Service Dog Criteria
Any dog assisting a person with a disability is considered to be a service dog under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Service dogs can accompany owners into any publicly accessible space and may live with them in "no pet" accommodations.
Other People Are Reading
-
Health
-
Service dogs must be in top health and physical condition. They cannot suffer from, or be at high risk for, debilitating canine diseases or illnesses.
Temperament
-
"The dog will not be effective as a service dog if it is aggressive, fearful, inconsistent or excitable," according to the website Service Dogs.
-
Obedience
-
Owners must have full control of service dogs at all times. "While out in public," Service Dogs America notes on its website, service dogs "must obey [owners'] commands and not be distracted by outside influences, noise or other animals and people."
Gender
-
Males and females make equally proficient service dogs. Spaying and neutering lowers hormonal influences that interfere with concentration and ability to work.
Breed
-
Some service dog providers prefer certain breeds but generally, any breed or crossbreed is acceptable. The dog's temperament and size however, must match the tasks required.
Age
-
Usually, dogs must be between18 months and 2 years of age to begin working. Most retire at age 8 or 9 but can work longer if their health permits.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Dog image by Jan Zajc from Fotolia.com
