Working Dogs at Work: How to Interact Respectfully

I love dogs, and every time I see one, I feel an immediate need to pet them and tell the owner about my beloved dog. If I’m at a restaurant and see a canine under the table next to me, I start tossing some delectable treats their way. 

Service dogs are calm, well behaved, and present where other dogs may not be. If you are like me, this may inspire you to give the working dog some love and attention. You may even think of bringing your perfect pooch over to say hello or play. I would ask you to respectfully pause first.

Control and Responsibility

The ADA clarifies, “A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless the individual’s disability prevents using these devices or these devices interfere with the service animal’s safe, effective performance of tasks. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.”

”The handler is responsible for the care and supervision of his or her service animal. If a service animal behaves in an unacceptable way and the person with a disability does not control the animal, a business or other entity has the right to ask that the dog be removed,” according to the ADA National Network.

Ask Permission First

As stated above, service dogs are not required to wear a service dog harness or vest, so any dog you see could be a working service dog. In other words, assume any dog could be working to keep their handler alive and safe at that very moment. 

Your Approach

Approach the owner first. Remember, the handler must maintain control. 

Ask if you can pet their dog, and if they say yes, you can pet them on the area of their shoulder. Patting any dog on the head is never a good idea because it can scare them.

If they say no, it could be due to being in a hurry, they could be having a challenging day, or their dog could be working at that moment, managing a life or death situation for the handler. 

Space and Safety

Provide space for service animals,  this includes teaching your children and pets to keep a  safe distance as well. A service animal may be aiding their handler at that moment and you would not even know.

Prioritize the safety of the dog and their handler, they both need to concentrate.  

Walking With a Working Dog

Service dogs are typically trained to walk on the left hand side of their handler in order to allow the handler to use their right hand for other tasks. If you are passing a dog and their handler, walk to their right and do not get too close to the handler. Do not make any startling noises or sudden movements.

Treats

Please do not feed a dog that does not belong to you. Like humans, they can have allergies, timed feeding routines, or specialized diets. The difference is dogs do not say no or explain their dietary needs. Food can also become a distraction and make it challenging for the handler to control their dog.

Hosting Service Dogs

When you are graced with the opportunity to host a service dog in your home or business, keep the following in mind. Don’t let the dog out of the handler’s area without supervision. In your home, agree on spaces you are comfortable allowing the dog to access. Allow your guest to manage their working dog and ask them to direct you if they do need your help. Finally, if there is an emergency, ensure the two are not separated.

Your Respectful Pause

A working service dog and their handler have a special bond and unique working relationship. I hope you witness it, pausing to realize how important it is to respect and honor their work together.

Share your experience with us. Did I miss any best etiquette practices? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments below.

References 

ADA requirements: Service animals. (2025, July 29). ADA.gov. https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-2010-requirements/

How can I tell if an animal is really a service animal and not just a. (n.d.). https://adata.org/faq/how-can-i-tell-if-animal-really-service-animal-and-not-just-pet

Gittlen, D. (2023, December 27). Best practices when around a service dog. Guide Dogs of America. https://www.guidedogsofamerica.org/best-practices-when-around-a-service-dog/