Instructions
Look at the service dog̵7;s appearance. Genuine service dogs in Massachusetts will be well-groomed. They will also be spayed or neutered.
Watch the service dog̵7;s behavior. Real service dogs will respond to commands 90 percent of the time, regardless of the environment. The dog will not seek other people̵7;s attention and will not be disruptive, vocalize excessively, or beg for food.
Check the dog̵7;s temperament. Service dogs are calm and do not display any aggression. They will stay within 24 inches of their handler at all times. Service dogs will sit or lay quietly next to their owner without disrupting people or blocking an entryway in a Massachusetts business.
Notice if the dog is in training. According to Massachusetts state law, if a person is training a service dog, they are allowed the same rights as a disabled person with a guide dog.
How to Recognize a Fake Service Dog in MA
Representing your dog as a service dog when it is not is a federal crime. It can be difficult to spot fake service dogs in Massachusetts. The vests that service dogs wear can be readily purchased online with no proof necessary. There are also ̶0;certifications̶1; that can be bought online. The real certifications require dogs to pass some sort of test, usually the Canine Good Citizen Test. If the dog is not well-behaved, it is clear it is not a real service dog.