Service Dogs for Children

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service animal is defined as any animal specifically trained to help a human with a disability. A child with a disability must be allowed to bring her service animal into any business or public location. A child using a service animal may present with unique issues, and parents and children need to know their rights in terms of that service animal.

Reasons a Child Might Have a Service Animal

• There are many reasons a child may rely on a service animal for assistance. The animal may act as a guide for a child who has a visual or hearing impairment. These animals usually are seen wearing some type of harness so that the child can hold on to the animal while he is out in public. The animal also may be trained to pull the child's small wheelchair or to alert the child if there is a medical emergency. The dog also may be trained to alert a responsible adult to the child's impending medical need. Specialized training helps these animals alert to a variety of children's medical conditions such as seizures or diabetes.

Training a Child's Service Animal

• The training requirements for a service animal are established through the ADA and are broadly defined. As long as the animal is trained to serve the child with a disability, the animal is protected under this law. This means that the animal can be purchased or obtained from a training organization that specializes in the training of service animals or that you can privately train your animal. The child is responsible for making sure the animal has been trained to act responsibly in public and not show any signs of aggression. It also should be trained to ignore other people or animals it may encounter in public. It is important to spend time teaching the child how to manage and use her service animal appropriately since she is the one who handles the animal on a daily basis.

A Service Animal in Public

• By law, any public place, including a school, must allow a trained service animal to accompany a child with a disability. Even if an establishment has a policy not allowing pets, it must allow access for a child and his service animal. The ADA clearly states that a service animal is not a pet, and therefore should not be considered one by any public place. If your child needs his service animal at school, meet with the teacher and principal beforehand to discuss this need and answer any questions they may have. Teach your child these rights so that she can educate people in public about these laws.

A Service Animal on the Airplane

• A child with a disability who uses a service animal has the right to travel just like any other child. Airlines must accommodate a child traveling with her service animal. Since children or service animals are not allowed in an exit row, the airlines accommodate your child and the service animal by giving them a bulkhead seat. The airline does not charge a fee for your child to bring the service animal on the flight. Remind your child that, while on board, she is responsible for the behavior of the animal.