Thread: Can all Service #Dogs (SD) work in Labs? Mom's asked this. Ppl are surprised when her answer is - no. We advocate for equal access to #science labs for SD handlers, but working in a Lab requires special training. Our mission is to est. guidelines for SAFE & equal access.

I was trained to be a SD & met Mom when I was 18-months old to finish my placement. BUT Mom insisted on working w/ me for an additional 9-months to make sure I could do all the special skills & stay safe working in a Lab b/c she knew that was what I needed to do to help her.

I am an SD, w/ ALOT of special training. I am also a specialist w/ additional training that makes me safe in a Lab. Like a dogtor. I had to get extra training & pass special skills tests to work in a Lab. When Mom knew I could work in a Lab safely then I was placed w/ her.

The safety of an SD is the responsibility of the handler. But, colleges, science societies & SD professionals need to develop informed guidelines on how to safely accommodate SD handlers in Labs. These guidelines need to be INCLUSIVE and realistic in nature. This is what Mom does

Mom helps provide details on placement, protocol & safety measures like wearing boots, goggles & a lab coat for the SD & handler. Guidelines can be provided to SD handlers early so they can do the add. training their SD will need to be safe in a Lab. Setting them up for success.

There are some Labs that are currently not OK for an SD to work in. Some of these Labs have strict restrictions & there isn’t a way - right now - to have an SD work in them safely. This is also something Mom does. She does “risk assessment” for colleges and laboratories.

Risk assessments survey space, substances used, protocol of the Lab & also biosafety & chemical safety levels. She makes recommendations on how to accommodate an SD handler/whether the Lab is a safe place. Sometimes the answer is no. Sometimes only sm. adjustments need to be made

The point is - it is time to start looking at the possibilities, the “how” to make it work. Many times, there are easy solutions. With guidelines in place, my fellow SDs would be trained & prepared to safely assist their handler in science Labs. Diversity in science is a win-win.