Important Guidelines
How to interact respectfully with service dog teams.
Service dogs are working. Petting or making eye contact can distract them from their job and put their handler at risk.
Always ask the handler first, and respect if they say no. A distracted service dog cannot do their life-saving work.
Whistling, barking, or making noises to get a service dog's attention is dangerous and disrespectful.
These sounds can break concentration during critical moments when the dog is alerting to a medical condition or keeping the handler safe.
Never offer food to a service dog. Many have dietary restrictions, and treats can make them sick or interfere with training.
Food can also distract them from detecting medical alerts that could save their handler's life.
Taking photos or videos without permission invades privacy. Many handlers prefer not to be photographed.
Always ask first, and accept "no" gracefully. The handler's comfort and safety come first.
Keep your pets away from service dogs. Even friendly dogs can distract or frighten a working dog.
A traumatized service dog may not be able to continue working. Cross the street or create space when you see a service dog team.
Don't interrogate handlers about their disability. Many disabilities are invisible, including PTSD, anxiety, and seizure disorders.
Businesses may only legally ask two questions: "Is this a service dog?" and "What tasks is it trained to perform?"