If you've traveled through an airport recently, you've likely seen a dog in a vest weaving through the crowd, curled up under a gate seat, or boarding an aircraft beside its handler. And chances are, you've also heard the horror stories—dogs barking mid-flight, peeing in the aisle, lunging at other passengers.
Here's the truth: those are not trained service dogs.
Under federal law, service dogs are not required to wear a vest, carry certification, or be registered in any kind of public database. What is required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is simple but crucial: a service dog must be trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate a disability and must be under control in public at all times. That's it. No vest. No ID. Just task-based training and behavior.
Unfortunately, that legal simplicity opens the door for widespread misuse—and makes things murky for well-meaning travelers who want to do the right thing. So, what should you do when you see a service dog while traveling? Here's a clear breakdown of the do's and don'ts:
DO: Ignore the Dog
This one surprises people. It's natural to smile, point, or comment on how cute the pup in booties is—but even positive attention can be distracting to a working dog. When you comment or engage with a service dog in public, you're essentially pulling focus from a medical device. Their job might be alerting to a seizure, regulating anxiety, or helping their handler balance—all of which require deep concentration and focus.
Treat them like you would someone using a wheelchair or hearing aid: respectfully, and without fanfare.
DON'T: Touch the Dog Without Permission
In America, we've developed a culture where dogs are public property—see a pup, pet the pup. But here's the thing: dogs are personal property. And service dogs? They're basically an extension of the handler's body. A joke in the service dog community goes: "Touching my dog without asking is like rubbing up against me." Funny, yes—but also true.
If you feel drawn to say hello, always ask the handler first. And if they say no, don't take it personally. In fact, honoring that boundary helps build trust between handlers and the public—something many disabled individuals struggle with every day just trying to navigate the world.
What About "Fake" Service Dogs?
We get it. It's frustrating when an out-of-control dog is labeled a "service dog." If you see a dog growling, lunging, barking excessively, or not under control, it's reasonable to question it—but the process matters.
Legally, businesses (and their representatives) can ask two questions:
- Is this dog trained for service work?
- What task is the dog trained to perform?
That's it. They cannot demand paperwork, IDs, or certification, nor can they ask the handler to "prove it" on the spot. But if the dog is disruptive, staff can—and should—ask the handler to remove the dog.
If you're a fellow traveler and concerned, discreetly find a staff member or manager and let them handle it. Advocating for real service dogs means protecting the integrity of the role—without shaming or escalating unnecessarily.
If You Have a Dog: Keep Your Distance
This one is big. If you're traveling with your own pup, please keep a respectful distance from working dogs. While your dog may be friendly, even a brief sniff or bark can disrupt a service dog's focus—and that can put a handler's safety at risk.
In a perfect world, all dogs would be neutral in public. That starts with you. Teaching your dog to ignore distractions, remain calm, and check in with you instead of pulling toward other dogs goes a long way—not just in creating better canine citizens, but in supporting disabled individuals who rely on their dogs for independence.
The Bottom Line
Service dogs aren't pets—they're medical equipment with a heartbeat. They spend hundreds of hours in training to do what they do, and their success depends just as much on public awareness as it does on handler preparation.
So next time you see a dog in a vest at the airport, mall, or train station:
- Ignore them.
- Respect their space.
- Advocate appropriately.
- And, if you're a dog owner, model the behavior you want to see.
It's a small effort on your part—and a huge help to the handler beside them.
By Blake Woody, Founder of Certify Canine