide Dogs for the Blind
- • Canine Companions for Independence
- • Assistance Dogs International
- • International Association of Assistance Dog Partners
Additional Resources
- • ADA National Network
- • U.S. Department of Justice ADA Information
- • Service Dog Central Registry
- • Local disability rights organizations