Delaware — Delaware Governor Matt Meyer has officially proclaimed September as Service Dog Month, recognizing the vital role that service dogs play in supporting individuals with disabilities and assisting first responders in managing stress and trauma.
Service dogs are highly trained animals that perform a wide range of tasks, including guiding individuals with visual impairments, alerting those with medical conditions like seizures, and providing emotional support to those with mental health challenges. These dogs offer more than companionship; they help their handlers live safer, more independent lives.
In Delaware, service dogs are also becoming an essential resource for first responders, including firefighters and emergency medical personnel, who benefit from their ability to provide comfort and reduce stress in high-pressure situations.
The Governor’s proclamation not only acknowledges the significant contributions of service dogs to individuals with disabilities but also highlights their growing role in the community. Service dogs undergo rigorous training to ensure they can perform specialized tasks tailored to their handler’s needs. Their training includes socialization, obedience, and specific responses to medical emergencies, mobility assistance, and emotional support, all of which enable them to work seamlessly in public, private, and professional settings.
Service Dog Month also highlights the legal rights of service dogs and their handlers. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are allowed to accompany their handlers into public spaces, including restaurants, stores, and public transportation, where pets are typically not permitted. This ensures individuals with disabilities have the same access to public services and opportunities as anyone else, with their service dog by their side. The ADA makes a clear distinction between service dogs and other types of animals.
Businesses and public places are required to make reasonable accommodations for service dogs. This means they must allow access to these animals, ensuring individuals with disabilities are able to participate fully in society and access services without being hindered by barriers to entry.
Delaware’s observance of Service Dog Month encourages residents to learn more about the critical work service dogs do and to support organizations that provide the training and care necessary for these animals. This recognition highlights the vital role service dogs play in the lives of those they assist.
