Service dog welfare
GAV's principles for protecting dogs' physical and emotional condition at all stages of training and work.
1. Core principle
A dog's welfare has the same priority as performing tasks, not a secondary one. A dog must not work through pain, illness or marked stress — and certification never justifies excessive load.
If there are doubts about the dog's condition, the program may be suspended. The decision on whether the team continues is made not only on task results but also on the dog's current physical and emotional state.
2. Five areas of welfare
The team's condition is assessed across five areas, which are considered together, not separately.
Physical health
No pain.
Veterinary monitoring.
Appropriate weight.
Condition of the musculoskeletal system.
No contraindications to exertion.
Emotional state
No marked chronic stress.
Ability to recover after exertion.
Staying interested in the work.
No constant avoidance.
Normal behavior outside training.
Living conditions
Rest.
Water.
Food.
A safe place.
Freedom to move.
Regular walks.
Workload
Suitable for age and health.
Limits on session length.
Breaks.
Gradual progression.
No constant overload.
Training methods
Clear criteria.
Gradual teaching.
No cruelty.
A ban on methods that cause pain or severe fear.
Recording the methods used in the program.
3. Signs of stress and overload
- Frequent nose licking.
- Yawning out of context of tiredness.
- Avoiding contact.
- Attempts to leave.
- Tucked tail.
- Trembling.
- Frequent heavy breathing without physical exertion.
- Refusing food.
- Reduced interest in work.
- Sharp worsening of behavior.
- Long recovery.
- Disturbed sleep or rest.
- Repetitive stereotyped actions.
4. When a session must be stopped
A session is stopped if:
- The dog shows signs of pain.
- Limping appears.
- There is marked panic.
- The dog cannot recover.
- The behavior has become dangerous.
- The temperature or environmental conditions are unsafe.
- There are signs of illness.
- The dog refuses to continue working.
- The handler or trainer uses rough treatment.
- The load clearly exceeds the dog's capacity.
5. Veterinary support
- A veterinary opinion may be required before the program starts.
- The school may request a repeat examination.
- Health information is kept confidential.
- The veterinarian assesses health but does not make the certification decision.
- The trainer and assessor do not replace a veterinarian.
- If pain or illness is suspected, the program is suspended pending examination.
6. Age and life stage
Requirements for workload and monitoring change with the dog's age. The school does not set strict age limits for each stage until the relevant policy is approved.
Puppy
The load is limited to short, gentle sessions. Training is adapted to the puppy's age and attention. The risk of overload is higher because the musculoskeletal system and psyche are immature. Monitoring is stepped up during growth.
Adult dog
Can carry a full working load if health is confirmed. Training continues to adapt to the team's tasks and progress. The risk of overload remains if breaks are insufficient. Monitoring is carried out as usual.
Mature dog
The load is reviewed in light of experience and current health. Training may shift toward maintaining skills. The risk of overload grows with accumulated fatigue or hidden changes in health. Monitoring is stepped up compared with a young age.
Senior dog
The load is reduced and adapted to the dog's abilities. Training shifts toward maintenance rather than learning new things. The risk of overload is much higher. Monitoring is stepped up, including more frequent contact with a veterinarian.
7. Balance between work and everyday life
- Rest.
- Sleep.
- Walks without performing tasks.
- The chance to play.
- Social interaction.
- Time without a harness.
- A safe place at home.
- The option to decline interaction.
8. Handler's responsibilities
- Monitor the dog's health.
- Maintain a normal weight.
- Provide rest.
- Not work with the dog when it is ill.
- Report changes in behavior.
- Follow the veterinarian's instructions.
- Not use prohibited training methods.
- Undergo reassessment.
- Report incidents.
- Discuss reducing the workload or retirement in good time.
9. GAV's responsibilities
- Assess the dog's condition at all stages of the program.
- Document concerns.
- Suspend the program when there is risk.
- Request a veterinary examination.
- Review the workload.
- Review complaints.
- Not certify a dog to the detriment of its condition.
- Maintain a retirement plan.
10. Suspending a program for welfare reasons
Possible grounds
- Suspected pain.
- Deteriorating health.
- Chronic stress.
- Loss of interest in work.
- A dangerous decline in recovery.
- Excessive load.
- Rough treatment.
- Failure to follow veterinary recommendations.
Possible statuses
11. A dog's retirement
Retirement is not a failure. The decision may be made because of age, health, stress level or a decline in the dog's motivation to work. The transition to retirement should be gradual.
After retirement the dog must not continue to carry the former working load. The certificate's status is updated and, if needed, the team receives recommendations for the next stage of support.
12. Rehoming a dog
Rehoming is an extreme and delicate measure that the school approaches with caution.
- Possible only when necessary.
- The decision is made taking the dog's safety and welfare into account.
- The dog's attachment to the owner is considered.
- The priority is a stable and suitable environment.
- The reasons and the decision are documented.
- The school cannot promise automatic new placement.
13. Welfare complaints
- A complaint may be filed by the owner, a family member, a specialist or anyone who witnessed the situation.
- It is helpful to include the date, place and a description of the situation.
- Photos or videos may be attached.
- Public disclosure of medical data is not permitted.
- During the review the team's status may be temporarily suspended.
- The decision on the complaint is recorded.
- The decision may be reviewed if new circumstances arise.
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