I’m writing to bring attention to the difference between service animals and pets.

When we learned of our 17-year-old’s anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorder, we considered what his future might look like without us. Everyday tasks, like grocery shopping, are much harder for people like him. That was before “Noodle Girl” came into his life. Noodle is a 2-year-old yellow Lab. She came from an Assistance Dogs International-accredited organization in Colorado, where she was trained to be a service dog from birth. Noodle is helping our son become independent and more confident. 

However, we are troubled by the many people who bring their pets into public places. It is important that people with disabilities, and their working dogs, can safely navigate challenging life tasks without the worry of distractions or getting hurt. People with disabilities are protected by laws. Non-certified service dogs — such as emotional support animals and pets — do not legally meet this criteria and should not be in stores. Please observe the signs posted at store entrances that say: “Service Animals Only.”

Two questions store owners should ask people who attempt to bring their pets inside the store: Is the animal required because of a disability? And, what work or task has the animal been trained to do?

Navigating shared public spaces, such as shopping centers, is difficult enough for people with disabilities. Please limit access to these places to working animals only. Please leave your pets at home.

Diana Dearborn
Mount Vernon