Insights, Reviews, and Lived Experience

When you know you are going to be out all day with your service dog, it’s important to make sure you have everything your dog may need before you leave the house. Spending an entire day away means your dog will need water, food, and potty breaks just like they would at home. Packing these…

Having a good bag is important for service dog handlers because you often need to carry your own everyday items, along with everything your dog needs. Treats, potty bags, dog shoes, water, your phone, wallet, and other essentials are just too much to fit in your pockets. Having one bag that can carry both your…

During the summer months, pavement can become dangerously hotter than the surrounding air, creating a big risk for dogs walking on sidewalks and parking lots. While many pet owners can limit their dogs’ time outside during the hottest parts of the day, hot pavement is a summer danger for service dogs because handlers cannot avoid…

The summer heat can be brutal on both you and your service dog. Overheating is a real risk, especially when you’re out for extended periods of time. Whether you’re running errands, shopping, or brushing up on training, it’s essential to have the tools to keep your dog safe and able to focus. From hydration tools to…

Heads up! Service Dog Living accepts submissions from readers for “Life of a Service Dog Handler” stories. To learn how to submit your story, visit the Contact page. Story submitted by Liz. When Someone Invents a Rule On the Spot We’d just spent four hours in the car, me and my friend J. We needed to check in,…

Your service dog goes almost everywhere with you, but there are times you’ll have to leave them home. Maybe you’re hanging out with a friend who has a severe dog allergy, you’re going somewhere your dog can’t easily tuck under, or you’re visiting a location that isn’t service dog friendly, like a turtle nesting site.…

Looking for a simple way to make your service dog’s job easier in public? Looking for a magic “Do Not Pet” patch that actually works and keeps people from distracting your dog? Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through them—at no…

Photo by Antonio Zarza on Unsplash Choosing a service dog involves many considerations, including breed, temperament, and size. While large breeds often dominate service work, smaller dogs can be an excellent fit for many handlers depending on their needs and lifestyle. Understanding the pros and cons of a small service dog can help handlers decide…

Service dogs are trained to navigate most public spaces, but even though they can be there, doesn’t mean they should be in every situation. There are some situations that are dangerous to service dogs. Knowing when to avoid certain environments can help keep service dogs safe and working comfortably. Escalators Escalators are convenient for people,…

Heads up! Service Dog Living accepts submissions from readers for “Life of a Service Dog Handler” stories. To learn how to submit your story, visit the Contact page. Story submitted anonymously. When Your Dog Is Denied Entry Photo by Malachi Brooks on Unsplash There I was, standing in a restaurant in my big city being…