Can Service Dogs Be Allowed in the Workplace?

Service dogs are often a necessity for several types of disabilities. They can guide you around if you̵7;re blind, alert you to take necessary medications, pull a wheelchair, protect you while you̵7;re having a seizure and many other medical ailments. Because these specially trained dogs are vital to your well-being, your workplace is required -- in most cases -- to allow you to bring your service dog to work with you.

  1. Where the Dog Can Go

    • Service dogs can generally accompany you to any type of job. The major exceptions to the rule are areas where the dog would compromise sterility. For example, certain areas of a hospital, like an operating room, blood transfusion areas or burn units, aren̵7;t typically permissible areas for service animals.

    Permissible Questions

    • When taking your working dog out and about, places of business are forbidden from asking you about any specific kind of disability. They can, however, legally ask you a couple questions about your dog. Your boss can ask if the dog is a service animal required because of a disability. He may also query which type of task or work the dog is trained to do, according to the U.S. Department of Justice regulations in the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA for short.

    Your Responsibilities

    • While your employer has to let your working dog be by your side during your shift, you have to do your part to take care of him. Keep your pooch clean. Brush him frequently and bathe him if odor becomes a problem. Bring food, water and bowls to work with you. Your boss isn̵7;t required to maintain your pup while you̵7;re working. You̵7;ll also need to find out where your superior wants you to take Rylee out to go potty. He may ask you to use an alley out back or certain patch of grass away from the flower bed. Because your four-legged comrade could leave a mess behind, bring disposable plastic bags with you to pick up any solid waste. Lastly, Rylee must be wearing a collar or harness and tethered to a leash at all times, unless these types of equipment interfere with him doing his job.

    Additional Considerations

    • Your superior cannot ask you to remove your service dog from the premises unless the dog is out of control and you are unable to regain control. If Rylee isn̵7;t fully potty trained and has frequent accidents, your place of business may also ask you to remove him from the work site until he is completely housebroken. Additionally, you cannot be forced to remove your service dog if someone in the building has an allergy to dogs. In this case, your workplace is required to make accommodations to separate you and your pooch from the other party.