Dos and Don’ts When Encountering Service Dogs
According to Can Do Canines, people often assume they can pet a service dog.
“A good rule of thumb is to just note that if the dog is in cape, that probably means its a working dog and we shouldn’t distract it, we shouldn’t try to pet the dog,” said Shenna Lemche, client services and training manager with Can Do Canines.
Lemche says you should treat service dogs like any other medical device you see in public.
“That dog could be working with somebody who has a disability that might not be visible — so diabetes or epilepsy — and if we distract the dog by petting it, or even smiling or waving at it, then we’re really distracting the dog from doing its alert work with that person.”
Can Do Canines is a New Hope-based nonprofit that provides service dogs to people with disabilities.
Compiled by CCX News staff
