As many may be aware, BVA has recognized International Assistance Dog Week (IADW) on social media this week. IADW 2024 began last Sunday, August 4, and concludes tomorrow.  The week was first celebrated only 15 years ago in 2009, the idea originating with Marcie Davis, a service dog handler herself and the author of a book about service dogs. 

An assistance dog is a broad definition that includes the guide dogs used by blind and low vision veterans. The definition also applies to hearing assistance dogs and other canines legally permitted to accompany their owners almost anywhere. It does not apply to therapy pets and emotional support animals that are not legally protected assistance animals.

One of the original purposes and functions of IADW was to honor the people and organizations involved with raising and training service dogs. Accordingly, as IADW 2024 ends, BVA expresses appreciation for the training provided to both the guide dogs and our veterans at the numerous guide dog schools throughout the country.

For more information about IADW, including a video that outlines the etiquette involved in interacting with service dog users and the dogs themselves while working, click the button below.