09/03/2026
We’ve all heard that dogs are “man’s best friend.” But sometimes, a dog is far more than a best friend-they’re a lifeline.
September is National Service Dog Month, a time to honor the extraordinary working dogs who help people with disabilities and medical conditions live safer, more independent lives. These remarkable dogs can be trained to perform an amazing variety of tasks, from guiding someone who is visually impaired and retrieving dropped objects to alerting their handler to certain medical emergencies.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. Unlike emotional support animals, trained service dogs have special public-access protections. Organizations such as Canine Companions devote tremendous time and care to preparing these four-legged helpers for their important jobs.
And we humans have an important job, too: let them work! When you see a service dog, resist those adorable eyes and please don’t pet, call to, distract, or offer treats to the dog. Speak directly to the handler, and keep your own pets at a respectful distance.
Service dogs may have four paws and wagging tails, but when they put on that working vest, they’re on the job. This month, let’s celebrate these incredible dogs, and do our part to help the dogs who spend every day helping humans.
