SERVICE ANIMALS

THEY'REMORETHANPETS!

By Matthew Louis LaGassa

If you’ve spent any time in the past couple of years in public spaces, or even some offices, then chances are, you’ve seen an animal, usually a dog, in a vest with some variation of “do not pet” emblazoned on it. Though service animals are neither brand new nor uncommon in today’s society, knowledge of their history, rights, and behaviors, is not as widespread as it should be. For example, did you know that only dogs and miniature horses “that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities" can be legally considered a service animal? Some good rules of thumb are to give the animal and their handler space, and not to pet the dog without permission from the handler.

For as long as the ADA has stood, so too have the many service animals and their handlers that have tirelessly stood as models for the equity and inclusion of all individuals with disabilities in all facets of everyday life. We hope that you remember their storied history and duties and, whether as a handler or spectator, always respect these very good dogs, and miniature horses, and their colleagues as emotional support, comfort, and therapy animals, in all that they do.

Read full article on our website: https://cilorlando.org/service-animals-theyre-more-than-pets/