A service dog is a dog that helps people with disabilities (ranging from PTSD, seizures, mobility impairment, hearing impairment) lead an independent life. The ADA (American with Disabilities Act) states that “Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties.”
Just like with guide dogs, when service dogs are working, it is essential not to pet them or distract them. Any distraction can lead to potential harm to the owner, so be mindful when you see a service dog wearing their vest.
Therapy Dogs