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Top 30 animals with glowing eyes at night – Red, Yellow, Green and more..

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animals with glowing eyes at night - tapetum lucidum--

Animals With Glowing Eyes At Night

Do you ever wonder which of an animal’s eyes glows in the dark? Or maybe you wonder how to recognize a set of glowing eyes in the dark?

Let’s look at some common animals with bright glowing eyes at night, as well as some of the more remarkable hunters and nightcrawlers.

These are the most typical animals that reflect light at night. Whether you point a torch at them or appear to have glowing eyes when captured on camera.

What is Tapetum Lucidum?

The tapetum lucidum is the layer of tissue in the eye of many vertebrates. It lies directly behind the retina and is a retroreflector. The tapetum lucidum always reflects visible light back through the retina, increasing the light available to photoreceptors. It contributes to the well-known superior night vision of some animals.

animals eyes at night anatomy

 

What colours do animals’ eyes glow at night?

 

When you encounter an animal with glowing eyes at night, the color is usually:

  • Red
  • Yellow
  • Green
  • White
  • Orange

 

In this amazing post, we will be taking a very close look at all these animals. We will also display them by eye colour according to a series of photos. 

Just remember that you can’t be sure that animals will always have the same coloured glow at different times.

We’ll come back to this at the end of the post – now it’s time to look at some of these amazing creatures with glowing eyes at night!

Which animal’s eye clours are RED at night?

Many animals can have red or orange glowing eyes at night. Their eyeballs have a reflective layer behind them that allows light to be reflected back to whoever looks at them.

That reflective eye colour at night depends on several factors, including the animal’s actual eye colour, the type of light, and how the retina is constructed.

 

Alligators

Gator crocodiles have quite large eyeballs compared to their size. They often look red in the dark, making them look even more terrifying than before the night.

glowing crocodile eyes at night

 

Owls

Another animal with wood red or orange eyes in the dark is owls. They usually hunt just before it gets dark, and they have incredibly good hearing. But they also have pretty good eyesight.

Their eyes really stick out in the woods when you see the two fascinating red dots are staring right back at you in the dark.

 

The Owl bird has special gigantic eyes in the animal kingdom. Their eyes are constructed more like a tunnel shape, which means they have to turn their heads to look around. This is not a problem, however, because owls can turn their heads 270°.

The dark orange eyes are very beautiful, and they are probably why owls symbolize wisdom and knowledge.

 

Rabbits

Rabbits also have very special eyes. They usually appear to have a light red hue in the dark when you see them on camera or point a light source at them.

rabbit shining eyes

They can sometimes also be orange or even pinkish red.

Moreover, the red colour comes from the light reflected from the backside of their eyes.

They also have a reflective layer behind their eyeballs that reflects the light back to you when you look at it. We will explain this feature in detail at the bottom of this post.

 

Cats and Kittens

 

Cats sitting on the bed in the dark

 

Cats are known to be masters when it comes to eye their colors. Cats can have a wide range of variety of eye colors. Not only at night but also when it comes to their actual eye colors during the day.

However, this very special cat actually has 2 different eye colors. One eye is mostly red, and the other is green.

 

Which animals have YELLOW eyes at night?

Now let’s shift the focus for a moment to animals with yellow, glowing eyes. This is common among animals, and we find quite a few species with glowing yellow eyes at night.

 

Bears

Bears are an example. During the day, Bears normally have dark brown eyes. But when the light reflects on their eyes at night, they usually look bright yellow.

They will definitely scare a lot of people if you see the eyes of a bear at night.

Cats

Like we mentioned above, cats can have all kinds of eye colours. At night time, a cat can stares back at you with illuminating bright yellow colour eyes that could pierce through you.

The eye colours are determined by two pigment colours, melanin and lipochrome.

The mix of pigment (or lack thereof) determines what colour the cat’s eyes will be. But by nightfall, the light can change the eye colours by reflecting only part of the light spectrum.

These two sets of yellow cat eyes can look pretty scary in the dark!

Read Also: Maine Coon Cat

 

Deer

Another animal you’ll usually encounter at night is the deer. They will often look right at you as you drive or walk through a forest.

The deer’s eyes will often glow yellow at night, simply because the light is reflected back to them.

 

Raccoons

Another animal you may have in mind when you notice a yellow array of eyeballs is the raccoon.

Raccoons are also nocturnal animals (Examples of nocturnal animals include bats, skunks, and owls. Nocturnal animals sleep during the day for a variety of reasons. 

Most nocturnal animals sleep during the day and are active at night to avoid active predators during the day.) and therefore, they also have the reflective layer behind their eyes. They usually reflect yellow light onto your back.

Chinchillas

Chinchillas are pretty popular as exotic pets.

A Chinchilla vision is blurry and not as good as ours. Although chinchillas can see in color, they probably can’t see as many colors as we can.

Although chinchillas can see what’s going on around them, they can’t see details as we can. … Chinchillas can get away with relatively poor vision because they can hear so well.

Their yellow eyes really light up in the dark and seem very focused on the photographer.

 

Animals With Glowing Eyes at night

 

Panthers

A panther has golden color eyes. Their eyes are golden in color. Males are usually bigger than females.

The last animals we are going to see in the dark with yellow eyes are the Panthers. They are big cats that hunt at night, and their yellow eyes are very intense.

glowing Panthers eyes at night

Most cats (big and small) have yellow eyes even in the dark. But most cats don’t have yellow eyes when the face is lit up.

But the Panthers can have very nice yellow eyes. Although sometimes they can look greener.

 

Which animals have GREEN eyes at night?

We’ll go on to list some animals with green eyes at night. These are a little rarer ones because most animals reflect red or yellow eyes in the night.

 

Dogs

 

dog sitting on the floor in the dark

Dog sitting on the floor in the dark

 

Docs can also have green eyes in the dark. This cute little golden retriever puppy sure looks cute with glowing eyes in the dark.

If you see glowing animal eyes in the dark of the night, it will most likely be a dog or a cat. This is simply because these are considered some of the most common animals in areas where people live.

 

Take Note: You can try hot dog beds for dachshunds to make them more relaxed.

 

 

Foxes

Foxes have amazing eyesight. In fact, they can see just as well as a cat. Their eyes look a lot like a cat’s, thanks to their vertically cut pupils. Foxes are also very fast.

The fox’s eyes are also very intense at night. They usually keep to themselves at night when hunting. But when you encounter them, remember to look for green or yellow eyes in the dark of the night.

This fox mostly has a mix of green and white eyes as it stares at you.

 

Opossums

Opossums often leave a green reflection when lit up at night. Here are five opossums in a tree.

Which animals have WHITE eyes at night?

Sometimes animal eyes reflect a white light at night. We’ll finish by looking at a few animals with bright white eyes at night.

These three species were all photographed with a flash on the camera. This allows the light to be reflected back as very white and bright color.

 

Coyotes

Coyotes do have golden-brown eyes

Coyotes’ eyes are consistently golden-brown, so researchers have been surprised to learn of five California coyotes with piercing baby blues eyes.

Hear that the photographer has captured a coyote with his/her lens. The coyote stops right by the camera, and the eyes are very white.

 

Deer

As we looked at earlier, deer often have yellow eyes in the dark. That is, sometimes the eyes appear with a very bright white color.

This is really true if you are using the flash on your camera. The white light from the flash is reflected off the back of the eyes and gives the photo a pure white color.

 

Tigers

This is not the kind of animal you would want to meet at night time. If a tiger with white eyes is staring right at you in the snow. It’s very hard to see in the snow at night, but his glowing eyes give it away.

Other animals with glowing and reflective eyes include:

  • Rats
  • Skunks
  • Ferrets
  • Squirrels
  • Horses
  • Pigs
  • Spiders
  • Lemur
  • Camels
  • Flashlight fish
  • Cows
  • Goats
  • Zander
  • Kangaroos

 

That being so, most of these animals are nocturnal, but there are also deep-sea animals on the list.

It’s especially important to get a good look at whether there’s a predator in the sea (or if you’re being hunted!). The water can make it difficult to distinguish patterns and movements in the night, so big eyes with retro-reflectors can also help you!

 

Why does some set of animal eyes glow at night?

We find this characteristic in several vertebrates.

Some animals have glowing eyes at night due to a thin reflective layer behind their eyes (behind the iris). It is called “Tapetum lucidum.” This layer reflects light back to you when you look at the animal in the dark. This phenomenon is also called “eyeshine.”

This means that light travels through the retina twice and is reflected back to you in a wide range of colors or a variety of colors.

This can also mean that the light you see is just the reflection of the light source pointed at them. This is usually coming from a flashlight or a camera flash. When certain light is reflected back, it can be red, yellow, green, or white colors.

The light is reflected directly back in the direction of the light source to give the retina a clearer and more vivid image to analyze. For cats, the reflective effect increases vision by over 40%, giving cats incredible night vision.

 

Animals With Glowing Eyes at night

It is genius for animals to add more light to their retina. Set of Animals without this feature (and humans) will only allow light to pass through the retina once. 

But the reflection will add more light and detail to the retina, so the animal can see better in the dark.

This allows our nocturnal friends to see better and farther in the dark. It’s an advantage for both predators and prey, and it’s a good reason to stay indoors if you live near wild animals. They will likely have much better night vision than you!

These are also the animals that can see very well in the dark, and they are called the nocturnal animals. When light is reflected a second time by the retina, the animal has a better chance of feeling and seeing in the dark.

 

Recognizing animals by eye color at night

So does this mean you can recognize animals by their eye color at night?

No, not really.

The reason is that you cannot be sure that an animal will always reflect the same color back to you. It can differ greatly depending on numerous factors that we will look at below.

Sometimes the color can be yellow and sometimes be white or even green.

As we looked at statements above, it all depends on different factors:

 

  1. The color of the light is directed at the animal (LED, moonlight, flashlight, etc.)
  2. The color of the animals’ eyes (which can vary greatly even in the same species)
  3. The size and construction of the retina
  4. The distance between you and the animal
  5. The angle from which you are looking

 

So you can’t be sure that a particular species will always reflect the same eye color. If you look at how the eyes glow at night, you will notice above that we have, for example, deer and cats with both yellow and green eyes.

You will most likely need to know more facts about the animals to recognize them at night. It is much better to look at the behavior, speed, size, etc. Of the animal.

If you can only see the animal’s eyes, you should try your best to ascertain the amount of space between the eyes and how far they are from the ground. If it is a large animal with large eyeballs, you should keep a safe distance. But remember that even small animals can be dangerous at night.

So if you don’t know what you’re dealing with, you should keep your distance and make sure you don’t stare directly at the animal, as it can trigger aggression in some species.

 

Why do animals have better night vision?

As we stated above, some animals have a reflective layer on the back of the eye that allows them to see better in the dark. But that’s not the only reason they have better night vision.

Another reason is that they can see a wider spectrum of colors.

 

  • They can see UV and infrared light.
  • Many nocturnal animals can see both UV light and infrared light. For example, bees can see some UV light.
  • They have bigger eyes.
  • Some animals have larger eyes that allow them to let in more light. This means they can sense more movements and shapes in the dark and see more detail when it is nighttime.
  • They have more light-sensors
  • Some animals have more light-sensors in their eyes, called “Rhodopsins,” and they let in more light. 
  • Nevertheless, there is a downside to this advantage. These animals are usually relatively colorblind because they do not have other types of sensors that pick up light colors.

 

What kind of colors do human eyes reflect at night?

The Normal human eyes are said to automatically reflect a red color at all times. This is because we lack the reflective layer behind the retina (tapetum lucidum). Therefore, light is not being reflected back to the photographer or viewer.

So when you actually see a series of human eyeballs illuminate in the dark, it is usually because they are being photographed. These will appear red because of the blood vessels in the retina in the eyes.

The light from the flash enters through the very center of the eye, the pupil (the small black part), and its size is controlled by the iris muscle. 

If the pupil is small, there will not be enough light to illuminate the blood in the eye.

This is why red-eye reduction software makes the camera flash for an extra time just before the picture is taken, to make the eye reflect the light from the flash instead of letting it into the eye.

 

Read Also: How Do Jellyfish Eat Food?, What do They Eat? + How they digest food

 

Reference: Wikipedia

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Top 13 Best Online Casinos: Real Money Games, Big Payouts & Bonuses

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Top 13 Best Online Casinos: Real Money Games, Big Payouts & Bonuses

Top 13 Best Online Casinos: Real Money Games, Big Payouts & Bonuses

The world of online casinos has exploded in recent years, offering a vast array of games, bonuses, and promotions to entice players.

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right casino for you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top 13 best online casinos, where you can enjoy real money games, big payouts, and generous bonuses.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online Casino

Before you start diving into the world of online casinos, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.

Here are some of the most important aspects to look for:

Licensing and Regulation: Choose an online casino that is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority, such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), or the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner (GGC). These regulators ensure that casinos operate fairly and responsibly.

Game Selection: Make sure the casino offers a wide variety of games to suit your preferences, including slots, table games, live dealer games, and progressive jackpots. Check for games from reputable providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, and Playtech.

Bonuses and Promotions: Look for casinos that offer generous welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and loyalty programs. However, always read the terms and conditions carefully to understand wagering requirements and other restrictions.

Security and Payment Options: Ensure the casino uses advanced encryption technologies, such as SSL, to protect your personal and financial information. Choose a casino that offers a variety of safe and reliable payment methods, such as credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.

Customer Support: Check if the casino provides responsive and helpful customer support in multiple languages. Live chat and phone support are often the most convenient options.

Responsible Gambling Practices: Choose a casino that prioritizes responsible gambling by providing tools and resources to help players manage their gaming habits. This may include deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and access to gambling addiction support services.

Top 13 Best Online Casinos

Now that you know what to look for, here are the top 13 best online casinos that offer real money games, big payouts, and generous bonuses:

1. Betway Casino: Betway is a renowned online casino with a global presence, known for its extensive game selection, generous bonuses, and robust customer support.

2. LeoVegas Casino: LeoVegas is a pioneer in mobile gaming, offering an exceptional mobile-optimized platform and a plethora of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options.

3. 888 Casino: 888 is a well-established online casino with a reputation for fairness and security. It offers a diverse range of games, including exclusive titles, and a user-friendly interface.

4. Royal Panda Casino: Royal Panda is a popular choice among players due to its generous welcome bonus, extensive game selection, and focus on Asian-themed slots.

5. Jackpot City Casino: Jackpot City is a veteran in the online casino industry, known for its progressive jackpot games and commitment to responsible gambling practices.

6. Spin Casino: Spin boasts a rich history and a reputation for providing a secure and enjoyable gaming experience. It offers a wide range of games, including Microgaming favorites.

7. EuroGrand Casino: EuroGrand exudes elegance and class, offering a luxurious gaming experience with a focus on table games and live dealer options.

8. William Hill Casino: William Hill is a renowned name in the gambling industry, offering a comprehensive range of games, including sports betting and poker.

9. Guts Casino: Guts is a Scandinavian-inspired online casino that prioritizes player satisfaction with its fast payouts, generous bonuses, and transparent terms and conditions.

10. Mansion Casino: Mansion exudes elegance and class, offering a luxurious gaming experience with a focus on table games and live dealer options.

11. 21 Casino: 21 is a haven for blackjack enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of blackjack variants and tournaments. It also features a variety of other slots and table games.

12. Casumo Casino: Casumo is a gamified online casino that rewards players for completing missions and achievements. It offers a unique and engaging gaming experience.

13. Dunder Casino: Dunder is a Swedish online casino known for its user-friendly interface, fast payouts, and extensive game selection.

Conclusion

Venturing into the realm of online casinos can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, offering a gateway to captivating games, enticing bonuses, and the thrill of potential winnings. However, navigating this landscape can be daunting, with numerous options vying for your attention.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming journey, it’s crucial to prioritize legitimate and trustworthy online casinos that adhere to stringent standards of fairness, transparency, and player well-being.

By carefully considering the criteria outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can make an informed decision and select a reputable online casino that caters to your specific preferences and gaming style.

Remember to prioritize licensed and regulated casinos that offer a diverse game selection, generous promotions, and responsible gambling practices. By doing so, you can elevate your online gaming experience, maximize your chances of winning, and cultivate a long-lasting and enjoyable relationship with the world of online casinos.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, it’s also essential to check the casino’s withdrawal policies and ensure that they are transparent and fair. Avoid casinos that have hidden fees or unreasonable wagering requirements associated with bonuses and promotions.

Moreover, take the time to read reviews and testimonials from other players to gauge the casino’s reputation and customer satisfaction levels. Pay attention to feedback regarding customer support, payout processing times, and overall gaming experience.

Finally, remember to gamble responsibly and set limits for yourself to avoid potential financial losses and maintain a healthy balance between gaming and other aspects of your life. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and rewarding online casino experience.

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Vitakraft – Trick & Treat Halloween Costume Contest

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Vitakraft - Trick & Treat Halloween Costume Contest

Vitakraft – Trick & Treat Halloween Costume Contest

This Halloween, the renowned international pet food brand Vitakraft is inviting pets and their parents to join the “Trick & Treat Halloween Costume Contest.”

In a move to encompass the diverse array of pets cherished in homes everywhere, the contest welcomes cats, dogs, small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters, as well as birds such as parrots, canaries, love birds, and many more!  Participation has been made effortless.

Pet parents need only to post a photo or video of their costumed pet on social media and tag Vitakraft to enter. Make this October unforgettable. Share the magic, share the fun!

To enter:

1. Dress up your pet in their spookiest, funniest, or most enchanting Halloween costume.

2. Capture the magic in a photo or video.

3. Post it on your profile, ensuring it’s public so we can see it!

4. Follow @Vitakraftusa

5. Use the hashtag #OurHappyMoment in your post caption.

6. Tag 3 friends!

Whiskers, wings, or wizard hats – we can’t wait to see your pet’s Halloween spirit! Hurry, entries close on October 27th!

 

 

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What Do You Need to Know About Service Animals – Tricky Questions, Controversy, and Tips

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What Do You Need to Know About Service Animals - Tricky Questions, Controversy, and Tips

What Do You Need to Know About Service Animals – Tricky Questions, Controversy, and Tips

 

The role of animals as our physical and mental aid has raised a lot of questions in society.

What does it mean for an animal to be deemed medical equipment; are their tasks really effective and beneficial for people with physical and/or mental illnesses; how can you make sure that a dog is an actual service dog…?

Both service animal handlers and the public are still experiencing difficulties when interacting with each other.

Why is that so? There are many reasons for that, the most significant of which are related to a lack of education, and unified service dog regulations on a country/provincial/local level, as well as the increased number of individuals who tend to abuse the law for their benefit.

Considering the immense importance of service animals for the well-being of many disabled people worldwide, we would like to provide valuable information in regard to the nature of service animals and how to be prepared for any controversial situations, involving them, that may occur.

 

What Are Service Animals?

Service animals are dogs in particular, who have been individually trained to perform tasks directly related to a physical or mental disability. Through the tasks / work these dogs do, they help a disabled person better cope with their disability.

 

Can Other Animals Also Become Service Animals?

No, unless you are based in one of the U.S. states that also recognize miniature horses as service animals. Miniature horses can also be accepted as service animals due to the regulations in certain U.S. states and not due to federal ones.

At the time of writing, we are not aware of any country that accepts as service dogs animals different from dogs.

If you have a cat, rabbit, bird, hamster…or any other type of animal specie that brings you comfort, please note that your pet can still play the role of your Emotional Support Animal, but not that of your Service Animal.

Service Animal and Not an Emotional Support Animal

How to Prove That My Dog Is a Service Animal and Not an Emotional Support Animal?

The “eternal war” between companion animals and service animals is likely to come to an end with the clear determination of their differences.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) bring comfort to their owners and mitigate the symptoms of their mental disabilities thanks to their presence and companionship. ESAs do not perform specific tasks though, that are directly related to a disability, hence they are not deemed service animals.

Service animals, as already explained above, are dogs, that do specific work directly related to a disability.

If the legitimacy of your service animal is being questioned, you should be able to clarify what the dog does to help you deal with your disability. This does not mean that you will need to reveal personal details about your disability, but you have to be able to explain what the tasks performed for your benefit are.

“My dog provides me with comfort and emotional support”; “My dog helps me a lot in my daily life”; “My dog performs physical/psychiatric tasks for me”, are answers considered too vague to be accepted by business owners/employees while in public.

If your service dog has been trained to give you a kiss, paw at you, nose-nudge you, alert you to oncoming episodes (regardless of the nature of these episodes- anxiety, seizure, epilepsy, diabetic episodes…etc.), retrieve items for you, open/close doors, detect a specific scent, interrupt specific behavior…etc., you should be able to explain these tasks.

Dogs, who have been trained to pull a wheelchair or help a person with visual and balance issues, are typically not questioned, as their job is easily recognizable.

Tasks, related to “hidden disabilities”, that are not so obvious, may need to be explained.

You may want to learn more about the differences between the various types of assistance animals, such as service dogs, emotional support animals and therapy animals.

 

Employees Require Documentation to Allow My Service Dog on the Premise-What to Do?

Here comes up the question-Are employees allowed to require service dog handlers to provide any documentation as proof of the legitimacy of their service animals?

Service dogs in the US and the UK are not legally required to have documentation as proof of training or licensing. Moreover, there is no official service dog registry.

If a website claims that you can register your service dog with them and he/she will be automatically granted public access rights, be cautious! You may need to reconsider registering your dog with such a website.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which is a federal civil rights law protecting disabled individuals states:

“A. No. Covered entities may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry”.

You can read more about the ADA service dog regulations here.

The guidance for businesses created by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, in compliance with the Equality Act 2010 states:

“Some, but not all assistance dog users, will carry an ID book giving information about the assistance dog and the training organization together with other useful information.

Again, this is not a legal requirement and assistance dog users should not be refused service simply because they do not possess an ID book. Assistance dogs can also be owner trained and the owner selects their own dog to fit their own requirements”.

You can read more about the Equality and Human Rights Commission whose regulations apply in the UK here.

 

According to the Assistance Dogs UK:

“Disabled people who train their own assistance dogs, or those who have an assistance dog trained by non-ADUK members, have the same rights as those that have an assistance dog trained by one of our members”.

More information about Assistance Dogs UK can be found on the page linked here.

If you are based in a different country, we highly recommend that you check the local laws and if there is documentation that you may need to show for your service animal (called “assistance animal” in the UK).

What Do You Need to Know About Service Animals

How Can You Identify a Dog as a Service Dog in the US and the UK if Documentation May Not Be Required?

Legitimate service dogs need to go through proper training, whether with a professional trainer/organization or the owner themselves. This training must include basic obedience, public manners, and specialized service dog tasks directly related to a disability.

Having said that, dogs who just wander, excessively sniff around, jump on passersby/guests/clients (if in a public place), bark (unless it is a specific service dog task), seek attention, and food, get overly excited, or aggressive, are not “real” service dogs.

Also, a dog who is misbehaving might still be in the process of training and have not mastered all the needed tasks yet.

However, a service animal, even when in training, must behave appropriately when in public and not disrupt passersby or any animals that might be there.

The physical appearance of a service dog should also be taken into consideration. Due to the immense importance of their job, service animals need proper care-they need to appear healthy, well-groomed, and taken care of.

The owner’s behavior should be taken into account as well- reliable service dog owners know how to handle their dogs and keep them under control at all times.

Since service dogs typically develop a strong bond with their owners/handlers, the latter need to treat them with respect and care. Owners who do not keep their dogs under control, let them misbehave, or just yell at them are not likely to be actual service dog owners.

As mentioned above, service dog handlers need to be able to explain what their dogs do for them to help them deal with their disability. Employees may ask:

  1. Is this a service dog due to a disability;
  2. What tasks he/she has been trained to perform?

As explained, too vague and unclear answers, or the inability to provide such at all, are a big red flag for the legitimacy of the service dog team.

 

A Service Dog Seems Intimidating (Due to His/Her Breed or Size)- What to Do?

This is a bit of a tricky question, and we will tell you why. As a general rule, service dogs are not restricted in regard to their breed, size, or any physical feature. However, the laws in some countries have banned certain dog breeds in general.

For example, this is the case with the UK. According to the information provided on the website of the UK government, the following dog breeds are banned: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro.

Does it mean that it is impossible for you to have an assistance animal who is a representative of one of those breeds? No, it is not!

There is a certain procedure that dog owners must follow in order to put their dog on the so-called “Index of Exempt Dogs”, in case he/she is a representative of one of the breeds listed above.

Owners need to contact the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs and follow a certain procedure.

In the US, on the other hand, there are no breed restrictions in regard to service animals.

In order to avoid any issues that may occur due to your paw friend’s breed, you should get informed about the laws in our country or region.

My Service Dog

 

My Service Dog Does Not Wear a Vest – Can He/She Be Excluded?

This also depends on the regulations in your country. If you are based in the US or the UK- then the answer is “No”. Service dogs/assistance animals in those countries are not required by law to wear any identification or training gear.

If employees attempt to exclude your dog from the facility, you may want to let them know what the regulations and your rights as a service dog team are.

 

However, we would recommend that you:

  1. Put some sort of identification on your dog, although this is not legally required. That way you will notify the public what the status of your dog is, namely that he/she is a service dog/assistance animal, and not a pet. Hence, the dog is currently on-duty and should not be distracted;
  2. Try to remain calm and explain what the rights and responsibilities of service dog teams are, without revealing any detailed information about your disability. Information about a person’s disability may not be required.

 

I Do Not Have a Disability- May I Have a Service Dog?

No, you cannot. Only people who are diagnosed with a physical and/or mental disability are eligible for a service dog. A person’s disability must impede a major life activity, which is why a service animal is needed.

According to the ADA: “An individual with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities; has a record of such an impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.”

 

Do I Need a Medical Letter for my Service Animal?

Employees are not allowed to ask for such documentation. The tricky part here is that due to the increased number of fake service dogs, sometimes the legitimacy of real service dogs may be doubted.

This is especially valid for situations when a disabled person would like to live with their service animal in a building that runs a “no-pets” policy. In such cases, a medical letter can come in handy.

We would like to note that these types of letters do not include personal information in regard to the individual’s disability, but a statement by a licensed health provider that he/she is aware of the individual’s disability and that a service animal may be needed.

 

My Dog Is Still a Puppy- Can He/She Accompany Me as a Service Dog?

The laws in most countries require dogs to have reached at least the age of 6 months old to be recognized as service dogs.

You should not forget, that a service animal needs to go through the very basics first prior to moving to advanced service dog training, and this requires time. Public access manners are also part of the requirements for a dog to become a service animal.

About Service Animals

 

Can I Take My Service Dog Everywhere?

Despite being considered medical equipment and not pets, service dogs do not have unlimited access rights. As a general rule, service dogs must be provided access to all places open for use to the public.

There are certain situations, when service animals may be denied access to a public place. The ADA states:

“In most settings, the presence of a service animal will not result in a fundamental alteration. However, there are some exceptions.

For example, at a boarding school, service animals could be restricted from a specific area of a dormitory reserved specifically for students with allergies to dog dander.

At a zoo, service animals can be restricted from areas where the animals on display are the natural prey or natural predators of dogs, where the presence of a dog would be disruptive, causing the displayed animals to behave aggressively or become agitated. They cannot be restricted from other areas of the zoo”.

“Religious institutions and organizations are specifically exempt from the ADA. However, there may be State laws that apply to religious organizations”.

“The ADA does not override public health rules that prohibit dogs in swimming pools. However, service animals must be allowed on the pool deck and in other areas where the public is allowed to go”.

 

For more information about the ADA rules, click here.

 

How Many Service Animals Can I Have?

There is no specific limitation on the number of service animals that a disabled person can have. However, in case you have multiple dogs, you may be asked to explain why you need more than one dog. You should be able to clarify what tasks each dog performs for you.

Please keep in mind, that this is especially valid when flying with a service animal.

Airlines typically limit the maximum number of dogs onboard to two dogs per person.

 

 

 

 

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