We are frequently consulted by agencies regarding our policy on service dogs within our private equine-assisted therapy facility. After careful consideration and past negative experience, our policy is that service dogs are not permitted on the property.
This decision is based on safety, ethical responsibility, and the unique nature of equine-assisted services.
In earlier years of our practice, we did allow service dogs on-site; however, we found this was not a safe or appropriate fit. Situations arose where horses displayed stress or altered behavior in the presence of dogs, creating potential risk to both the service dog and the horse. The service dogs also showed extreme fear or aggression toward the horses putting both parties at risk. These situations were handled appropriately, but they highlighted the inherent unpredictability of introducing new dogs into a livestock environment.
Horses are prey animals and may perceive dogs as predators, even when the dog is highly trained.
The presence of a new dog (even if they’re service dogs) can:
- Disrupt herd dynamics
- Alter the horse’s behavior and responsiveness
- Compromise the therapeutic process
- Increase risk of injury to the dog, horse, or client
Additionally, injury to a service dog or therapy horse could result in significant emotional, ethical, and financial consequences for all involved. Service dogs have been sold for up to $30,000 in today’s market.
We also recognize that some professional service dog training organizations advise against exposing service dogs to livestock environments unless specifically trained for that context, due to stress and safety concerns for the animal.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals may be excluded when:
- Their presence would fundamentally alter the nature of the service or program, or
- They pose a direct threat to the health or safety of others
Equine-assisted therapy is a specialized service in which the behavior, emotional regulation, and safety of the horse are central to the therapeutic process. The introduction of a dog into this environment may fundamentally alter the service being provided and create a direct safety risk.
For these reasons, we respectfully inform clients that service dogs cannot be accommodated on the property. This policy is communicated with care, respect, and transparency. We are a private pay agency that doesn’t accept government funding, insurance or medicare/medicaid. Please seek legal advice from your local attorney if you are a state licensed facility accepting state funding as these laws are different in those situations.
If a client requires the presence of a service dog and is unable to safely leave the dog at home, we recommend exploring alternative services, such as office-based therapy, which may better support their needs while maintaining safety for all animals and participants.
We remain committed to ethical practice, client care, and the welfare of the animals entrusted to us. In the 15+ years I have been in practice I have only been asked three times for somebody to bring their service dog and they have all politely understood when I nicely told them facts… We have the right to protect our livestock and our financial well-being.