Service Dog Handout

Keeping you and your dog safe at Dragon Con
Service dogs are welcome at Dragon Con. Emotional support animals, therapy animals, and pets are NOT. Service dogs that come through Disability Services will get a “tag” that will attach to a collar or lead, preferably one that will be on the dog every day of con (for you cosplaying critters out there.) This tag will indicate to con volunteers that you have been asked the two legally allowed questions and answered them to our satisfaction.

Dogs will be accommodated with seats along the outside edge of a bank of chairs, out of the main walkway, or with space for people to pass the dog safely. Dogs that can fit on a lap can may do so on an end of row seat. Please let a DS volunteer help you to a seat, as we are trying to keep the dogs spaced out so they do not get distracted. YOU might be having fun, but they are working, after all.

No matter how well trained and experienced a service dog is they can still get stressed out. Dragon Con can be even more overwhelming and hectic to them than it is for us. Just as you would give your service dog breaks and playtime during a normal day, they’ll need them more frequently in order to deal with the stresses they experience during Con. Seek quiet, out of the way places or go back to your room away from the chaos, noise, and mayhem; where you and your service dog can relax together for at least ten to fifteen minutes. This will help both of you recharge.

Handlers need to be aware that if their animal is not behaving normally that there is a reason for it. For example, if your dog is being a little aggressive, lunging, or barking excessively when it normally doesn’t (and a service dog should not be doing these things.) Or if your dog is a little extra clingy, trembling, or appears fearful. These are signs that the dog is overwhelmed and needs time off. If you don’t do the responsible thing and give the dog some time off then please don’t be surprised/upset/angry when we help you do so.

Ignoring your dog’s signals could completely ruin your service dog for public access, because it could potentially cause them to lose their training and not be able to regain it. When we get into a situation that freaks us out and we aren’t able to leave it, then the next time we are faced with that same situation we have a stronger reaction. Dogs are no different. So please, watch your service animal closely for signs of stress. Give them breaks from the crowds, costumes, and noise. If they are too focused on all of that they won’t be able to perform their duties to help you when you need it.

If your dog is acting somewhat aggressive, barking excessively (more than once or twice), or otherwise behaving badly, you will get a warning to give your dog a break. We will mark your dog’s DC provided ‘tag’ and make note of your dog’s description. You can have up to 2 warnings. On the 3rd incident you will be asked to remove your dog from Con space. The dog’s ‘tag’ will be removed. THIS IS FOR THE PROTECTION OF YOU AND YOUR DOG! If you do not heed your dog’s warnings that s/he needs a break, we will do it for you. If your dog goes beyond ‘somewhat aggressive’ and becomes full on aggressive (attacks another person or dog, or tries to) you will be asked to remove your dog from Con space (no warnings).

If you need additional accommodations because your dog was overstressed and had to be removed, come talk to us and we will see what we can arrange.