Helpful Information About Levels of Access

Battle Buddies Therapy Dogs trains three types of dogs.  Below are the differences between a therapy dog, a service animal, and a search and rescue dog.

   Battle Buddy Therapy Dogs are trained to provide comfort and support to veterans dealing with a range of challenges. While they undergo specialized training and may receive certifications like the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen title, therapy dogs are not classified as service animals under the ADA. 

   Therefore, they do not have the same legal rights to access public places. Their access is typically limited to facilities that have granted permission for therapy visits, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and schools. These visits are often coordinated through organizations like Battle Buddies Therapy Dogs, which work to match trained therapy dogs with veterans and provide ongoing support . 

   Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to perform tasks directly related to a person's disability. These tasks can include alerting those who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, or assisting during a seizure. As such, service dogs are permitted to accompany their handlers in all areas open to the public, including restaurants, hotels, stores, theaters, and medical facilities. However, they may be excluded from areas where their presence could compromise a sterile environment, such as operating rooms. Businesses are allowed to ask only two questions: whether the dog is required because of a disability and what tasks it has been trained to perform. They cannot request documentation or require the dog to demonstrate its abilities .

    A reliable and authoritative source for information on where service dogs are allowed in public and private spaces is the U.S. Department of Justice's ADA.gov website. Specifically, the "ADA Requirements: Service Animals" page provides comprehensive guidance on the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in various settings. This resource outlines the definition of a service animal, the tasks they are trained to perform, and the obligations of businesses and public entities to accommodate them. It also addresses common questions and scenarios, ensuring that both service animal handlers and establishments understand their rights and responsibilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

What is a Search and Rescue Dog Team?

Search and Rescue (SAR) dog teams are highly trained pairs of dogs and handlers who work together to locate missing persons in a variety of environments, from dense forests to urban disaster zones. Using their incredible sense of smell and specialized training, these dogs can detect and follow human scent trails, often finding people faster than any technology or human searcher alone. A SAR dog team must rely on strong communication, trust, and precise skills to navigate challenging conditions and save lives. These remarkable teams are often called upon by law enforcement, emergency responders, and community organizations to assist in critical search efforts.  Battle Buddies Therapy Dogs trains SAR dog teams, but these classes are only offered under special circumstances for teams with a goal of certification.