Service Dog Owners,
First I hope you are all well!
Iv had this issue myself time and time again, but ive now been reading how some or many of you perhaps have been threatened or questioned about what type, or why you have a service dog......

**Remember the laws here i explain are for California, plz check ur local laws on service dogs for this year**

I myself have a 7 year history of owning small service dogs.
I have a service dog, who is a 7lb, male Shih-Tzu, an he helps me greatly forget about my pain and other problems. He gets me up in the mornings or else I'd probably sleep and stay in my apt all day haha.
Im 24 and i live in California. I suffer from a rare nerve disease CRPS and also an array of other issues: all of which no one can see by just looking at me


Legally in California in 2012 when i did heavy research I found out:

A service dog doesnt have to be "registered", all you need is your Dr reccomending that it would better your health.

I do NOT have to have a vest on my dog or with me.

Upon being asked, I do NOT have to disclose what service my dog does (because this is a violation of my medical/personal privacy)

They cannot make me leave. (In Ca.)

Establishments can be sued for not accommodating a disabled person and not allowing them to have their service dogs with them, no matter the reason or size of dog. (Places usually seem to care less if i carry or have them on a blanket in a cart etc)
Dont get me wrong, having on a vest helps a lot along knowing your rights.
It helps alot when a service dig is well trained and mannered.
My dog is very quiet and mellow and always knows what he is to do when I say "work". He stays attentive and close, not stopping to sniff or react to another dog. From puppy hood he's always been eager to please

**Get to know your state/county's laws and get as educated as possible so you can adequetely defend yourself when the time arises.***

I do tho Always carry on me a current reccomendation from my Pain Mgmt Dr. descibing the typs of dog and reccomending I my service dog with me at all times. This is usually hand written on a prescription blank. Mine discloses the reason for having my service dog from my Pain mangament Dr. It doesnt have to say the reason though, but in my case i didnt care.

**If you are in the right (law wise), be sure to stand your ground, dont back down or seem uneasy!!
I'm not sure about other places but here in Ca. having a service Dog in an establishment is a right.
I wish you all the best with your little doggy companions!

Jamie Marie