Last Friday, Marshall (Service K9) and I participated in practical field training sessions involving K9 teams. These sessions help EMTs and Paramedics gain hands-on experience in managing emergencies where service animals are present. EMTs receive training on recognizing signs of stress or anxiety in service animals and their handlers to ensure a calm environment during emergencies.

In the Photo, it shows the EMTs doing a mock medical exam on me and Marshall on overwatch. This is not only important to the first responders but also to the handlers on how their K9 interacts. Training is important to both first responders and service K9s.

At the end of the session, the organization presented the fire department with an animal rescue pack, mask, and training that can lend oxygen to animals in need. The goal is to provide these kits and training free to all of the medical first responders.

Organizations work closely with police and fire departments, public venues, and local business owners to educate employees about how to approach service dogs and their handlers. Additionally, the organization informs businesses of their legal rights when navigating issues with service dog teams and provides instructional classes and materials.

**So What Exactly is a Service Dog?**

There is a big difference between the responsibilities and training of the Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and Emotional Support Animal/Comfort Dog.

**The Service Dog**

Highly trained dogs who perform specific tasks to help their handler with any disability(s). Service dogs must be well-trained, be accompanying their disabled handler, be potty-trained, and be able to perform tasks to mitigate their handler’s disability. There is no certification for service dogs recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice. These dogs have legal protection to accompany their handler in public. Some of the modalities that are assisted by service dogs are Mobility, Autism, Psychiatric, Visual Assistance, and Medical Alerts which may consist of TBI, diabetes, and Seizures that require a medical alert. Minimum training takes over 1,300 hours with K9 and handler and continues for the life of the K9 while in service to the handler.

**What does the Law say about Service Animals?**

Penalties for interfering with a service dog and/or its handler are outlined by state law and are designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. The range across states is from a misdemeanor with a $250 fine to a class 6 felony that could lead to a $150,000 fine and prison time. One has to check the penal codes for your state of interest. States also have laws for any handler for Fraudulent Misrepresentation, presenting their pet or therapy animal as a service animal.

**The American Disabilities Act (ADA)**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides specific guidelines regarding service dogs, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the right to be accompanied by their trained service animals in public spaces. Here’s a detailed overview of what the ADA states about service dogs:

## Definition of Service Animals
- **Service Animal**: Under the ADA, a service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability. This includes physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disabilities[2][4][5].
- **Training**: The training can be conducted by an organization or by the individual with a disability themselves; however, there is no formal certification process required[2][3].

## Rights and Access
- **Public Access**: Service dogs must be allowed in all areas of public accommodation where the general public is permitted. This includes restaurants, hospitals, and stores[1][3][5].
- **No Pet Policies**: Businesses cannot enforce "no pet" policies against service animals. They must accommodate individuals with service dogs regardless of such policies[1][3].

## Inquiries and Documentation
- **Allowed Questions**: When it is not obvious that a dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two questions:
1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

Staff cannot request medical documentation or ask about the nature of the individual's disability[3][4].

## Behavior and Control
- **Under Control**: Service animals must be under the control of their handler at all times. They should be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless this interferes with their ability to perform tasks due to the handler's disability[3][5].
- **Exclusion Criteria**: A service dog may only be removed from a public space if it is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it, or if it is not housebroken[3][4].

## Emotional Support Animals
- **Distinction from Service Dogs**: Emotional support animals and therapy dogs do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. Their primary role is to provide comfort rather than perform specific tasks related to a disability[2][5].

## Additional Considerations
- **Breed Restrictions**: The ADA does not impose breed restrictions; any breed can be a service dog as long as it meets the training criteria[4][6].
- **Local Laws**: While service animals are protected under federal law, local regulations regarding licensing and vaccination still apply[4].

In summary, the ADA establishes robust protections for individuals with disabilities who rely on service dogs, ensuring their rights to access public spaces and receive necessary assistance without discrimination.

Citations:
[1] https://neads.org/rights-access-and-laws/
[2] https://northeastada.org/resource/the-ada-and-service-animals
[3] https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/
[4] https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/
[5] https://adata.org/guide/service-animals-and-emotional-support-animals
[6] https://www.ada.gov/topics/service-animals/
[7] https://www.603legalaid.org/rental-housing-and-service-animals-ada-and-fhaa-when-does-each-apply
[8] https://adata.org/factsheet/service-animals