Service dog etiquette

Why service dog etiquette matters

A psychiatric service dog is trained to do specific tasks for a person with a mental health disability, such as interrupting a panic response, applying deep pressure, or creating space in a crowd. Those tasks depend on the dog watching its handler closely.

When someone calls the dog, makes kissing sounds or reaches out to pet it, the dog may miss an early cue it's trained to respond to. For the handler, an unexpected stranger approaching can also be stressful in itself. Giving the team space is one of the kindest things you can do.

Service dog do's and don'ts

Guide dog and disability organizations share a consistent set of guidelines that apply just as well to psychiatric service dogs.

• Don't pet, talk to, whistle at or make eye contact with a working dog without asking the handler first
• Don't offer food, treats or toys
• Don't touch, grab or steer the dog's leash or harness, or the handler
• Keep your own dog leashed and at a polite distance
• Don't let children tease or chase the dog
• If the handler says no to petting, accept it without argument
• Speak to the handler, not the dog, if you need to communicate

Respecting handler privacy

Because psychiatric disabilities are often invisible, handlers sometimes face questions like “What's wrong with you?” or “You don't look disabled.” Please don't ask. Even businesses aren't allowed to ask about a person's disability under the ADA.

Avoid commenting on whether a handler seems to “need” a dog, and don't photograph or film the team without permission. If you're curious about service dogs in general, there are many good public resources you can read instead of asking a stranger.

Service dog etiquette for businesses

Under the ADA, when it isn't obvious what a dog does, staff may ask only two questions: is the dog required because of a disability, and what work or task has the dog been trained to perform. Staff may not ask for medical documentation, a special ID card or training papers, and may not ask the dog to demonstrate its task.

A vest isn't required, and online certificates or registrations don't convey any rights under the ADA. A psychiatric service dog letter isn't required for public access either, so don't ask for one.

You may ask a handler to remove a dog that is out of control when the handler doesn't take effective action, or a dog that isn't housebroken. If you do, still offer the person your goods or services without the dog. ADA.gov is clear that allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons to deny access or refuse service. Where possible, accommodate both people, for example by offering seating in different areas.

Passing a service dog with your dog

If you're walking a pet dog, give a service dog team extra room. Even a friendly greeting from your dog can pull a working dog off task, and a reactive pet can frighten or injure a service dog, sometimes ending its working career.

Shorten your leash, step aside and let the team pass. Introductions between pets and service dogs should happen only when the handler suggests it, on neutral ground and with everyone supervised.

What service dog handlers wish you knew

Most handlers are happy to share general information about service dogs when they have time, but they're often on their way to work, an appointment or the grocery store like anyone else. A friendly nod is usually welcome; a long conversation about their dog may not be.

Psychiatric service dogs come in many breeds and sizes, and not every working dog wears a vest. A dog lying calmly under a table or walking closely beside someone may be doing important work you can't see, such as watching for signs of rising anxiety.

Teaching children about service dogs

Kids naturally want to pet dogs. A simple rule helps: a dog with a working person is “at work,” and we don't bother people at work. Encourage children to wave at the person instead and to ask you their questions later.

If your child does approach, a short apology and a gentle redirect is plenty. Handlers appreciate parents who make the effort.

Helping a service dog handler in distress

If a dog is acting in an unusual way near someone who seems unwell, don't try to take control of the dog. Ask the person if they're okay, and if they seem to be in a medical or mental health emergency, call 911. In a mental health crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text.