Labor Laws for Service Dogs
- Service dogs are an invaluable resource to the elderly and those with disabilities.german shepherd seeing eye dog image by Stephen Orsillo from Fotolia.com
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a service dog as "any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability." These dogs are highly trained and are expected to perform life-saving actions if necessary. Because these dogs are literally responsible for the life of their owner, service dog laws are strictly enforced. This includes those laws related to their labor. - A service dog begins its training when it is just a puppy. These dogs are expected to listen to every word and physical command of their owners, so it is a necessity that the training starts early and is thorough. A service dog is assigned to a person for eight to 10 years once a dog has successfully completed training. It is possible for a service dog to serve more than 10 years, but as the dog ages it becomes more difficult for it to perform the necessary tasks of a service dog; gradual loss of hearing, poor eyesight and the onset of arthritis make performance difficult. The owner has the option of keeping the dog as a pet after it is retired. If not, the dog is adopted out.
- A service dog doesn't have a set amount of work hours per day because it is expected to perform any physical tasks whenever it is called upon. To put it another way, a service dog needs to be ready at a moment's notice to perform its duties. This essentially makes the job of a service dog a 24-hour job. While service dogs do work around the clock, they usually have a strong relationship with their owners and get to enjoy all the normal benefits of being a pet in private--such as chew toys and lots of affection.
- You have responsibilities to a service dog while it is on duty as well. The labor laws of a service dog outlined by the ADA include restrictions on third-party interactions with both the service dog and the owner while in public. First, you cannot touch or interact with a service dog without the permission of the owner. This restriction is imperative because a service dog needs to be alert at all times. The slightest distraction can keep the dog from performing its duties and put the owner in peril. Second, the dog has privileges that other animals do not have that you must recognize. Specifically, if you are an owner of a business, you must let a service dog in your business while the dog is on duty. According to the ADA, a service dog is not a "pet" and should be allowed in any business setting. These rules are strictly enforced and can result in a fine if you break them.
