What to Do When You See a Service Dog in Public

You are out in a grocery store or a restaurant and you see a person with a dog wearing a jacket. How do you respond?

What if the person doesn’t look blind?

Actually seeing eye dogs are only one type of service dog. Our family had an autism service dog for many years. There are service dogs for many disabilities.

What if the person doesn’t look like they have a disability?

Many of the people who have service dogs have invisible disabilities. Some people with service dogs have seizures or PTSD.

What if you are just not sure if this is a legitimate service dog situation?

It is better for you to assume that it is really a service dog with a legitimate need than to question the person or ask them to leave.

What if you are allergic to dogs?

Keep away from them. Your allergy matters but so does their disability. There are more places without dogs than places with dogs.

What if you don’t like dogs?

Too bad.

As someone who has had a service dog as part of our family, I can say that they really make a difference. Our autism service dog opened up a whole new world for us. We could go to places that we would never normally be able to go to.

It is always better to make the assumption that the person with the service dog has a real need and that the dog is playing an important role for them.

When confused, just keep your mouth shut.