Definition of a Service Dog

Service dogs assist people with disabilities other than vision or hearing impairments.

  1. Types

    • Service dogs can assist people with a variety of disabilities, including autism, epilepsy, balance issues, mobility limitations or psychiatric issues.

    Function

    • The tasks service dogs perform depend on the owner's disability. For example, service dogs can be trained to bring portable phones to their owners, provide balance assistance, alert the owner to the sound of an alarm, turn on overhead lights, or open doors.

    Significance

    • Approximately 15,000 service dogs assist 0.9 percent of the U.S. population.

    Time Frame

    • Depending on the age and health of the dog, a service dog may in service for up to 10 years.

    Accessibility

    • Service dogs have the same accessibility rights as guide dogs, protected by the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990. They may enter public places such as stores, aircraft, restaurants and taxis.

    Considerations

    • Service dogs may be any breed or mix, as long as they are trainable, obedient and healthy. The type of training depends on the services the dog needs to perform. Assistance Dogs International requires that the dog be able to perform at least three tasks to assist its owner.