Today, there is controversy because people confuse service animals with emotional support animals or pets and think that their pet should be allowed in public spaces that allow service animals. However, service animals have been specially trained to enable disabled people to have better access to public services, to work safely, and to participate in social activities they may not have been able to enjoy alone. Service animals are defined by the ADA as “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.” Miniature horses that are specially trained to assist a disabled person can also be considered service animals, but they do not receive the same considerations under US law that service dogs do. Organizations like Service Dog Certifications offer an identification card to service dog animals, but some argue that such certification allows people to purchase vests for poorly trained dogs, which may put other service animals and the public at risk. They say many of these pets do not have the same depth of training as service dogs and may cause problems in public places. Currently, individual state laws define the requirements of training for various classes of service animals. For my project, I would like to provide an animated infographic to compare service animals with pets or emotional support animals, and a compilation video showing some of the tasks that service animals can complete.
Do you know the difference between service animals and therapy or emotional support animals? Do you know what public places have to allow what kind of pets? I’m creating a website to compare and contrast service animals and other animals that people use every day. #workingdogs
— Tracy Lyon (@TracyLyon14) June 6, 2018
What kind of animals can legally enter a grocery store? Can anyone bring their pets in, if they have a vest or a sign that says they are a service animal? #emotionalsupportanimals
— Tracy Lyon (@TracyLyon14) June 6, 2018
Did you know that they only thing owners can legally ask visitors with working dogs is what the dog is trained to do, and whether the person has a disability? Vests are only recommended, not required. #certificationforserviceanimals
— Tracy Lyon (@TracyLyon14) June 6, 2018
Do you know what service dogs actually do for their handlers? Did you know they can be trained not only to lead the blind across a busy street, but they can be trained to pick things up, alert owners about conditions, or even call 911? #animalsuperheros
— Tracy Lyon (@TracyLyon14) June 6, 2018
Did you know that the only animals which are legally considered service animals by the ADA are dogs which have undergone specialized training to perform work for disabled individuals? Other animals may be protected by state laws or other considerations. #ADArulesaboutdogs
— Tracy Lyon (@TracyLyon14) June 6, 2018