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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. RA says: October 29, 2019

    Hello,
    I am helping a neighbor relocate his dogs. One is a service dog for PTSD. He is a vet. He is in Spring, Tx. Can you please guide me in relocating this dog for service elsewhere. tks 

    Reply
    • Peter says: January 16, 2020

      Depending on the state your neighbor moves to, check if there is a service dog law in place. And follow the rules of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If your neighbor is relocating within Texas you may find this article interesting – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/register-service-dog-in-texas/

      Reply
    • Charles Roberts 817 690 1281 says: October 26, 2020

      I have been looking for a PTSD dog for a while now but been unable to get one. I am a U S Army Vietnam Veteran with PTSD, TBI, lost left leg plus other medical problems. I would love to help you with the PTSD dog if still available. I live in Mansfield, Tx

      Reply
  2. Roberta Tolnai says: June 19, 2019

    I also have major depressive disorder, anxiety, and OCD, and trauma.
    Take the dog back. You said you dont want to hurt anyone. YOU ARE SOMEONE.
    What YOU NEED MATTERS. Sometimes its very important for people to put their own needs first.
    Im betting your friend would be DEVASTED if something happened to you because you couldnt handle the seperation or simply because that dog wasnt there when YOU needed her.
    Thats just my opinion. Is there a medical proffesional you could ask?
    Wish you all the best!

    Reply
  3. Brianne D Grose says: May 28, 2019

    I have many severe traumas including ptsd n was in marines n need a therapy dog??.

    Reply
  4. Jorden Lewis says: April 24, 2019

    Hello i was wondering if there are any uK acredited organisations that text trained dogs for non military ptsd service dog

    Reply
  5. Bianca says: April 8, 2019

    Hi, I am wondering is I could get a service dog. I have ptsd from previous abuse. I am going through therapy right now tho for the next month or month and a half. I am super scared around in crowded areas, and people of the opposite gender. I still have some flash backs, and am scared of sudden movements and sounds. I can’t get one now, but I am thinking of getting one later. Does it sound like I qualify?

    Reply
    • Alura says: May 2, 2019

      I would talk to your therepist, service dogs are not for eberyone however you may qualify. Please keep in mind if you owner train you will have to over come walking through crowded areas, and you will have to overcome certin sound to desensitized your dog. However in the end it is worth it.

      Reply
    • marty leven says: August 21, 2019

      No you would not qualify without written certification from a specialist therapist and your service dog needs to be trained by a recognized quqlified trainer, sounds more like counseling would help you more than a service dog.

      Reply
    • marlene says: January 1, 2020

      you don’t need a doctors note or therapist note. i am a therapist with severe ptsd and I made my dog a service dog, barely had to train her(golden retriever). She literally knew by herself and would sense my horrible panic attacks that would have me crawling the walls. Google it and get a vest, ID, find out what you need to say if ask in store. Get one, you deserve it.

      Reply
      • Sierra says: April 18, 2020

        hi i am sierra! so does that mean i qualify? i mean my PTSD i have panic attack shaking dizziness blurry vision and my turrets go off giving me heart issues i am 12 years old going on 13 and my mom says i do not qualify for ADA what does that mean? when we have emergency drills are happening i have the symptoms from my panic attacks that are listed up above.NOW! when the drills are happening my friends freak out and they try and calm me down but none of it works! i mean really! the only dog breed i truest is German Shepherds and the only gender i trust are males! somehow i do not work well with the females. ( and i know what ADA means i just do not understand it! ) also i am very scared to step foot in stores because the last time i was in a store the alarm came off for a fir alarm test i started crying and screaming. we went to my doctor appointment and they diagnosed me with PTSD. it came with something exclusive my turrets! that was when my heart started to have not so bad issues. BUT! do i need a male German Shepherd service dog for my PTSD? also my principle said i can bring a don on school premises when i told my bffs that my mom said NO we never gave up on the fight! please help! THANK YOU! for the advice as well!

        Reply
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