[humanser] Guide dogs and in home practice

[Marion & Martin]

Shannon,
    You ask a very good question. As the President of the National 
Association of Guide Dog Users and a former private practitioner, I will 
attempt to answer your question. You are correct in your statement that, 
although employers and places of public accommodation must allow you to be 
accompanied by a service animal, a person's home is not a public 
accommodation. Therefore, they can refuse to allow you access with a service 
animal.
    My suggestion is that, when you go to a client's home,  you leave your 
dog at home. I further suggest that you not even ask permission to bring 
your service dog, as such permission may be granted by the client even 
though they would prefer to not do so. This could compromise the therapeutic 
relationship. If, on the other hand, the client willingly - without you 
asking - asks you why you did not bring your service dog, this would be an 
opportunity to discuss the issue. Again, I would never, under any 
circumstances, ask permission without the client initiating the topic. If, 
after such a discussion, the client gives permission, this could actually be 
beneficial to the relationship.
    If you have any further questions regarding this, I believe it is a good 
discussion for this list. I would also like to invite you to join the 
discussion list of the National Association of Guide Dog Users (NAGDU) which 
is also hosted by nfbnet.org. There are a couple of other counselors on that 
list, along with about 225 guide dog users from around the world!

Fraternally yours,
Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users
National Federation of the blind
president at nfb-nagdu.org



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Shannon Cook" <SCook at sccb.sc.gov>
To: "'Human Services Mailing List'" <humanser at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 8:02 AM
Subject: [humanser] Guide dogs and in home practice


> HI,
>
> I am applying for a guide dog and wanted to know if any of you use a dog 
> for in home settings with your clients.  I know the laws for taking a dog 
> into public spaces, but obviously, I cannot make someone allow me to take 
> a dog into their homes if they do not wish.  Has anyone encountered this 
> issue?  If so, what do you do with your dog in the event that someone will 
> not allow you to bring your dog in their homes for personal or medical 
> reasons?
>
> Any feedback will be helpful.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Shannon Cook, MSW
> Older Blind Counselor
> SC Commission for the Blind
>
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