Service dog handlers have a set of ethical responsibilities to ensure the well-being of their service dogs, the safety of the public, and the legitimacy of service dog use. These ethical guidelines help maintain the credibility and effectiveness of service dog teams. Here are some key service dog handler ethics:
- Legitimacy of Disability:
- Only individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or equivalent laws in other countries should use service dogs. Handlers should not falsely claim to have a disability in order to access public accommodations or services.
- Proper Training and Behavior:
- Handlers are responsible for ensuring their service dog is well-trained and behaves appropriately in public. This includes obedience, task performance, and socialization.
- Handlers should be committed to maintaining their dog's training throughout its working life.
- Access Rights:
- Handlers should be aware of their legal rights and responsibilities under relevant disability and service animal laws and should adhere to them.
- Public Etiquette:
- Handlers should educate the public and acquaintances about appropriate behavior around service dogs. They should expect to answer questions about their service dog but have the right to privacy regarding their disability.
- Health and Well-Being:
- Handlers are responsible for the physical and emotional well-being of their service dogs. This includes regular veterinary care, proper nutrition, exercise, grooming, and providing a safe and comfortable living environment.
- Identification and Gear:
- While it's not a legal requirement, handlers can use appropriate identification like vests, harnesses, or tags to indicate that their dog is a service dog. This can help reduce misunderstandings in public.
- Handling Misbehavior:
- If a service dog exhibits aggressive or disruptive behavior in public, handlers should take immediate action to address the situation. This may involve removing the dog from the environment if necessary.
- Public Safety:
- Service dog handlers must ensure that their dog does not pose a danger to the public. Proper socialization and behavior training are crucial to prevent aggressive or disruptive behavior.
- Cleanliness and Hygiene:
- Handlers should ensure that their service dog is clean and well-groomed when in public spaces, as this helps maintain a positive image of service dogs.
- Respect for Others:
- Handlers should respect the rights and boundaries of others. For instance, they should not allow their service dog to interfere with or harm other people, animals, or property.
- Regular Assessment:
- Regularly assess whether the service dog continues to meet the needs of the handler. In some cases, as the handler's needs or the dog's abilities change, a new service dog may be more appropriate.
- Advocacy and Education:
- Handlers can play a role in advocating for the rights of people with disabilities and educating the public about service dogs and the laws surrounding them.
