A service dog is any dog that has been individually trained to perform tasks or work for a person to help mitigate a debilitating disability. Service dogs do not need certification and are allowed public access. They help people with physical and psychological disabilities by performing tasks like retrieving items, providing stability, and calming anxiety. While service dogs have public access rights, emotional support animals and therapy dogs do not. Some stigma still exists around service dogs due to ignorance, invisible disabilities, and personal questions about a person's disability. Education is key to initiating change and reducing discrimination.

1. C A S S A N D R A G L E B A V I C I U S
An Introduction to Service Dogs

2. What is a Service Dog?
 Any dog that has been individually trained to
perform tasks or work for a person to help
mitigate a debilitating disability
 Does not require dog to be certified or registered
through any organization
 Legal questions to ask:
 Is that a service dog?
 What task does he or she perform for you?
 Public access/exceptions

3. What is a Service Dog?
 Breed
 Size
 Mobility disabilities and “brace”
 Disposition
 High energy and “stay”

4. Types of Assistance Dogs
 Service Dog
 Trained
 Public Access
 Housing & Flying
 Psychiatric Service Dog
 “Work”
 Therapy Dog
 Trained to provide comfort to others
 No rights
 Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
 Not trained
 Housing & Flying

5. Why Use an Assistance Dog?
 Physical Disabilities
 Psychological Disabilities
 PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, OCD
 Ground, motivate, comfort, security
 Comforting the Public

6. Stigma Regarding Service Dogs
 Discrimination
 Ignorance/Confusion
 “Invisible” Disabilities
 Personal Disclosure of Disability

7. Initiating Change
 Educate & Inform
 Guest Lectures
 Exposure
 K-12 Presentations/Visits
 Service Dog Etiquette
 Ask to pet
 Don’t feel offended
 Do Not Distract
 Personal Disclosure

8. Questions?