Archive for the ‘Service Dog Tips’ Category
Having a service dog provides an individual with the freedom to do things that a disability or challenge may otherwise not allow them to do. These specially trained canines are more than just companions, they can be the eyes, ears, hands and even medical alert that makes a huge difference in the lives of those who need one.
When we see a person with a dog in a public setting, the service dog is usually wearing a red or blue vest to identify it as a working dog. Why do you need a vest for a service dog? The reasons may surprise you.
Service Dog Regulations
Under the American Disabilities Act (ADA) a service dog is defined as a canine that is specifically and individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. These can include;
Guiding the blind Alerting the deaf Pulling a wheelchair Alerting and protecting those with seizures Alerting those with mental illness to take a medication Calming a person with PTSD or other anxiety issuesThese dogs are working animals and are therefore not regarded as an ordinary pet. This means those folks with a service animal will be given access to public places and housing where other animals may not normally be allowed.
A service animal must also be under control at all times with the aid of a harness, tether or leash. If the person is unable to use these devices, then the dog must be under full control by using voice, hand or other means of command.
How Can a Person Get a Service Dog?
In order to be eligible for a service dog, you must first be disabled under the definition of the American Disability Act (or the one applicable in your country). This will be determined by a doctor and put in writing.
The next step is that you will have to know exactly what the tasks are the service dog is going to be performing for you (ie, alerting, guiding, retriever etc.). This is what your dog will be trained to do, usually through an accredited agency that specializes in training and providing service dogs.
In addition, you will have to be willing to wait for your service dog to be trained. This can take up to three years depending on what the dog needs to do.
Lastly, service dogs are costly. These specialized pooches can run upwards of $25,000 if you use a trainer! Remember that you are able to train your own service dog.
Why Identification for Service Dogs is Important
Although it is not required by law, it’s always best to provide a service dog with a vest or other identification stating that it is a working dog. These vests are specially designed with “service dog” printed on them or badges that clearly id them as a working animal. This simply attire allows the handler to freely access those areas that may otherwise be restricted to pets. For example, if you were to try to get a dog through an airport security without the proper service dog vest or badge, it would be a huge hassle.
Service dog vests also stop the general public from making a fuss when a person brings the dog into other public places like restaurants. In addition, this type of identification also alerts people to the fact that the service dog is not just a pet, but is there to aid the individual. Therefore, the animal should never be approached, spoken to or petted without the consent of the handler. Any distraction to the dog could cause harm to the individual that needs the canine to be “on duty.” Register your service dog by clicking the link below.
Click to Register your Service Dog
Service Dog Rules
You and your service dog have rights and there are rules in place to protect those rights. These include;
People can only make minimal inquiries about your disability if it is not obvious. In fact, there are only two questions they can ask; is the dog required for a disability and if so, what task(s) does the dog perform? The service dog cannot be denied access to public areas because of a fear of dogs or an allergy. The person or people who suffer from fear and allergies to dogs must also have provisions made available to them. The working canine can only be removed from a public area due to unruly behavior or it’s not housebroken. Service dogs are allowed in those areas that sell/prepare food The handler cannot be treated differently, secluded to a different area or charged more (as with airlines or hotels) to have their service dog with them.Service Dogs Are Important
There’s a reason why service dogs have special privileges, rights, and even identification, it’s because these animals perform important tasks each day. Having the aid of a service dog allows the person with a disability to live a normal life.
The next time you see a service dog, remember what you’ve read here today and know these dedicated canines may be that person’s lifeline.
If you suffer from an emotional or physical disability you may be wondering what qualifies a dog to be a service dog. In this post, we will answer that question and give you some facts you will want to know when getting a canine for the purpose of service.
Can My Dog Be a Service Dog?Many people ask the question of whether their current dog can be a service dog? The answer to this question is dependant on what you need your service dog to do for you. If you have a dog for emotional support or to help you with stress and/or anxiety, then there are no restrictions on the canine companion. In fact, an emotional support animal (ESA) can be anything from a snake to a horse but know there are restrictions on this type of “service” animal.
However, if you require a dog to do more than just offer comfort, then you will need the canine to be properly trained to do the tasks required. For example, if the dog has to pull a wheelchair, then a Chihuahua will not be considered a service dog as it simply would not have the strength to complete this task.
Obedience TrainingWhether you train your dog yourself or enlist the help of an agency or professional trainer, your service dog must be obedience trained. This entails the basic commands of sit, stay, come, down, drop, heel and leave. Depending on the breed of dog you have chosen or already have this can take weeks to months to accomplish.
Socialization SkillsAnother important quality your service dog must possess is socialization skills. A skittish, hyperactive or unruly dog will not do well as a service dog. Your dog must be quiet, calm, relaxed, alert, and of course, friendly.
Work TasksTo qualify as a service dog your canine must be able to demonstrate the ability to do the work tasks that you cannot do for yourself. This can include fetching medicine bottles, opening drawers, or even alerting you to a drop in your blood sugars or of an oncoming seizure.
Public Access TrainingHow your dog acts in public areas is crucial to having a service dog. These working dogs must not respond to any of the noise, commotion, chaos, food smells or people when out with its handler. This type of training may take several months before your dog is desensitized to hustle-and-bustle of being in a public place. Some dogs may never have the ability for this type of public access training and therefore would not be considered a service dog.
Service Dog RulesBecause a service dog is there to help the handler there are rules your dog must follow when out in public. These include;
No sniffing of people or merchandise No barking at people or other animals No begging for food or table scraps No jumping onto people or objects No lunging at passing people or other animals No overexcited or hyperactive behavior No eliminating in an inappropriate area. Dogs must learn to relieve themselves on command. Handler’s BehaviorThere are a lot of rules for a service dog to follow, but what about the handler? Some agencies may have you sign a form that both you and your service dog will behave accordingly when out in public. This can include;
Being prepared to answer the questions of “is the dog a service dog and what task does it perform for you?” Being polite, confident and courteous even if the people you are dealing with are not familiar with the American Disability Act and service dogs.Although it is not required by law, a service dog vest and/or badge is helpful when taking your working dog out into the public. You may also register your service dog with a reputable organization. This informs people at a glance that your dog is there to provide you with a service and not just a pet you are trying to “break the rules” with.
Service Dog Qualification Is a ProcessHaving a properly trained and accredited service dog is a process that takes time. Even though you can take an ordinary dog and turn it into a service dog, it will have to exhibit the qualities it takes to do this important work. It is also highly recommended to start your service dog training when your dog is just a puppy. Teaching an “old dog new tricks” will be much tougher, and he may not be able to accomplish all the tasks and training required to be a full-fledged service dog.
Service dogs’ access rights to hotels are part of the public access rights bestowed on service dogs and their handlers under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means they cannot be treated as pets and can generally go wherever their handlers can at no additional cost. Unfortunately, this doesn’t stop certain hotels and staff from infringing on these rights. The following information is a thorough overview of the main points to know about service dogs and hotels.
Can hotels charge for a service dog?No. Under the ADA, the hotel cannot charge an extra fee for the service animal as they would a client with a pet. This also means you and your dog will be allowed in public areas of the hotel, as well as to a room and floors not normally designated for people traveling with pets.
What to expect from hotels and service dogsVerification questions: When traveling with a service animal, according to the ADA, the hotel staff only has the right to ask you two questions:
Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?If the task is apparent (seeing-eye dog, wheelchair-related), the staff has no right to inquire about the service dog or your disability. When dealing with ignorant hotel staff members, presenting your service dog certification and identification card can help alleviate tension. Remember, the staff members are only employees and might not be properly trained in dealing with service animals in the hotel. Keep in mind, however, that under the ADA hotel staff cannot insist on seeing documents as a condition of entry.
In addition, the hotel staff still has to act according to the rules of conduct the general public should adhere to concerning a service dog. These include:
No petting the dog No speaking to, teasing, or distracting the dog No feeding the dog or interfering with its workThe staff is also not required to help you perform any tasks related to the service dog, such as taking it out to relieve itself, feeding it, handling it, etc.
Following the rules of the hotelUnder the ADA, persons with disabilities have several rights. However, you will still be expected to follow the rules of the hotel as they are set forth for all their visiting clients.
Your service dog must be under your control at all times, whether this is by means of a leash, hand gestures, or voice control. Your dog cannot become unruly. In addition, if your service dog were to damage anything in the hotel room, you are still liable for the cost of those damages.
Staying at an Airbnb with your service dogWith Airbnb as a popular hotel alternative among travelers, the application of the ADA is crucial. Airbnb hosts in the United States must allow service animals if they rent out the entire home or apartment to an Airbnb guest. Airbnb’s nondiscrimination policy requires hosts to allow all service animals into their homes. Please research your specific destination before booking an Airbnb that you plan on staying at with your service dog.
Airbnb hosts must apply to the ADA and allow service animals into their rentals. The history of service dogs under the ADAThe ADA was established in 1990 and was put into place to prevent establishments from discriminating against people with physical or mental disabilities, extending the protections to any companion that may accompany them for support. Over time, “companions” began referring less to humans and more to members of the animal kingdom. Many people used this policy to treat exotic pets, such as reptiles, ferrets, pigs, and parrots, as “service animals.”
To stop people from taking advantage of the intended scope of the ADA, amendments have been made to these rules. These changes state that only dogs are considered as service animals.
Order your Service Dog ID Service Dog Identification$39
1) Add Service Dog and Handler InfoInformation must be exactly as you want it to appear on the ID card.
Animal Name *Please enter dog name!
Handler Name *Please enter handler name!
2) Service Dog's Photo File types accepted: jpg, png, gif, bmpMax file size: 10 MB I do not wish to add a photo and understand a photo will not be included on my card.Upload No File Chosen.
Please upload photo!
I have read and agree with FAQs and Terms and ConditionsPlease agree to terms and conditions
3) Additional Options Paper Certificate +$32 Service Dog Tag +$16 ?1 white Service Dog tag with colorful logo
Attach this dog tag to your service dog’s collar, leash or vest to let everyone know that your dog is a fully-trained and registered service dog.
Service Animal Collar +$20 Choose your size Small: 13 - 15 inches Large: 18 - 24 inches Duplicate ID Card +$20 Immediate Digital Access +$13 Priority Order Delivery +$20 Pet Emergency Contact Kit +$10 ?1 Kit = 1 Card and 2 Key tags
The Pet Emergency Contact Card is an indispensable tool to let anyone know your pet is home alone whenever you’re unable to disclose that information yourself.
If you become injured or disabled, our attention-grabbing cards clearly show first responders, such as EMTs, that you have pets at home that require attention from your designated contact.
Public Access Test & Tag +$40 ?The PAT certificate and tag provides a convenient way to inform members of the public that your dog is appropriately trained.
I have carefully read all of the Handler-Certified Public Access Test requirements and my service dog and I are in full compliance. I understand that I am solely responsible for any representations made regarding my service dog.Please agree to terms and conditions
4) Psychiatric Service Dog Letter PSD Letter via ESA Doctors +$199 ?Want an extra layer of support for your Psychiatric Service Dog? You can work with a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in assistance animals to see if you qualify for a PSD letter.
ESADoctors will contact you directly to fulfill your request. If you need any additional services, please contact ESADoctors. If the therapist you are paired with cannot assist you, you are eligible for a full refund. Per our standard policy, all sales are final.
5) Service Dog Vest Click here to see vest details Select Size (20% off) I don't need one right now Size XS - Cape Style - now $41.99 (was $51.59) Size S - Cape Style - now $41.99 (was $51.59) Size M - Reflective Harness - now $50.39 (was $62.99) Size L - Reflective Harness - now $50.39 (was $62.99)Order Total
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Distinguish your Service Dog from a PetMany hotels have policies against pets, but service dogs are not pets. An ID can help distinguish your service dog from a pet, ensuring you get access to your room and other hotel facilities without hassle.
Under the ADA, hotels can’t require documentation for service dogs, but having an ID card can simplify interactions with hotel staff who may not be familiar with service dog laws.
Remember, while ID cards, certificates and other documents can be helpful, they do not convey any rights under the ADA.
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TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALSMy landlord use to bully me about my emotional support animal. Service Dog Certifications informed me about rules associated with emotional support animals. Now I live with my ESA, Biscuit, without any worry.
Service Dog Certifications promptly responded to all my questions and was extremely helpful during the whole process. Thanks for everything!
I have been able to travel with my service animal stress free after getting help from Service Dog Certifications.
I have a disability that is not “obvious”. The service dog ID card helps me show people that I need my service dog without having to explain my disability to them.
We can take our Buford everywhere we go without being harassed anymore. The identification cards help us resolve any issues before it becomes an issue. Thanks!!!
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