A Service Dog Is
More Than A Vest™
Canine Companions Grassroots Advocacy Initiative
Joining other passionate volunteer advocates is an easy way to support Canine Companions! You can help amplify our position on legislation and policies that impact people with disabilities who rely on task-trained service dogs, including our clients. As a volunteer advocate, you can help in a variety of ways and with a commitment that fits your interest. You’ll also get exclusive access to educational webinars hosted by Canine Companions and guest presenters. Register as an advocate today!
- Sign our petitions
- Educate your community
- Email your legislators
- Support federal, state and local governance
- Meet with legislators
- Provide testimony for legislation
TAKE ACTION – MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD NOW
Unleash Justice: Put An End to Service Dog Scams!
Would you knowingly pretend to have a disability? As we’ve seen on national media – that’s exactly what people are doing when they pose their pet dog as a service dog to bring it on airplanes, in restaurants and other places where pets are not allowed. People who have fake service dogs are making it difficult for real people with disabilities who rely on legitimate service dogs for independence.
Current laws don’t deter service dog fraud and need strengthening. Sign our petition to ask legislators to amend the language in the Americans With Disabilities Act!
National Service Dog Month - Request a Proclamation Now!
National Service Dog Month, celebrated every September, shines a light on the invaluable impact service dogs have on the lives of people with disabilities.
To celebrate this important month, Canine Companions is asking for help spread the word about service dogs and getting recognition from state and local legislators! Canine Companions has clients living in all 50 states and has set a goal of receiving a statewide or local proclamation from each. You can help by requesting a proclamation for your city.
What is a service dog?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service dog as a working animal trained in specific tasks that directly mitigate the effects of a handler’s disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort do not qualify as service animals and are not permitted in public.
Service dog teams are permitted in any location the public is allowed if they meet the definition above and are in control and behaving in a safe manner.
What businesses can expect from a service dog team.
Service dogs must be clean, in control and behave in a safe manner. Aggression or continued misconduct, including barking, interfering with customers or toileting accidents can legally result in the dog’s removal from a business under the ADA.
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Find tips and best practices for grassroots advocacy.
Materials
Looking for materials? You can find Canine Companions’ service dog infographic, perfect for quick reference here.