[nfbwatlk] Service Dog Question

[Debby Phillips]

Albert, basically because of the ADA, but also Washington State 
Law, service dogs are allowed to be present in most public 
places.  It is the responsibility of the dog handler to keep 
control of their dog, and if that is not happening the person can 
be told that the dog will need to leave.  Dogs, even service dogs 
aren't perfect and sometimes things happen but I would say that 
if a dog attacked someone it either isn't a service dog, or it is 
not well-trained or well-controlled.

An interesting factor regarding service dogs and the ADA is that 
churches are not subject to the ADA.  Most churches that I know 
of have no problem with genuine service dogs, especially if they 
are well-behaved and doing their job.

There are two questions that a business, or a church pastor, for 
that matter could ask: Is this a service dog? If the person says 
yes, then they can be asked: what task does this dog do to 
mitigate your disability? So in my case, it's pretty obvious.  My 
dog guides me.  But there are people who have balance issues and 
their dogs help them to stay balanced.  That's probably more then 
you wanted to know.  (Smile).    Debby