Etiquette for Service Dog Interaction

If you have never met someone with a service dog in Florida, you will no doubt want to reach out and engage the dog and his companion. As with most situations encountered in life, there is a proper etiquette that is strongly recommended as the appropriate way to interact with a service dog team. At Genesis Assistance Dogs, Inc. we prepare our clients to the best of our abilities to deal with these types of situations. We’d like to share our thoughts with you on the best way to avoid awkward moments.

1. Assistance Dogs are always working when out with their companion. Under no circumstance is it okay to reach out and pet a service dog in Florida or distract him. Please don’t speak to him, whistle, bark, or try to touch his equipment in any way. While it might not seem like he’s working, rest assured he’s doing his job. You may ask if you can pet him, but please wait for an answer. There are times when the companion is not comfortable with the dog being distracted from his tasks.
2. It’s not acceptable for you to ask why they have a service dog. It is a private medical matter, and it really is quite rude for you to inquire about such matters. It’s equally unacceptable to ask what services the dog performs (there are exceptions but we’ll visit that issue in a future blog).
3. A service dog is probably the only thing standing between its human and a serious medical situation or injury occurring. Depending on the task it performs, a service dog’s main focus must always be his companion. Distraction may cause a service animal to miss cues to a change in status of his companion which can result in a fall, or sudden onset of illness.
4. An assistance dog is considered medical equipment. A service dog is as important to its partner as a wheelchair, walker or cane. Wherever the person goes, the equipment follows. The same is true for service dogs. Please treat them with the same respect you would a wheelchair or oxygen tank, keeping your hands to yourself.
5. Service dogs are loved and are considered part of the family. Don’t be concerned that assistance dogs work all the time. Service dogs are truly loved and well looked after. These dogs enjoy free time; get plenty of attention and time to play. They get treats, toys, and regular veterinary care. They are family members who are very well adjusted and have been completely socialized. They’re well trained to attend to the needs of their partner, but their partners are equally well trained to help them stay healthy and happy.
6. People with service dogs are often happy to answer questions about their dogs – However, disabled people working with service dogs sometimes don’t have the time to stop and chat with you. They enjoy being able to pop in and out of a store quickly or enjoy a meal at a restaurant with friends without interruption; just as you do. Almost everyone encountering a service dog team has questions but please respect their privacy and time.
7. Please don’t tell anyone working with a service dog in Florida that you wish you had one. People who have service dogs in Florida have one because they have demonstrated a medical need for this type of assistance. It’s absurd to vocalize that it would be cool to have a service dog because they could go anywhere with you. Saying that you wish you had a service dog implies that you would enjoy being disabled. Trying to say that a person is “lucky” to be able to have one is insulting as well. While their dogs are cherished and adored, and they provide invaluable and often lifesaving services, when all is said and done, disabled people would rather not be disabled.