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Michigan Service Dogs — Quick Guide

What Is a Service Dog?

A service dog is a dog individually trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate a person’s disability.
Service dogs are not pets — they are working medical assistance animals.

Protected under:

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

• Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL 750.502c & 750.502d)

Examples of Service Dog Tasks

• Guiding individuals who are blind or visually impaired

• Alerting to seizures or dangerous blood sugar changes

• Mobility assistance, balance support, item retrieval

• Psychiatric task work (interrupting panic attacks, grounding)

✔ Tasks must be trained, specific, and disability-related

                 Service Dogs vs Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Service Dog                              Emotional Support Animal

                                Task-trained                                           Comfort only

                               Public access.                                     No public access

                                ADA protected.                                  Housing only (FHA)

                                                                              =  ⚠ ESAs do not have public access rights.

What Businesses May Legally Ask (ADA)

Only two questions are allowed:

1. Is the dog required because of a disability?

2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

🚫 Businesses may NOT:

• Ask for medical details

• Require paperwork or certification

• Demand a vest or ID

Michigan-Specific Law Highlights

Under Michigan law:

• Service dogs have full public access

• Interfering with a service dog is a misdemeanor

• Falsely claiming a service dog is illegal

• Protections apply to handlers and trainers

(MCL 750.502c / 750.502d)

When Can a Service Dog Be Asked to Leave?

Only if the dog:

• Is out of control and handler does not correct it

• Is not housebroken

• Poses a direct threat to safety

❌ Allergies, fear, or dislike of dogs are not valid reasons

Best Practices for the Public

• Do not pet or distract a working dog

• Speak to the handler, not the dog

• Ask before offering help

• Respect access and space

Key Takeaway

Service dogs are trained medical partners protected by federal and Michigan law.
Education and respect ensure access, safety, and dignity for all.