Medical Service Dog Identification

Medical service dogs provide extensive help to their human partners, helping them with daily tasks that otherwise would be impossible. Working tirelessly by their partners' sides, these dogs are canine heroes. Knowing the difference between a medical service dog and a well-trained family pet can be difficult, however. Being able to identify one could mean the difference between lawful access to places of business and residence and a lawsuit for wrongfully denying access. Denying a service dog access is illegal, as they and their handlers are protected by law.

  1. History

    • Medical service and assistance dogs are common in the United States. Since World War I, dogs have been trained to assist veterans and war survivors. The majority of modern-day programs for hearing, mobility, and seizure-alert dogs have only been in place since the 70s.

    Function

    • A medical service dog can sometimes (but not always) be identified by a task it is doing. These dogs are canine specialists, working with a partner who is blind, deaf, or has limited mobility. These dogs not only help keep their partner safe, but they give them an otherwise unattainable level of independence. They may pull wheelchairs, pick up dropped objects, open doors, guide their partner around obstacles, and help an unsteady individual walk. The most common types of assistance dogs are guide dogs, hearing dogs for the deaf, mobility/support dogs and wheelchair dogs. Each dog provides specialized help and is carefully paired with its partner.

    Types

    • Types of identification range from verbal reassurance to certification by a service dog agency. Legally, a handler is not required to provide written documentation, as the "credible verbal assurance" of the handler is enough to gain unrestricted access to places of business and residence. However, gaining such access is far easier when a dog is identified as a service dog. Most service dogs wear a harness or vest naming them as such. Handlers often carry ID cards or official certificates.

    Considerations

    • Always remember that a service dog is legally entitled to unrestricted access to anywhere its handler may go. Whether the dog is easily identified as a service dog doesn't matter. Not all disabilities are easily seen, and a dog's function may not be clear.

    Benefits

    • Carrying identification or having a service dog harnessed prevents many misunderstandings, and ensures that the canine partner easily gains access. Wearing a harness prepares the dog and handler to work. In addition, the harness provides focus for the canine. It also prevents the public from swarming a dog that otherwise appears to be a pet.