Guide Dogs in the Workplace: What Employers and Colleagues Need to Know
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For many employers and coworkers, encountering a guide dog team in the workplace is a new experience. A guide is more than just a pet — it’s a highly trained mobility aid that helps a blind or low vision employee navigate the environment safely and confidently. This article outlines practical strategies, legal considerations, and simple etiquette tips to help employers and colleagues support service animal teams at work.
What is a Guide Dog?
A guide dog is a highly trained animal who works with someone who is blind or low vision. The canine provides support by helping to orient and provide information about the environment, which enables the person to make decisions and navigate safely.
The Training
The guide dog is specifically trained to find obstacles in the person’s path, navigate around barriers, and make the mobility experience more accessible for the blind or visually impaired handler. As a handler since 2013, I can attest that my guides have made my world more accessible, inclusive, and independent, especially in the workplace.
Employer Responsibilities and Best Practices
If you are an employer working with an employee who uses a service animal, you may be wondering about some best practices for engaging with this team. Outlined below are some best practices to consider:
- Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship.
- Employers can request documentation that confirms the employee’s disability and that the animal is needed as a reasonable accommodation.
- Employers cannot require proof of certification for service animal training.
- Engage in the interactive process with the employee to determine if their guide dog can be an accommodation.
- Employers can set expectations that the canine must be well-behaved, housebroken, and under the employee’s supervision.
- State and local laws may provide additional guidance, so always check for applicable regulations.
- As an employer, if your office already has a “pet policy” in place that allows employees to bring their pets into the workplace, you may want to consider how this might impact employees who have service animals. You can discuss implications and precautions with the handler who is blind or low vision.
- Always address the employee first, not their dog. Although it’s tempting to acknowledge the animal first, it’s essential to remember that it serves as a mobility aid that the employee relies on for safe navigation.
- If a service animal is disruptive, address the issue directly with the handler and work with HR if necessary.
Common Myths and Misunderstandings
Employers and coworkers often have good intentions, but misinformation is still common. One of the biggest myths is that a guide dog “knows” where to go without direction. In reality, the handler gives verbal and physical cues, and the dog responds — it’s teamwork, not autopilot!
Another common misunderstanding is that the guide should never make mistakes. Even the best-trained dogs can get distracted or misjudge an obstacle. This is normal and does not mean it isn’t doing its job.
Some people also believe that a guide is always “on duty.” In fact, many handlers allow their pups to relax and interact socially when they’re off harness. Always ask first before petting — and respect the handler’s wishes.
Finally, people sometimes wonder whether guide dogs are unhappy working. In truth, they love to work. Guiding their handler provides mental stimulation, exercise, and a strong bond with their person. Understanding these realities helps break down barriers and fosters trust, respect, and open communication in your workplace.
Supporting Colleagues
Employers and coworkers can help create a supportive environment:
- Again, remember to speak directly to the employee, not the animal.
- Never pet, feed, or distract while it’s working — and always ask permission if the dog is off harness.
- Understand that guide dogs aren’t perfect; they may make mistakes, and that’s okay.
- If you’re hosting a meeting in a new or unfamiliar location, check in with the handler to see if they’d like assistance finding it.
Visitor Etiquette
It’s not just coworkers who need to understand etiquette — visitors, clients, and vendors do, too. You might display a small sign at your reception area reminding visitors not to pet or feed service animals. If a guest tries to interact with the dog, politely redirect them and explain that it is working. Simple reminders help protect the guide dog team’s focus and safety.
Emergency Preparation
Plan for emergencies. When considering fire drills, evacuations, or shelter-in-place orders, it is essential to consider how guide dog teams will navigate safely.
It’s helpful to run practice drills that include guide dog teams so everyone knows what to expect. If your office hosts regular fire drills or severe weather drills, check in with the employee to confirm that routes are safe for their dog. Some handlers prefer help from a trusted colleague, while others manage independently. Clear communication and practice can prevent confusion or unintentional distractions during real events.
Katie’s Day Out: The Company Picnic
Katie and her handler once attended a company picnic at an unfamiliar location. Navigating the crowd, stairs, and buffet line posed new challenges. Her handler asked a colleague for help locating the food — a simple act of teamwork that made the experience more comfortable.
People often want to share snacks with Katie or pet her during events. Her handler kindly reminds them that she’s working and needs to focus. Sometimes new colleagues don’t realize this, so a gentle reminder helps everyone understand guide dog etiquette.
After the event, Katie’s supervisor checked in to make sure the handler felt comfortable. This thoughtful follow-up is a great example of an employer who supports their team by listening and being proactive.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a manager, HR professional, or coworker, understanding how to interact appropriately with a guide dog team helps build a workplace that is accessible, respectful, and supportive. By learning the basics of guide dog etiquette and accommodation best practices, you’re not just complying with the law — you’re helping create an environment where everyone can thrive.
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