Service dogs are supposed to wear identification.
We had a “therapy dog” enter the place where I work, last week. While we wondered if the dog was allowed, we never questioned the owner. The dog was small and well behaved, so we decided that there was no harm done.
Actually, no they don’t -need- to.
In fact, the ADA specifically tells service/support dog handlers to NOT offer “papers” when asked because it sets precedent for the harassment of other service dog owners.
If you are ‘challenged’, you are to simply call the police immediately and then contact the ADA legal team.
What kind of identification do I need for my SD?
Federal law does not require you to have identification for your SD.
Though, you should be prepared to answer the following questions should you be asked by a gatekeeper of public access: Is that a Service Animal? Are you disabled? What disability-related tasks have your SD been trained to perform?
If you decide to carry and use identification for your SD, then make sure that you inform gatekeepers that such identification, while provided in this instance, may not be required of other teams, as a condition of entry into a public space.
Does my SD have to wear a vest or a harness?
Federal law does not require that your SD wear a vest or harness, though, experience demonstrates that such items greatly reduce the likelihood of an access challenge.
Many SD handlers “dress” their dogs with a cape or vest as a courtesy to the public.
“Service dogs are supposed to wear identification.”
Except when they’re voting.