Service dogs are highly trained animals that assist their handlers with specific tasks, such as detecting high or low glucose levels, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. These dogs are not family pets, and in many states, including New Mexico, it is a crime to misrepresent a dog as a service animal.

Service Dog Etiquette

When interacting with a service dog, it is essential to remember that the dog is working and should not be distracted, talked to, or petted. Making eye contact with the dog can also be distracting and may cause problems for the handler. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) allows only two questions to be asked: ‘Is that a service dog?’ and ‘What task is the dog trained to perform?’ Questions about the handler’s disability or need for a service dog are not permitted.

A service dog in training has the same access rights as a fully trained dog and cannot be denied access to public facilities, including hotels and airlines. Hotels that charge extra for pets cannot charge extra for a service dog, and airlines must allow service dogs to fly free of charge.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.