servicedog

Service dogs are specially trained canines that assist people with disabilities by performing specific tasks. They are distinct from therapy dogs and emotional support animals, which provide comfort but are not trained to address a disability through task performance. A service dog is trained to mitigate a person’s functional limitations and is generally a working animal rather than a pet.

Common tasks include mobility assistance (pulling a wheelchair, retrieving objects, opening doors), alerting to medical conditions (diabetes or seizure alerts, hypoglycemia detection), and psychiatric or developmental support (interrupting anxiety episodes, guiding for autism, providing steadiness in crowded places).

In many countries, service dogs have public access rights that allow them to accompany their handler in most public settings. The dog must be under control, typically leashed or tethered, and well-behaved. Businesses may ask whether the animal is a trained service animal for the specific disability and what tasks it performs; they cannot require documentation or inquire about the disability.

Training is usually lengthy and specialized, often involving professional programs and ongoing maintenance. While service dogs can be highly effective, they are not suitable for all disabilities, and some environments may require accommodations or exceptions for safety.