GUIDE AND SERVICE DOGS

ETIQUETTE FOR

Guide dogs and service dogs are specially bred and trained to be the guiding eyes of people with visual impairment and help those with disabilities that impact independent living. Distracting them can create a dangerous situation.

Be aware of the following for the safety of guide and assistance dogs and their handlers

• When the dog is wearing his harness or vest, speak to the handler, not the dog. • Do not touch, talk, feed or distract a working dog from his tasks. When resting, let him be. • Guide and service dog teams have right of way. If you feel the need to help, never attempt to hold the harness. Instead, assist the handler – only upon request. • Be thoughtful and patient with a working dog and handler. Never allow anyone to tease or abuse the dog. • Do not let your pets challenge or intimidate a working dog. Keep your dog on a leash around a guide dog and walk on the handler’s side, opposite to the guide dog. • A person using a certified and harnessed guide dog or service dog is allowed entry into all public places, under federal law.