Specific cases

From Service Dog Training

Specific legal cases that affect service dog users.

Let's face it. One of the most terrifying parts of having an owner trained dog is the realization that at some point a circuit court judge somewhere could decide that for some reason your dog is not sufficient to be called a service dog, or you aren't disabled enough to have one, or that for some reason you no longer get to have your service dog. Because of this, it is important to keep up on legal cases applicable to you as a service dog user. These cases are what truly set the standard for training, proof of training, and the "level" of disability required to have a service dog. The best thing you can do is stay up on the laws and the legal decisions, and be ready to defend yourself in court if it becomes necessary.

Please keep in mind that the commentary I have added is my opinion only, and should not be taken as legal advice. I am not a lawyer, and if you need legal advice on service dog issues you should seek professional assistance. I am not responsible for anything you may do based on my commentary to these cases! I have presented these cases and my commentary on them in an effort to bring to light cases that could affect service dog users.

• Baugher vs. the City of Ellensburg A very interesting case that looks at the standard of proof for determining if a service dog has in fact been trained as a service dog.

• Thompson vs. Dover Downs A case that confirms the right of a business to ask about a service dog's task training as a condition of access.