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Addressing assumptions made about service animals and correcting improper actions.
When you walked into the lecture hall on the first day of class, you probably weren’t expecting to see a dog sitting in the front row. As we pass service animals on campus, it can be easy to forget the age-old cliché “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Even after hearing this a hundred times, we still make assumptions.
These animals may look like furry friends, but they have important jobs, so it is important to understand what they do and how to act around them.
Common Misconceptions
Many people assume that just because a service animal owner is not outwardly struggling or visibly disabled, that they are not in need of assistance.
According to the Invisible Disabilities Association, the term “invisible disability” describes a “physical, mental or neurological condition that is not visible from the outside” but still “[challenges] a person’s movements, senses, or activities.”
Sam Tugman, a member of SDC and active handler, comments on the assumptions about her “invisible disability”.
“People look at me and think I’m not disabled because I could walk and talk and express myself,” Tugman said.
President of the SDC and active handler Sofie Johnson has also had experiences where a professor asked why she had a service dog since she was not in a wheelchair or blind.
Additionally, service dogs are not only used for physical assistance, but also mental health.
Ryan Lopez, SDC member and handler, discussed how his service dog, Milo, is often mistaken for an emotional support animal (ESA).
“[People] don’t assume that [Milo] is a service dog, even though he does have tasks… they just assume it’s just an emotional support animal,” said Lopez. “I’ve been denied from certain places because they think [Milo] is an ESA and not an actual service dog.”
Understanding the various unknown purposes for owning a service animal can help reduce confusion when interacting with a handler that doesn’t match a perceived stereotype.
Proper Behavior
It is widely known not to pet a stranger’s dog without permission, especially a service dog, but you may be unaware of other unconscious choices you make that could disrupt a service dog at work.
“Not everybody has a service dog, so a lot of people kind of just need to be taught,” Lopez stated.
During a trip to Disney World, Johnson and her service animal received endless comments such as, “Oh my God the dog has shoes! Oh my God it has a headband! Oh my God there’s a dog!”
While the person complimenting had positive intentions, this type of reaction not only distracts her dog, but also impacts the effort she puts in to not draw attention to her service dog.
“When summer comes around and your dog needs shoes, we kind of tend to avoid it because it’s just like a stray attraction for people,” Johnson said.
Tugman also stressed that it is important to avoid calling attention to a service dog.
“Just don’t distract is the biggest thing,” Tugman said.
There is no harm in asking genuine questions and putting in effort to learn, as long as you remain respectful and follow the handler’s instructions.
It is important to dismantle these presumptions, stay educated on the correct way to interact with service animals, and stand for proper accessibility. And even if you are not personally a handler, you can still visit the Service Dog Club on campus to learn more.
