Holiday Hints

While out shopping this holiday season, you may see someone with a service dog -- here are a few tips.

Service Dog Manners.

When you meet a person with a service dog, please remember that the dog is working. Don't do anything to interrupt the service dog while it is performing its tasks.

Some Rules for Interacting with People with Service Dogs.

1. Speak to the person first. Do not aim distracting or rude noises at the dog.

2. Do not touch the service dog without asking for, and receiving, permission.

3. Do not offer food to the service dog.

4. Do not ask personal questions about the handler's disability, or otherwise intrude on his or her privacy.

5. Don't be offended if the handler does not wish to chat about the service dog.

What if you don't like dogs or are afraid of dogs?

Place yourself away from the service dog. If you are a business person, discreetly arrange for someone else to wait on the person. You may ask the person to have the service dog lie down if it does not interfere with its work.

What if other people complain about the dog being present?

Explain that the service dog is medically necessary and that federal law protects the right of the person to be accompanied by the service dog in public places.

Taken from The TRUTH About Service Dogs on Facebook 

☆Katie