Are Service Dogs in Training Allowed at Social Events?

Service dogs are dogs trained to help people with physical or mental disabilities. While service dogs have been used to assist the blind for decades, other reasons a person might need the assistance of a service dog include severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and epilepsy. Working dogs, support dogs and guide dogs are just some of the many names for a service dog.

  1. The Working Dog

    • A service dog is a working dog and should be seen as such, even while in training. This dog is not considered a pet so it should not be treated as one. Service dogs are used as the eyes or ears for the blind and deaf; they pull or push wheelchairs and help people keep their balance when walking. Some service dogs are even trained to sense the onset of a seizure before an epileptic has one. Because of the major role these dogs play in the ability of their owners to pursue activities of daily living, they are protected from discrimination.

    Americans with Disabilities Act

    • The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 protects fully trained service animals and their owners from discrimination. Trained service dogs must be welcomed at any place or business that their owners are entering. This means that any entity serving the public must be open to service dogs and the people they serve. This includes social events, or any other public place a person wishes to visit while with a service dog. This act, however, does not apply to service dogs that are still in training.

    Exceptions to the Rule

    • Although the ADA protects fully trained service dogs from discrimination, some exceptions to the rule exist regarding service dogs that are still in training. For the most part, dogs in training are still welcomed into social or public places and events. Many business owners and event coordinators understand that the dog is undergoing training, and must practice what it has learned to become a fully active service dog. However, because the ADA does not protect service dogs in training, the decision to allow a dog in training in a public social event is up to the discretion of the person coordinating the event, or to the law in effect for that area. Some states have put laws in place that allow service dogs being trained to have the same rights as those fully trained, while other states require the dog to be with its trainer at all times. Because every place has the right to handle this situation as it sees fit, call ahead to get permission before venturing out with your dog.

    Proper Paperwork

    • Some public places may require proof of the legitimacy of a service dog, trained or still in training. Carry the service dog's papers with you when you are out with the dog. Many service dogs wear special tags or vests to show they are working dogs.