My Service Dog
In the U.S., service dogs can be obtained through an organization that trains them, or individuals who have service dogs may do their own training. I trained my own service dog. He helps me calm down when I get anxious in public by laying across my lap (the pressure helps calm me) and also with balance (I have a condition that makes me dizzy). Service dogs in the U.S must have public access manners, be house-trained, and know at least 1 task to help mitigate their handler's disability. The only two questions a business may ask a service dog handler is 1. Is this a service dog? and 2. What tasks is it trained to perform? Service dogs are granted access to any place their handler is allowed with a few exceptions: sterile environments (food processing, operating rooms), any place that the service dog could face danger, and (in medical settings) any situation where the service dog would interfere with the services being given to the patient. It is illegal in the U.S. to pet or interfere with a service dog's work.
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