Learn about guide dogs in the workplace during National Guide Dogs Month

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, employees with disabilities are allowed to have a certified assistance dog while at work even if the workplace does not normally allow dogs. September is National Guide Dogs Month and Franks Gerkin McKenna Law wants to take this opportunity to inform employers about the right of their employees who may need the assistance of a canine companion.

"One of the most important things to know when it comes to service animals is that they are not pets," stated Peggy Gerkin, a partner at FGM and advocate for animals. "Essentially, service animals have the same rights as employees and should be treated accordingly and we encourage businesses to become aware of proper assistance dog etiquette."

If you work with a fellow employee who has a guide dog, here are some tips to keep in mind provided by the Guide Dog Foundation:

• Treat the dog as a working dog and not a pet: the dog is on duty when wearing its harness.

• Do not touch, feed, talk or distract the dog when it's wearing the harness: the dog needs to concentrate.

• Always speak to the handler, not the dog.

• Be sure to ask the handler if you want to interact with his/her dog: and remember to never pet the dog on its head, always stroke the shoulder area.

• Be sure to ask the handler where to walk in relation to the dog: most prefer the right side so the dog is not distracted.

• Do not give the dog commands. Assist the handler upon request but remember that interfering with the handler/dog relationship is confusing for the canine.

• Do not let employees or others in the workplace tease the dog.

• Remember to be patient and take the time to make the dog comfortable but establish reasonable handler rules such as not allowing the dog to jump on furniture nor show any aggression to other people in the workplace.

"Assistance guide dogs provide emotional and physical support for the blind, veterans and special needs people just to name a few," said Gerkin. "It is important to respect the needs of these dogs and their handlers in order to maintain a healthy relationship between them and the workplace."