Risk Management Considerations for Service Dogs

Service dogs go everywhere with their owners unlike therapy animals. They assist their owners with everyday activities like:
• Retrieving dropped items
• Finding help when incapacitated
• Reminding to take medication
• Bracing for going down stairs
• Waking from sleep Some people associated with your organization may have service dogs.
Risk management is important especially when dealing with animals. While service dogs are well trained, intelligent, mild mannered and obedient, they can become stressed if they receive too much attention. It is best to inform other residents/participants of the dog's attendance and give them general rules to follow or a code of conduct.