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Service Dogs for PTSD

Service Dogs for PTSD

Service dogs for mental health, known as psychiatric service dogs (PSD), can help certain people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A PTSD service dog can legally accompany their handler in areas open to the public, residential buildings that ban pets, and on airplanes. 

In this article, we will explain how a service dog can assist with PTSD symptoms and the requirements to own one. 

Qualifying for a PTSD Service Dog

Post-traumatic stress disorder can be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in some circumstances. PTSD arises from witnessing or experiencing traumatic events, leading to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts related to the trauma.

If these symptoms significantly interfere with major life activities, the individual with PTSD may be eligible for ADA protections and accommodations, including using a service dog. 

Unsure whether your condition qualifies? Talk to your licensed healthcare provider and see if you can obtain a PSD letter from them.

Get your PSD Letter now

The Role of a Service Dog in PTSD Management

A service dog is individually trained to perform tasks that alleviate their handler’s condition. This also distinguishes them from emotional support animals (ESA), which provide comfort through their presence but require no specialized training. 

ESAs help people with PTSD just by being present and without rigorous training. Qualifying for an emotional support animal requires getting an ESA letter. 

A PTSD service dog offers myriad benefits to their handler. Some key tasks for PTSD service dogs include:

  • Interrupting nightmares and flashbacks by recognizing signs of distress and waking the handler.
  • Offering comfort during panic attacks and guiding handlers to quieter, less crowded spaces.
  • Creating a buffer in crowds to reduce anxiety.
  • Interrupting self-harming behaviors.
  • Grounding individuals, reducing feelings of overwhelm or disorientation, and providing a sense of security.

Since PTSD service dogs are allowed in public venues normally closed off to pets, they should also be trained to be comfortable in these environments. A service dog must be under the control of its handler at all times and able to focus on the needs of its handler. 

A ptsd service dog outdoors in a park
A service dog can be any breed. You can either train your own service dog or work with an accredited trainer.

PTSD Service Dog Rights

Service dogs for PTSD are granted specific rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), and Fair Housing Act (FHA). Under the ADA, PTSD service dogs are allowed access to public places where other dogs may be prohibited, such as restaurants, stores, and hotels. 

In terms of travel, the ACAA permits PTSD service dogs to accompany their handlers in the cabin of an aircraft at no extra charge. Lastly, under the FHA, individuals with disabilities cannot be denied housing or charged extra fees because they have a service dog, even in pet-free housing. 

These rights ensure that individuals with PTSD can navigate public spaces, travel, and secure housing with their service dogs, providing vital assistance and support. 

Conclusion

To sum up, individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can significantly benefit from the assistance of service dogs. These specially trained canines provide essential support, from interrupting distressing nightmares to offering a sense of security during panic attacks. 

While owning a service dog is a considerable responsibility, for those grappling with PTSD the companionship and assistance they offer can be transformative. If you’re unsure whether you have an eligible condition, consult a mental health professional to see if you can obtain a PSD letter. They can guide you in making this important decision, ensuring it aligns with your unique needs and lifestyle.

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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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  1. Samuel Miller says: October 10, 2020

    Hello! My name is Samuel and I am 15 years old. I have been diagnosed with multiple debilitating mental disorders including complex post traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, autism, panic disorder, major depressive disorder, binge eating disorder, and more. I have been going to therapy for over 4 years and not a lot has helped. I have been thinking about getting a service dog for a while now, but I’m not sure quite how it will work. I attend a culinary school for most of the year and often dissociate and/or experience flashbacks and panic attacks when I hear loud noises, which are common in the kitchen. I’m not entirely sure that I can have one in there. Does anyone have any advice?

    Reply
    • Mary Tipton says: December 21, 2020

      My emotional support dog helps me also meditation and prayer also I fall asleep to energy orbiting theta it helps me sleep and I wake up energized ! God bless

      Reply
  2. Michelle pence says: October 7, 2020

    Hello my name is Michelle I am 13 and have ptsd due to abuse from and being raped by my stepfather and I get very scared around men or when I’m yelled at I have been told I have depression I get panic attacks in school and they are very bad. Since Covid 19 started my panic attack got worst and my father has done nothing . My conusler has said that I might need a service dog if this gets any worst I have no idea what to do I’m worryed about my mother saying things to trigger a panic attack I have no idea if I’m even qualified for a service dog. Pls help!!

    Reply
    • Janice says: January 6, 2021

      I’m so sorry about what happend I have ptsd from car crash and when I was 15 years old I got rape someone I do not know now I’m 38 years old I need Service dog oh my PTSD

      Reply
  3. Sierra says: April 18, 2020

    hi my name is Sierra i am 12 years old going on 13 i did get PTSD when my dad abused me. when i am at school and we have fire and earthquake drills it puts me in a panic. And yes my whole class fracks out and try to calm me down and nothing works! i also had a trauma with alarms and loud noises. My friends classmates and teachers are suggesting i get a service dog for my PTSD. The only dog breed that i trust are PURE BRED GERMAN SHEPHERDS and the only gender i truest are male German shepherds because somehow i do not work well with females. i do have 4 cats the 4th one is pregnant and my landlord only accepts cats we can only have dogs for disabilities and medical condition.well i also have a mental health issue and i have bipolar.i heard my fave breed GSD are very protective and vicious. but i still need a dog my mom says i do not qualify for one because of ADA ( which i do not get. ) my school is a charter school they do accept service animals we do have some kids who are autistic epileptic walking disabilities speak and mentally disabled. my principle talked to me privately in her office saying she will accept me bringing a dog on school grounds. i do not have any money either to train the dog too! also with COVID-19 i cant go to school and not much places are open. what should i do!? ( PLEASE ANSWER ASAP! )

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    • Kanani says: July 27, 2020

      Hey kiddo,
      If you are able to get supervised Youtube subscriptions I HIGHLY suggest watching Donna Hill or Service Angel Percie!! These two YouTube channels are very informational with training videos. I know Service Angel Percie has a patreon as well! So if you ever find a prospect you can subscribe to her and get specific and in depth training videos!

      Good luck and I wish you well!

      Reply
    • AJ Last says: August 4, 2020

      Hey 🙂 Apartment living, especially with many other animals and family members, isn’t often best environment for a service dog. I would do a lot of research now, write down everything you’re learning, and prepare for training or obtaining a service dog when you are older and have the means to care for the animal.

      Reply
  4. Donna Quinn says: November 23, 2019

    I have PTSD and I am not a Veteran. My dog chose me when I went to the shelter and she has naturally served min e well. She knows when I’m about to Flip out. She comes to lick my hand to calm me down, she brings comfort and when I go in public I meet people and I get out of my house more. She helps me when I go out in public. She is a natural PTSD dog with no training and has sensed what her owner needs and knows her purpose to her owner. A person with PTSD is A service Dog not just a emotional support animal. They truly service their owner with a purpose.

    Reply
  5. Mackenzie Edgar says: November 12, 2019

    Hi I been dealing with depression and ptsd, my one year old dog benelli has gotten me through so much. My parents kicked out of the house and I’m 17 years old. i Am still going to school and working and I’m not making enough money to make enough food for me But I. Make sure she is spoiled. What can I do?

    Reply
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