Continuing with last week's theme, did you know that The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require dogs be "certified" as service animals? (Dogs need to be highly trained to perform specific tasks to help their handler with their disabilities, as discussed in previous Friday Facts posts.)

According to the ADA, "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."

At SBF we are careful to not use the word "certified" as part of our language since there is no such legal obligation. Even though the ADA does not require documentation, SBF issues ID cards and Completion of Training Certificates to our graduate teams once they have successfully completed our rigorous training program. It helps businesses recognize that the service dog was trained through a reputable organization.

October 17 - 23 is Invisible Illness Awareness Week. We would like to offer a reminder to be kind to everyone you meet. Everyone is going through a battle, some you just cannot see.

A vest does not make a service dog. The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require service dogs to wear a vest, special harness, or patch to identify them. While it is not required, some individuals prefer their service dog to wear something showing the distinction. This can be beneficial for the public to easily identify the dog is working and needs to remain focused on their handler.

The United States Navy was established on October 13, 1775. Happy 243rd birthday to the U.S. Navy!