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Service Dog Requirements
The ADA defines a Service Animal as a dog individually trained to perform tasks or do work for the benefit of a person with a disability. A disability can be a physical impairment, but the ADA also includes mental illnesses that substantially limit one or more major life activities, such as depression, severe anxiety, or PTSD.
This article will cover the qualification requirements to be a Service Dog handler, what training and tests can be expected for your Service Dog, and what to expect when in public. After covering the legal rights of Service Dogs, we’ll present options for facilitating interactions with the public, including specialized Service Dog accessories and identification.
What are the Service Dog requirements?
Training a dog to become a service animal is available to individuals who have a disability. If you are interested in having a service dog, below are requirements to be aware of:
Eligibility: A person is eligible for a service dog if they have a physical, emotional, or mental health disability
Training: The dog must be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. The ADA does not require professional training; people with disabilities have a right to train the dog themselves.
Behavior: A service dog must be under its handler’s control at all times.
Verification: If it is not obvious what service the dog provides, the handler must be willing to answer two questions about their service dog. These two questions are: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability.
Identification: Optionally, it can help service dogs to be clearly identified with accessories like ID cards, vests, tags, and certificates.
How does my dog become a Service Dog?
Consider these four simple steps to help you understand how your dog can become a service dog.
- Determine if you have an eligible disability
- Train your Service Dog
- Pass a Public Access Test
- Consider Service Dog Certification and Registration
Service Dogs serve an important function for those in our community who need special care. It’s crucial for both Service Dog handlers and the general public to be aware of what Service Dog requirements are.
Step 1: Determine if you have an eligible disability
Under the ADA, you must have a qualifying condition to have a Service Dog. The condition can take many forms (physical, mental, etc.). Physical disabilities include conditions like visual impairment, limited mobility, and hearing loss. The physical or mental impairment must substantially limit a major life activity like the ability to work, move about, socialize, or sleep.
Some common conditions that qualify for Psychiatric Service Dogs are anxiety, depression, and PTSD, but this list is not exhaustive. For psychiatric disabilities, a common first step is to be evaluated by a Licensed Mental Healthcare Practitioner (LMHP) who can write a letter confirming your eligibility. These PSD letters typically have the following traits:
- written on the licensed healthcare professional’s letterhead
- dated and signed by the professional
- contain the professional’s contact information, license number, license date, and state of licensure
- contain the professional’s opinion on whether you have a mental or emotional disability that can qualify for a psychiatric service dog
Step 2: Training your Service Dog
To be considered a Service Dog, a dog must be individually trained to perform a job or task relating to your disability. Be aware that there is no official organization that sets training standards in the U.S. You are not required to work with a trainer – the ADA allows handlers to train their dogs on their own.
While there’s no minimum requirement in the US, some private standards suggest approximately 120 hours over six months. Some sources recommend that at least 30 hours (about ¼ of the time) be spent in public to help train the dog for moments of distraction and when surprises come their way. While not required, it can be helpful for Service Dogs to wear relevant accessories so that people in public can adjust their behavior accordingly.
The most important thing for you to teach your Service Dog is tasking or learning the specific skill they will be performing to help assist with your disability. There are countless tasks Service Dogs are called on to perform, including guiding the visually impaired, pulling a wheelchair, sensing a medical alert, tactile stimulation during a panic attack, reminding the handler to take their medication, scouting a room for someone with PTSD, or grounding/blocking in public areas.
Step 3: Pass a public access test
In addition to training your dog to perform tasks that assist with your disability, it is important for a service dog to be able to comport itself appropriately in public by passing a public access test.
Public Access Criteria:
- No aggressive behavior towards people and other animals.
- Refrain from sniffing behaviors unless released to do so.
- No solicitations for food or affection while on duty.
- No over-excitement and hyperactivity in public.
- Able to tolerate novel sights and sounds in various public settings.
- No unruly behavior or excessive barking.
- No relieving themselves in public without being given a specific command.
Once your dog is properly trained, your next step is to decide how you prefer to identify your service dog.
Step 4: Service Dog Certification and Registration
In the United States, service dog certifications and service dog identifications are not legally required. Staff at a public establishment cannot solicit documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a Service Dog, as a condition for entry.
Despite the limited verification requirements established by the law, staff at many public establishments will still insist on IDs or other tangible proof of Service Dog status. Service Dog handlers often find it helpful to have documents and accessories that help signal that their dog is trained and at work in order to prevent being met with hostility and confusion.
Electing to carry a custom Service Dog ID card and Service Dog Vest may be helpful tools for you and your service dog to navigate public spaces. You may also choose not to carry the ID card and stand your ground on principle when you encounter people ignorant of service dog rights. Under ADA rules, staff at a venue may only ask two questions if the handler’s disability is not apparent: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
After you verbally confirm that your dog is a trained service dog, reasonable accommodations must legally be made for service dogs. Service Dogs can go anywhere their handlers can go, provided they do not pose a health or safety hazard to others. If a particular service animal behaves in a way that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, has a history of such behavior, or is not under the control of the handler, that animal may be excluded. If an animal is excluded for such reasons, staff must still offer their goods or services to the person without the animal present. It’s important to understand these rules so you know what rights you have as the owner of a Service Dog and when third parties are violating your rights.
You’re all caught up on what it takes to have a Service Dog!
Ready to register and ID your dog?
Unable to train your dog as a service dog?
You may be interested in an Emotional Support Animal instead. ESAs do not require specific training, have access to no-pet apartments, and are exempt from breed or weight restrictions. Click here to learn more about ESAs.
In short, ESAs are protected under Federal Housing Regulations (but not the ADA), meaning that you cannot be charged any pet rent, deposits, or fees, nor can you or your ESA be denied housing on the grounds of living with a pet, with very few exceptions.
To qualify for an ESA, you must have a licensed mental health practitioner (including, but not limited to, psychologists, therapists, social workers, GPs/PCPs, etc.) write a letter affirming that you have a qualifying condition (including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.) that is helped by an emotional support animal. Additionally, unlike Service Animals, ESAs do not necessarily have to be dogs; cats, rabbits, and birds are other common choices.
¿Quieres leer este artículo en español?
Puede encontrar una versión traducida al español de los requisitos para perros de servicio aquí.
Want to read this article in Spanish?
You can find a Spanish translated version of Service Dog Requirements here.
About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.
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I am completely unable to walk. I have been bed-ridden for over 4 years. I am getting a power chair which will allow me to get out of bed & go places. I have an AWESOME long-haired dachshund who is 15 years old. I have had him since he was 3 months old. Is there anyway I can register him as a Service Dog? He has truly gotten me through so many hard times, & even stopped me twice when I tried to kill myself!! I want to be able to take him with me wherever I go. Please, can you PLEASE tell me what I can do? Thank you so very much for your time!!!
If your dog is 15 years old, you might not want to put him/her to work because it could put strain on the dog. It also takes 6months/1year to be fully trained and certified service dog. Do what you think would be good, I suggest the canine good citizen class to get started on training after obedience is down. Good luck with training!
Did you say your dog was 15? I am not trying to be mean or anything as I am a dog lover 15 is like a hundred in human age. The dog needs at least 3 months to 2 years, being trained in order to become a service animal. It has to be able to perform specific things, tasks that new need accomplished. the best you can hope for with your dog is to register it as an emotional support animal but emotional support animals are not the same as service animals. Emotional support animals cannot go everywhere, they are allowed to go on airplanes and used for purposes of not having to pay a pet policy on your rent payment. Hope that has helped some!
Jennifer Kuceraera, 50 year old with SMA type 1
Most legitimate service dog handlers would not use a 15 year old dog to work because it’s not fair to the dog. He would need to perform a task such as interrupting self harm behaviors or alerting to panic attacks to qualify as a service animal. Simply being present and aiding you that way would qualify him to be a ESA, which do not have public access rights.
I didn’t intend to post my comment as a reply. I thought it was being posted as a separate comment, not under someone’s.
I didn’t intend to post my comment as a reply. I thought it was being posted as a separate comment, not under someone’s.
Sherryl, just have him made a emotional support animal. Typically anywhere other than medical facilities will allow him to be with you:m. At 15 he is most likely too old to be trained. I can’t see a dog that old being willing to completely change the way the react socially and with others.
Get him as a emotional support dog. It’s basically the same. Very little work or training.
I have a Labrador golden retriever one to two uear old a male. Trying to get him to be a service dog for my daughter and me. My daughter is three and Tourette syndrome and autistic. And i have ptsd and anxiety. I was trying to find somewhere to get him certified for us as a service dog.
A service dog can only assist 1 person legally
I have a 3 year old German shepherd that I have had since she was a little under a year old. And I have had a lot of stuff go on in my life in the past 2 years. And now I have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. She has blocked me several times from just walking into traffic to end it all and she has blocked me from others. She hasn’t really had a lot of training besides sit and walk on. Can’t I train her to be a service dog. My psychiatrist said they thought it might be a good thing. They have me on meds for both the depression and the anxiety but sometimes I either have a pantic attack and she comes to me and puts her head in my lap. And calms me down and when the depression is bad she stays by my side and blocks me and pushes me away from the direction of street and puts her head under my hand like she is telling me she needs me here. And if I sit down she puts her head in my lap or under my hand while I cry. And she leans into me as to be giving me a hug. I don’t k ow what I did to deserve her but God has bless me with her. I’ve just had ever trained her to do more that to being a pet. All the rest she has done on her own. I taught her to lead and sit. But so for that’s it. She is a smart dog . I believe I could train her to do the stay, heel. Lay stay drop and leave it. Do you think I could get her registered as a service dog ?
Generally, as I’ve been aware, a service dog can’t provide service for 2 people. If the child goes to school then who does the dog go to serve? It’s confusing for the pup and may be too much too handle.
How do I get help to afford to train my puppy as a anxiety panic depression emotional support dog. I’m currently not working and suffer a lot and I love animals so my roommate got me a puppy but I need help to train him and for him to be an emotional support dog? I can’t find anything but service dogs you can apply for I already have a puppy just need help training.
The help with the expense to train the puppy we have is what I’m trying to find out as well.
I suffered from chronic migraine i need to trained my dog so she cant let me know when am going to get one can someone tell me where i can take her he is 3 months
I have a 3, almost 4, year old German Shepherd and he has very overprotective tendencies. Is it too late to train him to be a service dog?? If not, what’s an effective method to stop these overprotective tendencies??
My daughter has type one diabetes, she has and is self training or one year and half border collie, from you tube.
She has done fantastic. He fetches her blood kids her testing strips with his teeth gently from.her sensor/metre.
She is sending for her certificate and card,
She has all the service dog gear and badges etc.
She has to go to hospital for monitoring for a week in a ward with me, but thinks her dog is allowed with her and to school if she has just these, she will not listen to me that its just for shops and travel.etc.
She is so adamament,
She also suffer s from anxiety and feels she needs him.
What other requirements does she need for hospital and school?
She and or you can explain to the hospital and the school what the dog does for your daughter and that the dog is being trained as her Service Dog. Most hospitals will accommodate for the dog with no issue as long as it is not a truly sterile environment such as ICU, etc. The school can be harder but can be done. I would start by talking to the principal, and the superintendent of the school. You may find that they are compliant with her bringing the dog once they are aware that the dog will pose no threat to others, or be a major distraction in classrooms.The dog does need to have the high obedience training to the point where it can sit or lay quietly for hours while your daughter is either in class or having a treatment at the hospital. That does take time. The principal and your daughter’s teachers can have a meeting with the other students to let them know that your daughter will be bringing her Service Dog to school with her and they are not to interact or interfere with the dog unless given permission by your daughter such as during a time out, potty break, study hall or lunch break. Stand your ground, the school does have to comply and allow your daughter to bring her Service Dog with her to school. You may have to fight for it but it can be done if you are persistent with it. Good luck!!
I am starting the process of getting a service dog. I am planning on training it myself. The trainer I talked to does service dog training with k9 good citizen and AKC. Is there any other classes that are required?
No, although it is required to take the public access test.
There are no requirements for service dog trainers, but all classes are beneficial.
You don’t just “get” a dog certified. It takes years of training for a competent properly trained service dog. It’s no joke and a lot of work. It’s also a big commitment on the handlers part. They are a blessing to those who truly need them. I suggest you apply for a dog from a reputable service dog organization.
I have a chihuahua who is less than three pounds. He is also 3years of age. I work as a caregiver at my job and i would like to take him with me to work. He is a companion animal but I need him to be trained as a service animal. I want him to be able to access my needs as a disabled person. I have bi polar and I barely know how to see my moods myself. Is there any way you can train my dog to do just that? Katharine E Thomas
I too have a chihuahua and have BiPolar Disorder and Anxiety Disorder. My chi is young. I adopted her 7 months ago, at 4 months old. I immediately got her into obedience training with an outstanding local trainer. She has now completed two rounds of beginner obedience. The trainer explained that she needs to be very competent with basic training long before we begin more advanced training. She is now ready for the Good Citizen’s Class. If needed, I will repeat that as well. I’ve learned that clicker training is such a positive and consistent way to train her. Two books that I have found quite helpful are “Clicking With Your Dog” By Peggy Tillman and “How to Train a Service Dog” by John Maxton. There are also some good videos on training a service dog on You Tube. Just be sure you choose one training method and be consistent, patient, and positive with your dog. The ONLY negative reinforcement I was taught to use was for her growling and barking at people. Any aggressive behavior must be extinguished as quickly as possible. Our trainer impressed my pup with what are called “throw chains”. Used sparingly, and thrown on the floor for the aggressive behavior, my chi learned within days to stop growling and barking. The chains do the work, so be sure not to yell or be angry. Your Dog will need to be impressioned and you trained by a professional trainer to do this correctly. It can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to successfully train a service dog. And we have to decide that we are okay with them becoming a “working dog” with their focus on us and our needs,unless we release them for short times when they can interact with other people. If you don’t want to be that strict with your dog, then I’d recommend helping them to simply be an emotional support dog, which requires much less training and doesn’t require the restrictions and undivided attention on you that a service dog requires. The ADA requires that a Service Dogmust perform very specific tasks to assist a person with a disability. Good luck!
I have deep depression it hurts to think of the bad stuff . I go to a therapy talk to her . I ask her should I get a therapy dog she said yes please help me
Im sick and i need my dog as a sevice dog. Need help
Hi Leslie,
Did you get the help you were seeking?
Hi how do I apply for a service dog I have a eight week old white goldren retiver who would would be great to start training as service dog for me to help me thank you Janice Holmes-ormston
Hello, I am deaf, I had Dr note say disability dog support for deaf,and emontional, I was trained pup grow up 4 old , she is very smart guard side by me everyday , When door knock, or theif try break in, she growl loud bark make me wake up and she ready guard side me like block off people not touch us , ,,, now she is stay farm sad of me because,
I tired asked landlord say no , must 25 lbs and not over lbs , 250.00 fee dog , than 25.00 month live apartment SASKATOON, I say ok landlord I don’t want fight deal landlord , I say nothing do it ,, I know dog is best for me safe guad safe life , but sad, story, one Rottweiler cross passed away 9 old , she is illness where best trained myself teach her rott, so now she’s daughter dog is tick blue coonhound cross very smart and huge that best young 4 old now , I cant get certification dog for support dog deaf for DISABILITY,,landlord say me must cerfication, very rude , I say nothing do with landlord , my patient , I skills about dogs , I was worked paws with under spca , best know me good worked with dogs skilled, but still landlord say no , they want me have prove it where Dr note , I did once Dr note paper to landlord accepted for my dog was Rottweiler name Molly passed away, now next Shelly, but landlord say have new Dr note paper for Shelly if new dog , I make sick of thing again , I am ready nothing no morenasking question for them
Your landlord is not allowed to deny your service dog or even an emotional support animal. It is against the law. His rule for under 25lbs and pay a fee is for pets not service dogs. Tell him you do not have to pay for a service dog and you do not have to abide by the “pet weight rules” for a sevice dog and if he has a problem with it that you will take legal action. It should get him off your case and stop lying to you.
That’s ILLEGAL! See if you can find a lawyer through someone at the Americans with Disability Department – sometimes it HELPS to Start at the top – D.C. and work your way down! I moved in here with 2 SERVICE DOGS – SCOUT just passed away 11 days ago, unexpectedly! He was a 120 lb Golden Shepherd and my second Service Dog is a 90 lb. Black Lab! I refused to back down and the office manager contacted their Head Office – got everything straight pretty quickly. THERE’S NO “Pet fee, no pet rent and no pet deposit” that can be charged! I will have to “pay for any damages” they may incur – my dogs have NEVER destroyed or damaged anything in the last 11 years! LEGALLY there CAN’T be any retribution for any actions on your part to make sure your ADA RIGHTS AREN’T VIOLATED!! CALL CITY ATTORNEY’S & let them know what’s happening ask if they will help you!
PLEASE DON’T GIVE UP! There are fraudulently claimed “service dogs” owners who make those of us who have LEGITIMATE SERVICE DOGS HAVE TO FIGHT SOMETIMES BUT WE HAVE TO SO THE NEXT DISABLED PERSON WITH A SERVICE DOG DOESN’T HAVE TO!
I did HAVE 2 SERVICE DOGS – THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS GOING TO LET A 120 LB DOG JUMP ON MY CHEST TO WAKE ME UP WHEN I WAS HAVING AN ASTHMA ATTACK IN MY SLEEP!!
You have the RIGHT to your SERVICE DOG OR TWO – WITH YOU, & YOUR LANDLORD HAS TO COMPLY OR SELL HIS PROPERTY UNLESS THERE’S ONLY 6 UNITS – I THINK – DOUBLE CHECK THE NUMBER, PLEASE.
Well worded….Thanks
This is a very helpful replay. Thank you.
I have a 5yr old min poodle. I was diagnosed with MS, fibromyalgia and PML. What do I need to do to train her as a service dog?
I have a lot of problems with my balance and bending down to pick up items. She is super friendly but will sometimes bark when she gets bored
You can either find a trainer who will teach your dog the tasks that you need, or you can take it upon yourself. Depending on your relationship with your dog and how willing your dog is to serve your needs, training yourself will involve more or less time and patience. You may find this guide with some basic service dog training interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-training-guide-the-basics/
Yes
How do I get a trainer for my 10 month old bully to be ESA for I have bipolar, panic attack, ptsd etc
It’s probable your dog can be trained as a Service Dog – granting him/her access to any place you have access- EXCEPT for Churches – ask the Minister or Priest ahead of time! ESA’s AREN’T given the SAME ACCESS SERVICE DOGS ARE!!
You need to decide if you want a service dog or a therapy dog then can talk further
Hey, to the person with the small dog , do you know where is Manitoba I can get my dog serviced 🙂 thank you !
I had my Dog that I’m training to be a service dog for my son and my personal mental wellness. My son has an Anxiety disorder and at times he physically hurts him self he has severe agricultural and food allergies he has an epiPen . Wen I went to the store she was being very well behaved I was working with her telling her to sit wait she was not barking she was not being bad at all she was doing great . The manager came up and said you can’t have a dog In here . I said she is I. Training to be a service dog they ask me what does she do I told them she keeps my son from having Panic attack and from Physically physically hurting him self along with many other things . They Proceeded proceeded to tell me that is an emotional support dog and I can’t have her . I told them yes she is a service dog and they came back to me a 2 Nd time telling me she is just an emotional support dog and told me I was a Lier and buy time I left I was so up set that I just started to cry . I have put so much time and money. I have dr Diagnosis and therapist psychologist diagnosed my son and me with depression and anxiety. How can store get a way with that ?
See if your Doctor considers your & your son’s needs to be more than what an ESA would need to do. If your dog is a Service Dog – that BS WON’T fly and their Corporate Office Might be interested in your treatment in their store and possible Lawsuits over violating your ADA Covered Rights!!
I have a anxiety and PTSD disorder. My Teddy bear doodle is doing amazing in training,But I don’t want anyone thinking she’s fake any advice ?
Teddy sounds like an awesome companion. Make sure Teddy is thoroughly trained to perform the tasks as well as for public access. Then you may consider getting an ID or vest to make it more obvious that your dog is on duty. If your dog is under control at all times and can focus on his tasks, then you shouldn’t run into too many troubles. You may find this article on how to make your dog a service dog interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-make-my-dog-a-service-dog/
Hi can a Great Pyrenees be train as service dog 🐕🦺?
Yes! There is a way to do that, including training tasks to aid mood swings and panic attacks, such as what my service animal does, which is paw at my leg when I scratch or stop me from crying. Figure out what you want your SDs tasks to be and train from there. There are no right or wrong tasks. (:
Yes, I am disabled from a severe stroke and have a Chihuahua that is friendly toward everyone but stays close to me. She can be trained to get things like meds for me, be supportive for emotional, sense if not feeling good, ect.. Warns me if people are around at home. But she is 3 years old and about 4 lbs.. Took to store the other day, and she did not bark at no one. That could be a good quality in a service dog. I also have right side neglect, meaning I forget sometimes what I am holding in right hand due to stroke. So letting her tug a bit with the leash reminds me of my right side.
I have a dog I adopted from SAFE He’s intellegent,socalized and small,would like to train him to be service dog . I am disabled and need help who can I get in St.Augustine florida to help me.
There are some things a dog can be trained to do that help bipolar. Breed is not relevant. Any dog of the right intelligence can be trained to do it. My dog can tell when i have been triggered by my body language and tone of voice. Bipolar triggers are not something dogs can detect by smell typically so your dog doesnt need the scenting ability. The dog can alert you that you are triggered and then provide you with an outlet to shift your focus. The dog can also be trained to encourage you to leave triggering situations. The dog can be trained to help you with depression when you struggle to get out of bed and is a deterrent by its presence from some manic reactions like gambling overspending and risky behavior. In short the dog itself is a constant reminder of your condition. You can seek a trainer or train yourself.
Hi I have a shitzu 10 years old. My husband and I are both disabled. How do I go about getting my dog as an emotional service dog. I have anxiety and other and my husband has nerve damage in his legs.
I would consider getting a younger dog, or a pup to train.
I have a 1 year old female mix, but I have a border line PTSD and she will get in my lap along with my other 3 dogs, one full blooded min pin, and the rest a mixed! But my girl helps more than Antone can help me. It is sure funny how now one wants to help a Vet!!!!!
I want to train a service dog dog for someone else, a Vet most likely, I need to wait a few years for schooling though.
Where can I get the public access test done for service dogs? Thank you so much!!!!
I am going to call this article out. You NEVER are required to have documentation that your dog is a service dog.
The public, even police officers, can only ask you two questions. They are trying to make money off of you!
Look at reviews and do your homework. Legitimate training is not cheap. I found an amazing trainer out in Salt Lake City, Utah. That was a minimum of $5,000 for training, equipment, me being trained as the handler, and my dog was tested to make sure her temperament could handle public access.
Going into public is not easy. Getting a service dog is hard work. You have to sometimes defend your dog from the public like kids, adults who should know better, and very inappropriate comments and questions from total strangers about your medical condition, about things you never wanted to know about stranger’s medical conditions.
It is important to weigh the pros and cons. This is not obedience training. I work with my dog every single day. I have boots for hot weather and when paved areas are salted. I have multiple vests for different occasions. I have lots of training tools.
People think that this is easy and you can just register your dog. Please read articles from people who actually have service dogs if you really want to know how to have one. It is a huge decision.
Why does everyone have a chihuahua!! I’m
Lol… I was thinking the same thing.I have a brain aneurysm, with high blood pressure, and multiple psychological / emotional issues.i have ischemic strokes and seizures,often brought on by stress or anything else that can make my blood pressure go up quickly, oh and flashing lights! I don’t understand why but that will bring on a seizure faster than most anything else I think… I have a 13 month old staffy (aka Staffordshire Pitbull terrier). Get name is Sadie. She was being trained by Jake, my pitbull Chow mix that was my service dog for 16 and 1/2 years he just died about a month ago… He didn’t get to finish training Sadie. It’s amazing how she can alert me long before I have a clue that’s I’m going to have one of my spells- she guards me while I’m down, often in Walmart( I can’t figure that one out)… She helps me get up… But I think two things are most important to me -one -she will dive under me to make sure that never again will I need another 17 Staples and 32 stitches in my head from one of my spells and -2- when I wake up confused, stuttering too bad make sense to anyone, and I don’t know where I’m at… as long as she’s there I know I’m okay because I don’t even stress about where I am because I know as long as she’s with me, I’m safe. I’m not retarded by any means but I’m not understanding where do I bring Sadie to have her certified legally so that no landlords can give me a hard time. I honestly feel I would die without her.
Hello,
I do not have any disabilities, however I have a cousin who’s is low functioning autistic. I wanted my dog to become a service dog so that I could voulnteer and bring him around kids with disability like my cousin to help calm them down and make them happy. Is there any way I could do this if it’s not for my own needs? Please help in confirming.
Best,
Nicole Aiello
You could train your dog to be a Therapy Dog! A TD provides comfort and support to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, or any other communities that require calming, psychological, and physiological healing. That’s a very noble cause. You may find this article on Therapy Dogs interesting – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/guide-to-therapy-dogs/
That is something I would be interested to know myself.
Hi I have EPILEPSY and I am in need of a service dog how do I go about adopting a trained one already? And have papers done for him or her. My mom has a 3 year old puppy and he won’t be a great trainer for a service dog. My sister has severe anxiety and depression, And my 3 year old niece has seizures. So we are household of people who need a service dog. My sister looks at my mother dog for support so I guess she has him. But what about me?
Hello. I know technically my need could be fulfilled with my dog as an ESA but I need to somehow get her recognized a a service dog so that she can accompany me anywhere. I have a cardio condition where I pass out when I’m under any kind of emotional or physical stress. I have a teacup yorkie that is 6 years old and only weighs 3 lbs. she rarely barks and is very well behaved. She likes to cuddle up in my neck/shoulder area and just feeling her cuddled up relaxes me. Or stroking her hair. But because ESAs don’t have public access, I catch grief from some places when I have her to with me, even though she’s in my arms and not on the floor. I know service dogs have to be extensively trained and are supposed to Only go to the bathroom on command, but I feel I really benefit from having her with me, just holding her and taking her to my job has decreased my syncope episodes significantly.