Celebrating
National Service Dog Month
Service dogs are federally protected, medically necessary partners — not pets. This September, Service Dogs of Virginia is helping our communities understand the law, protect access rights, and build a more inclusive Virginia. National Service Dog Month is our chance to celebrate these remarkable animals by doing the one thing that matters most: making sure they and their handlers receive the access they are given by law.
How You Can Help This September
Whether you're an individual, a neighbor, or a business owner — there's a meaningful role for you in making Virginia more accessible for service dog teams.
Join our community-wide call to action and take part in the Access Flyer Challenge! It's a simple, powerful way to share the rights of service dog handlers with the people and businesses in your own neighborhood.
Four easy actions that show your community your doors are open — and that your team is ready to welcome service dog teams with confidence.
Post the Access Flyer
Display the ADA rights flyer where customers and staff can see it — bulletin board, break room, or entryway.
Train your staff
Use our free ADA Quick Reference Card so every team member knows the two permitted questions — and nothing more.
Display window signage
A "Service Dogs Welcome" sign tells handlers they are safe to enter before they even reach the door.
Take the Business Pledge
Sign our pledge to be listed publicly as a service-dog-friendly business on our Virginia partner directory.
How you can help
Whether you're an individual, a neighbor, or a business owner — there's a meaningful role for you in making Virginia more accessible for service dog teams.