Assistance dog

{{short description|Working dog trained to aid or assist an individual with a disability}} {{Globalize|article|2=US|2name=the US|date=December 2024}} [[File:RovingRebel door.jpg|upright=1.25|thumb|right|An assistance dog pressing a button to open an automatic door]] [[File:Hearing dog, 2011.jpg|thumb|Hearing-assistance dog being patted on its head]] An '''assistance dog''' is a [[dog]] that receives specialized training to aid an individual with a [[disability]] by helping with everyday tasks.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last1=Bremhorst |first1=Annika |last2=Mongillo |first2=Paolo |last3=Howell |first3=Tiffani |last4=Marinelli |first4=Lieta |date=2018-07-26 |title=Spotlight on Assistance Dogs—Legislation, Welfare and Research |journal=Animals |language=en |volume=8 |issue=8 |pages=129 |doi=10.3390/ani8080129 |doi-access=free |issn=2076-2615 |pmc=6115927 |pmid=30049995}}</ref> Many countries do not legally recognize assistance dogs. Those who do set strict guidelines, requiring dogs to pass formal training to receive legal recognition as an assistance dog, granting them access rights to public spaces, businesses serving the public, means of transportation, and workplace.<ref name=":1" />

== Terminology == ''Assistance dog'' is the generic term for a dog that provides assistance to a disabled person and is task-trained to help mitigate the handler's disability.<ref>{{Cite web|title=ADI Terms & Definitions|url=https://assistancedogsinternational.org/resources/adi-terms-definitions/|website=Assistance Dogs International|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en}}</ref> Assistance dogs are also commonly referred to as ''service dogs''.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|title=A revised taxonomy of assistance animals|journal=Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development|date=2013|issn=1938-1352|pmc=4540185|pmid=24203538|pages=745–756|volume=50|issue=6|doi=10.1682/JRRD.2012.11.0216|first1=Lindsay|last1=Parenti|first2=Anne|last2=Foreman|first3=B. Jean|last3=Meade|first4=Oliver|last4=Wirth}}</ref>

Assistance dogs are distinct from [[therapy dog]]s. The term ''therapy dog'' can designate dogs working with healthcare professionals to perform [[animal-assisted therapy]],<ref name=":4" /> or be dogs of volunteer handlers who visit hospitals, nursing homes, libraries or schools.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=General FAQs|url=https://assistancedogsinternational.org/resources/general-faqs/|access-date=2024-10-25|website=Assistance Dogs International|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Three Steps to Making Your Dog a Therapy Dog|url=https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/articles/three-steps-to-making-your-dog-a-therapy-dog/|access-date=2024-10-25|website=American Kennel Club|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Karetnick|first=Jen|date=July 9, 2024|title=How To Train a Therapy Dog: Learning If Your Dog Is Fit For Therapy Work|url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-train-a-therapy-dog/|access-date=2024-10-25|website=American Kennel Club|language=en}}</ref> Therapy dogs can be specifically trained and certified, but are not protected by the same laws as assistance dogs.<ref name=":0" />

Service dogs are also distinct from [[emotional support animal]]s. The term ''emotional support animals'' is defined as an animal that provides support to individuals with a mental or psychiatric disability.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Carroll |first1=Joshua D. |last2=Mohlenhoff |first2=Brian S. |last3=Kersten |first3=Charlie M. |last4=McNiel |first4=Dale E. |last5=Binder |first5=Renée L. |date=2020-09-16 |title=Laws and Ethics Related to Emotional Support Animals |journal=The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law |volume=48 |issue=4 |pages=509–518 |doi=10.29158/JAAPL.200047-20 |doi-broken-date=6 April 2026 |issn=1943-3662 |pmid=32938644 }}</ref>

=== Types of assistance dogs === [[Image:Mobility Service Dog bracing his handler.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Mobility assistance dog]] helping his handler stand up]] Various types of assistance dogs are trained to compensate various disabilities: * [[guide dog]]: help to lead visually impaired people * [[hearing dog]]: help listen to sounds for people with hearing impairment * [[mobility assistance dog]]: help physically disabled people * [[medical response dog]]: help with identifying and reacting to specific health crisis ** [[seizure response dog]]: trained to alert and provide help during medical episodes ** [[psychiatric assistance dog]] ** [[autism assistance dog]]: help their handlers to cope with psychiatric or mental disabilities.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-15|title=Types of Services Dogs & What They Are Used For - UDS|url=https://udservices.org/types-of-service-dogs/|access-date=2024-10-25|website=udservices.org|language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Assistance Dogs International]] taxonomy uses three categories: guide dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs (which includes dogs helping with physical disabilities, medical responses and psychiatric conditions).<ref>{{Cite journal|title=Animal-Assisted Interventions: Taxonomy and Best Practices|url=http://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/hai.2018.0014|journal=Human-animal Interaction Bulletin|date=December 2018|issn=2333-522X|doi=10.1079/hai.2018.0014|language=en|first1=Melissa Y.|last1=Winkle|first2=Deborah E.|last2=Linder |article-number=hai.2018.0014 }}</ref>

== Training process == [[File:Service dog in training resting.jpg|thumb|Assistance dog in training in its vest]]

Assistance dogs are traditionally trained by professional organizations. In a few countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, assistance dogs can also be trained by their handlers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ADA service animals FAQ |url=https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/#:~:text=Does%20the%20ADA%20require%20service%20animals%20to%20be%20professionally%20trained|access-date=2024-08-26 |website=ADA FAQ |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Assistance dogs UK |url=https://www.assistancedogs.org.uk/information-hub/training-an-assistance-dog/#:~:text=In%20the%20UK,%20assistance%20dogs%20can%20be%20owner%20trained|access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Assistancedogs.org.uk |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=healthdirect AU |url=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/assistance-dogs#:~:text=While%20many%20dogs%20are%20trained,Australian%20Government's%20Disability%20Gateway%20website. |website=Healthdirect.gov.au| date=3 September 2024 |language=en}}</ref> However, in most countries, only dogs trained and certified by an officially recognized organization can be recognized as assistance dogs and benefit from the associated legal protections.

A prospective assistance dog candidate will go through socialization and desensitization training, where the dog is exposed to unfamiliar locations, sounds, scents, and other stimuli. This training sets the foundations for the assistance dog to remain focused while working. An assistance dog prospect will also go through obedience training to ensure they remain under control of the handler.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AKC |url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/service-dog-training-101/|website=akc.org|language=en}}</ref>

After completing [[Dog training|obedience training]], an assistance dog commences specialized task training. During this training, the assistance dog will learn to perform tasks that will aid their handler. The tasks that an assistance dog is trained to perform will differ based on the handler's disabilities and needs.

Examples of tasks include alerting to a fire alarm or doorbell, retrieving a medication during a medical episode, pulling a wheelchair, retrieving an item that has been dropped by the handler, and turning on lights. Some tasks may require a larger dog with healthy joints, while others (e.g. alerting to a sound) can be performed by a dog of any size.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Froling |first1=Joan |title=Assistance Dog Tasks |url=http://www.iaadp.org/tasks.html |website=The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners |access-date=25 August 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm|title=ADA 2010 Revised Requirements: Service Animals|website=www.ada.gov|date=28 March 2023 }}</ref>

== Legal frameworks == Not all countries have established specific legislations for service dogs. When there is a legislation, it generally allows service dogs to enter public spaces where dogs are usually not allowed in. Legislations varies regarding the mandatory training, certification, equipment, and registration that service dogs should have to be officially recognized and benefit from public access rights. However, assistance dogs are usually expected to meet the following criteria:

# The dog's handler meet the legal definition of disability in the country or region. # The dog is trained to mitigate the handler's disability in some way,--e.g. opening doors, detecting [[Hyperglycemia|high blood sugar]] or [[Allergy|allergens]] and notifying of such, alerting to a ringing phone or other audible stimuli, assisting handlers with PTSD, assisting those who are visually impaired, helping individuals with disabilities that affect their mobility, and much more.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tasks performed by Guide, Hearing and Service Dogs|url=https://iaadp.org/membership/iaadp-minimum-training-standards-for-public-access/tasks-performed-by-guide-hearing-and-service-dogs/|access-date=2024-10-25|website=The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners|language=en-US}}</ref> # The dog is docile and well-behaved, as well as clean and healthy. Individual countries and regions will have specific laws and regulations, with these international criteria having broad recognition across the globe.<ref>{{cite web |last1=The Equality and Human Rights Commission|title=Assistance Dogs. A Guide For All Businesses|url=http://www.assistancedogs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/assistance-dogs-a-guide-for-all-businesses_0.pdf|access-date=25 August 2018|archive-date=22 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170822154606/http://www.assistancedogs.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/assistance-dogs-a-guide-for-all-businesses_0.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Standards|url=https://assistancedogseurope.org/standards/|website=Assistance Dogs Europe|access-date=25 August 2018|archive-date=3 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150103223352/https://assistancedogseurope.org/standards/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=IAADP Minimum Training Standards for Public Access|url=https://iaadp.org/membership/iaadp-minimum-training-standards-for-public-access/|access-date=2024-10-25|website=The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Worldwide ==

=== Australia === In theory, the Australian Disability Discrimination Act (1999/2009) recognize service dogs/animals as animals which are accredited under the law, accredited by an animal training organization (recognized by the regulation), and meet appropriate hygiene and behavioral standards compatible with entering public spaces.<ref name=":1" />

=== European Union === The European Union do not have international directive regarding service dogs, however each country may have national legislation for service dogs. There is, however, a European committee working on standardizing notions around vocabulary, dog welfare, competencies of assistance dog professionals, dog training requirements and recommendations for accessibility of public and private spaces for assistance dog teams.<ref>{{Cite web |title=European Committee for Standardization - Assistance Dogs |url=https://standards.cencenelec.eu/ords/f?p=205:7:::::FSP_ORG_ID:2181734&cs=18BCADBCBE23E221C69890B405F685521 |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=standards.cencenelec.eu}}</ref><ref name=":1" /> The norm resulting from the work of this committee is the CEN/TC 452 norm.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EN 17984-1: A new step towards European standardization for assistance dogs |url=https://www.cencenelec.eu/news-events/news/2024/eninthespotlight/2024-11-07-en-17984-1_assistancedogs/ |access-date=2026-01-28 |website=CEN-CENELEC}}</ref>

In [[France]], people with disability having disability card can ask to benefit from a service dog. Only dogs trained and certified by non-profit organizations recognized by the State benefit from legal protection and are authorized to enter everywhere, including in public spaces and transportation.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2026-01-28 |archive-date=2025-01-26 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20250126031955/https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/article_jo/JORFARTI000001871544 |language=fr |title=Article 54 - LOI n° 2005-102 du 11 février 2005 pour l'égalité des droits et des chances, la participation et la citoyenneté des personnes handicapées (1) - Légifrance |url=https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/jorf/article_jo/JORFARTI000001871544 |website=www.legifrance.gouv.fr}}</ref><ref>Délégation ministérielle à l'accessibilité, Le chien guide d'aveugle ou le chien d'assistance, les compagnons du quotidien, 2025, https://www.ecologie.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/documents/SIR25000712-001_guide%20chien_%20MAI%202025_web.pdf</ref> Assistance dog owners can under certain conditions apply to receive payment to cover their dog food and veterinary care (around €50 per month).<ref>{{Cite web|title=PCH : Prestation de compensation du handicap {{!}} Mon Parcours Handicap|url=https://www.monparcourshandicap.gouv.fr/aides/la-prestation-de-compensation-du-handicap-pch|website=www.monparcourshandicap.gouv.fr|access-date=2026-01-30|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=PCH : Une aide pour compenser la perte d'autonomie|url=https://www.aide-sociale.fr/aide-handicap-pch/|website=Aide-Sociale.fr|date=2022-06-22|access-date=2026-01-30|language=fr|first=Séverine|last=Burel}}</ref>

In [[Austria]], assistance dog are considered within the Austrian Federal Law for Disabled People. Assistance dogs needs the recognition of an official coordinating authority having the relevant expertise and appointed by the government. Since 2014 the [[Messerli Research Institute]] is the official authority established by the Republic of Austria<ref name=":1" /> and hosts the inspection center for assistance dogs.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vetmeduni: Messerli Research Institute|url=https://www.vetmeduni.ac.at/en/messerli/|website=www.vetmeduni.ac.at|access-date=2026-01-28}}</ref> Austrian legislation states the requirements service dogs should meet in term of health condition, behavior, and working performance. To be qualified and recognized as an assistance dogs, the candidate service dogs must pass two assessments: before and after being handed to their final owner. Qualified service dogs are registered on their owner's disability card, can enter public buildings and do not have to be leashed or muzzled.<ref name=":1" />

=== Hong Kong === Two Hong Kong members of the Assistance Dog International include the Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association and Hong Kong Seeing Eye Services.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Varsity |date=2016-05-21 |title=Why it's so hard to train guide dogs in Hong Kong |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2016/05/21/hard-train-guide-dogs-hong-kong/ |access-date=2026-02-18 |website=Hong Kong Free Press HKFP |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Member Search |url=https://assistancedogsinternational.org/st/st/member-search/ |access-date=2026-02-18 |website=Assistance Dogs International |language=en}}</ref> The Disability Discrimination Ordinance protects visually impaired individuals and their guide dogs.<ref name=":6" /> The Hong Kong Seeing Eye Services also redirects dogs who do not meet the criteria to be guide dogs to become [[companion dog]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-24 |title=Companion dogs comfort Hong Kong's seniors through new programme |url=https://www.youngpostclub.com/yp/discover/lifestyle/features/article/3260163/companion-dogs-comfort-hong-kongs-seniors-through-new-programme-aimed-combating-elderly-loneliness |access-date=2026-02-18 |website=Young Post Club |language=en}}</ref>

=== Japan === In Japan, the Act on Assistance Dogs for Persons with Disabilities (2003, amended in 2007) allows people with disabilities to have a service dog accompany them to enter public space and private businesses serving the general public and workplaces.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Matsunaka |first1=Kumiko |last2=Koda |first2=Naoko |date=December 2013 |title=Japanese Business Organizations' Level of Familiarity with Assistance Dog Legislation and Their Acceptance of These Dogs in the Workplace |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.2752/175303713X13795775535977 |journal=Anthrozoös |language=en |volume=26 |issue=4 |pages=557–568 |doi=10.2752/175303713X13795775535977 |issn=0892-7936}}</ref> The law recognize three types of assistance dogs: [[guide dog]]s, service dogs, and [[hearing dog]]s.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last1=Takayanagi |first1=Tomoko |last2=Yamamoto |first2=Mariko |date=2019-06-21 |title=The Use of Service Dogs for People With Physical Disabilities in Japan in Accordance With the Act on Assistance Dogs for Physically Disabled Persons |journal=Frontiers in Veterinary Science |language=English |volume=6 |article-number=198 |doi=10.3389/fvets.2019.00198 |doi-access=free |issn=2297-1769 |pmc=6598092 |pmid=31294038}}</ref> Service dog teams have to be certified after an assessment. Dogs are evaluated on sociability and obedience and suitable dogs are trained to become service dogs. Beneficiaries are evaluated on their aptitude and medical needs. Then dogs and their partners are matched and go through additional team training before a final certification.<ref name=":2" /> Depending on the type of assistance dogs, dog training organization have to be registered at a local prefectural government or the National Public Safety Commission, and organizations certifying assistance dogs are designated by the Minister of Health, Labor, and Welfare or the National Public Safety Commission.<ref name=":2" /> Assistance dogs and their partner must carry their certification papers and the dogs should carry a mandatory sign to access public spaces.<ref name=":2" />

=== Russia === In 2022, Russian legislation only recognized [[guide dog]]s, and not other types of assistance dogs. In 2005, guide dogs have been officially recognized as [[assistive technology]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|title=Assistance dogs in Russia: legal environment review and perspectives|url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09687599.2022.2090899|journal=Disability & Society|date=2024-04-20|issn=0968-7599|pages=995–1013|volume=39|issue=4|doi=10.1080/09687599.2022.2090899|language=en|first=Polina|last=Sedova}}</ref> The legislation does not offer official definition of a guide dog, but state they should have a "Guide Dog Passport" in order to have public access rights (there is no regulation about access to workplaces).<ref name=":3" /> Only organizations approved by the [[Federal Government of Russia|Federal Government]] can certify guide dogs and only two guide dog training schools were recognized in 2022.<ref name=":3" /> Guide dog owners can apply to receive an annual payment to cover veterinary care from the Federal Government.<ref name=":3" />

=== United Kingdom === [[Image:BoltonPriory AssistanceDogs.jpg|thumb|"Assistance Dogs welcome" sign in [[Bolton Priory]]]]In the United Kingdom, the Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination against people who utilize assistance dogs in public spaces.<ref name=":5">{{Cite journal |last=Bennett |first=Oliver |date=2026-09-02 |title=Assistance dogs: issues |url=https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7668/ |journal=House of Commons Library |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Although assistance dogs are legally recognized in the United Kingdom, the organization that regulates assistance dogs, Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), is considered a voluntary coalition and registered charity (1119538) with accreditations by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and The International Guide Dog Federation (IDGF).<ref name=":5" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=About ADUK |url=https://www.assistancedogs.org.uk/about-aduk/ |access-date=2026-02-11 |website=ADUK |language=en-gb}}</ref>

=== United States === In the United States, the [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990|Americans with Disability Act]] states that there is no formal certification or registration required for a dog to become an Assistance Dog. However, the dog should be trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-02 |title=ADA Requirements: Service Animals |url=https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=ADA.gov |language=en}}</ref> State and local governments, businesses, and [[nonprofit organizations]] that serve the public must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go.

In the service dog community, the issue of "fake service dogs" creates ongoing debates about whether service dogs should go through a formal certification.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Mills |first=Meghan L. |date=2024-11-25 |title='Fake Dogs Hurt Real Dogs': boundary work and discrimination in the Service Dog Community |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09687599.2023.2227336 |journal=Disability & Society |language=en |volume=39 |issue=10 |pages=2658–2678 |doi=10.1080/09687599.2023.2227336 |issn=0968-7599}}</ref>

== See also == {{div col}} * {{annotated link|Assistance animal}} * {{Annotated link|Cell dog}} * {{annotated link|Bravehound}} * [[Dogs for Good]] (in the UK) * [[Hearing Dogs for Deaf People]] (in the UK) * {{annotated link|Working dog}} * {{Annotated link|School dog}} {{div col end}}

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == * [https://web.archive.org/web/20100107022320/http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=302 Delta Society's National Service Animal Resource Center] * [http://www.caninepartners.org.uk Canine Partners] (in the UK) * [https://paw2purpose.com?wikipedia Paw2Purpose – service dog training guide and resources]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Assistance Dog}} [[Category:Assistance dogs|Assistance dog]] [[Category:Dog roles]]