Service Dogs
Service dogs are animals trained to perform tasks to assist a person who has a disability.
Some service dogs are guide dogs, hearing dogs, and mobility assistance dogs that help people who may use wheelchairs. There are
also many other kinds of service dogs because there are many kinds of disabilities. Service dogs may be trained by an organization, a
private trainer, or an individual.
People with disabilities have the legal right in the United States to use service dogs in places where the general public is allowed like
stores, supermarkets, theaters, hotels and restaurants. It is important not to distract service dogs from doing the tasks they were
trained to do to assist their handler.
How to Greet a Person with a Service Dog
Always speak to the person first, not the dog.
Do not try to get the service dog's attention. This could distract the dog from its work and cause an unsafe situation for the handler.
Do not offer food to a service dog.
Ask before petting a service dog. Do not be offended if the person does not allow petting.
Ask questions if you have some. Do not be offended, however, if the person does not want to talk to you. Remember that people
with disabilities are like everyone else and they may be busy or not in the mood to talk; or they might not be able to speak because
of their disability.
Perros de Servicio
Los perros de servicio son animales entrenados especialmente para asistir a las personas que tienen alguna incapacitacion.
Algunos perros de servicio son los perros guias para los ciegos, los perros "oyentes" o que proveen asistencia auditiva, y los perros
de asistencia en movilidad que ayudan a las personas con limitaciones de movimiento que pueden usar una silla de ruedas. Hay
ademas muchas otras clases de perros de servicio porque hay muchas clases de limitaciones. Los perros de servicio pueden ser
entrenados por una organizacion especial, o por un entrenador privado, o por una persona en particular.
Personas con incapacitaciones tienen el derecho legal en los Estados Unidos para usar un perro de servicio en los lugares donde se
permite la entrada al publico en general, como las tiendas, supermercados, teatros, hoteles y restaurantes. Es importante que no se
distraiga a los perros de servicio de sus tareas de asistencia a la persona a quien sirven y para las cuales estan entrenados.
© 2005 Paws-Up, Inc.
Duplication for educational purposes ONLY permitted.