Service Dog Gear for Your First Public Outing
Going into a public place with your service dog for
the first time can be stressful, especially if you are new to it. However, with
the right type of service
dog gear, you can make your outing more comfortable. This
includes equipment such as leashes, ID cards, and more. Although these items
are not required, you may find your time with your service dog more comfortable
if you bring them.
Useful Service Dog Gear
If you have never taken your service dog out in public
before, you may encounter members of the public who are not aware of ADA law.
These individuals may object to your dog being in a public place. Although ADA
law makes it illegal for them to bar your dog entry if he is a service dog, you
may make these situations easier if you have the following service dog gear.
A service
dog vest can help the public visually identify your dog as a
service dog. Patches sewn onto the vest that read “Service Dog – Full Access,”
“Registered Service Dog,” or “Service Dog – Access Required” help the public
understand your dog must be allowed to go wherever you go.
Service
dog ID cards go the extra mile in informing the public
about your service dog. These are customized, high quality PVC plastic cards
that consist of your name, your dog’s name, as well as the Federal Laws,
including the phone number for the United States Department of Justice. If at
any time you find the public is not receptive to your service dog, or if you
simply want to help them understand the laws regarding service dogs, you may produce
one of these official-looking ID cards.
Service dog vests and ID cards can offer up essential
information to the public that can help you during your first public outing.
Convenient Service Dog Gear
Certain service dog gear can make your outings more
comfortable and convenient.
A service
dog collar functions like a regular dog collar, and allows you
to attach a leash and dog tags to it. A service dog collar also allows you to attach
a service dog clip-on patch tag. These tags offer additional information to
help the public understand your dog is a service dog by clearly stating your
dog is a “Registered Service Dog.”
A service
dog leash helps keep your dog close so he can provide you with sufficient
aid. A leash also acts as a visual signifier that shows you have your dog under
control, which offers the public peace of mind.
Remember that you are not required to have any
specific kind of service dog gear to take your dog in public. Even a service
dog vest is not required. However, to ensure your first public outing with your
service dog goes smoothly, the right service dog gear can make all the
difference.
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