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Disabilities that Qualify You for a Service Dog

By: Service Dog Certifications Reviewed by: R. Y. Langham, PhD, MMFT

To get a service dog, you must have an eligible physical, emotional, or mental health disability. The term “disability” has a specific meaning under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which may surprise you. The ADA promotes an expansive definition of “disability” in order to help as many people as possible.

Confirming you have a disability is the first step to meeting all the requirements for a service dog. If you want to know whether your condition might count as a disability, read on.

Definition of “Disability” under the Americans with Disabilities Act

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog handler with a disability is someone who:

Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, or
Has a history or record of an impairment (such as cancer that is in remission), or
Is regarded as having such an impairment by others even if the individual does not actually have a disability (for example, a person who has scars from a severe burn that does not limit a major life activity).

Let’s break this down and examine what these words mean more closely.

What is a “physical or mental impairment”?

The definition of an “impairment” is very broad and encompasses a vast number of physical and psychiatric health conditions.

Physical: Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more body systems. For example, mobility issues, hearing loss, or impaired vision.
Mental: Any mental or psychological disorder such as intellectual disability, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disability. For example, severe depression, chronic anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, autism, or ADHD.

What is a Major Life Activity?

The “impairment” has to limit “major life activities,” which are basic functions most people can perform with little or no difficulty. For example:

Eating, sleeping, speaking, and breathing.
Walking, standing, lifting, and bending.
Thinking and concentrating.
Seeing and hearing.
Working, reading, learning, and communicating.
Bodily functions like circulation and reproduction.
The functioning of organs like the heart, lungs, or pancreas.

What is a “substantial limitation”?

The ADA promotes a common-sense approach to evaluating whether a life activity has been substantially limited.

For example, most people can walk short distances without assistance, hear without hearing aids, socialize with others, or read a textbook. A condition that limited these abilities beyond what most people can do could be considered “substantial.”

What is a “history or record of impairment”?

A person can have a condition that has resolved or is in remission but still faces discrimination due to their past. For example, employers might worry about the recurrence of a condition or potential increased healthcare costs and poor attendance, leading to unfair treatment in hiring or promotions.

The ADA protects these individuals from discrimination based on their history of disability.

What does being “regarded as” having an impairment mean?

Some individuals can be perceived to have a disability, whether or not their condition actually limits major life activities. This includes cases where assumptions about a person’s ability to perform a job or participate in activities are based on misconceptions about their condition.

For instance, Samantha, who is rejected from a job interview due to facial scars that do not affect her ability to work, and Tim, who is unfairly terminated for requesting a job reassignment due to back pain, are both protected under the ADA because they are perceived as having impairments.

List of Mental Disabilities that Qualify for a Service Dog

These are some examples of conditions that may qualify as mental disabilities that would make someone eligible for a psychiatric service dog.

Depression and Depressive Disorders
Anxiety Disorders & Phobias
Bipolar Disorders
Schizophrenia and Psychotic Disorders
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Addiction, Substance-Abuse, and Alcoholism
PTSD, Trauma & Stress-Related Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCD)
Dissociative and Personality Disorders
Autism
Neurocognitive and Sleep-Wave Disorders

If you’re unsure about whether your mental health condition qualifies, it can be helpful to seek a PSD letter from a licensed mental health professional. These letters should not be confused with ESA letters, which are essential for people who need emotional support animals.

List of Physical Disabilities that Qualify for a Service Dog

These are some examples of conditions that may qualify as physical disabilities.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Sensory Disabilities (Blind, Deaf, etc.)
ALS
Cancer
Dementia
Cerebral Palsy
Parkinson’s Disease
Muscular Dystrophy
Spinal Cord Injury
Arthritis
Diabetes
Chronic Pain
Stroke
Paralysis
Vertigo
and more

Third-Party Verification of Service Handler Disability

Staff at venues are not allowed to ask service dog handlers specific questions about their disability. The ADA prohibits people from asking disabled individuals intrusive questions about their health condition.

If the disability-related need for the service dog is not readily apparent, staff can only ask service dog handlers two questions for verification:

Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
What task is the animal trained to perform?

The first question entails a yes or no response. No one can ask a service dog handler for medical records or documents to prove their disability. The ADA gives service dog owners a right to privacy when it comes to sensitive information about their physical or mental health limitations.

Order your psychiatric service dog letter today - Click here - ServiceDogCertifications

By: Service Dog Certifications Reviewed by: R. Y. Langham, PhD, MMFT | Service Dog Tips

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.

193 comments

Lee says: May 1, 2022
I havw tourette syndrome and I was wondering if that qualify too? I was thinking of getting a service dog since I do suffer from multiple disorders on the list (ADHD,PTSD,OCD,Anxiety and depression disorder)
Reply
- SDC says: May 2, 2022
  You may want to discuss with your doctor or therapist whether a psychiatric service dog might help you: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/psychiatric-service-dog/
  Reply
Hunter Stark says: May 1, 2022
I am Disabled Vet who was diagnosed with MS in the military, my symptoms are minor with some eye problems and headaches and I was wondering if that was still a qualification for a service animal or to get my dog trained to become one?
Thank you
-Hunter Stark US Army(RET)
Reply
- SDC says: May 2, 2022
  In order to have a service dog, you must have a disability that requires a dog to perform a trained task or job. If you have no need for such a task, then you likely do not qualify for a service dog.
  Reply
Barbara McLaren says: March 7, 2022
I have chronic pain that is alleviated by movement…my walking dog, and the dog being on my lap eases my discomfort since I cannot takr actual pain pills prescribed to me by doctors.
I am emotionally distraught to go away for a weekend or vacation without my dog. I end up choosing to stay home rather than go have a nice stay at a resort or yhe beach, eyv. I miss out on LIFE as I knew it before everyone says no dogs in hotel not no dogs allowed in hrocery stores and pay high pet fees to take her on the plane with me. ($100 per flight).
I had bone on bone hip deteriation
One hip had Total Replacement. I need another one done but am 78 and afraid of going through it all over again at my age.
Can my dog be made a service animal.
MY rheumatologist sent letter that I am immunocompromized when going for my COVIDVshots. Does that mean I am able to have a service dog to help with balance, etc.? I have balance issues and have Fallen several tests. I am 78 & had a stay in hospital a couple months ago for Vertigo.
Reply
- SDC says: March 12, 2022
  A dog cannot be considered a service dog unless it is trained to assist with a disability. In order to qualify, your condition must been the definition of disability, and your dog must perform a job or task relating to that disability.
  Reply
- Mia says: May 18, 2022
  Regarding a second hip replacement at 78. My mother had a total hip replacement at 98 and her second at 102, and she is fine.
  It took a couple of months to regain her activity level. She kind of hobbles a bit now, when she walks.
  So perhaps you should have the procedure if your other hip deterioration is reducing your quality of life.
  Reply
Tracy L McCart says: January 28, 2022
How do you go about beginning the process to get a service dog? I have muscular dystrophy but I also have tracheobronchomalacia. I also have quite a few other diseases. My husband died and I live by myself. I can fence in the rest of my yard for the dog. I’m very lonely. I have a cousin who helps me with things around the house but most of the time I’m by myself. I’m very sad that my husband died and my cat just died. I am a dog person but didn’t know how to go about getting a service dog. If you have any information it would be greatly appreciated
Reply
- SDC says: January 31, 2022
  A service dog must be trained to perform a task or job that assists with your disability. We recommend speaking to your doctor and perhaps a professional service dog trainer to see if a service dog could be helpful for you.
  Reply
Amanda McCarthy says: January 25, 2022
Hi there, I wanted to inquire about a service dog for my 7 year old daughter. She has severe Down Syndrome and severe Autism. I don’t know the necessary steps to take in regards to this request, or whether or not she qualifies. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much,
Reply
- SDC says: January 26, 2022
  Unfortunately, we only provide products for existing service dog owners. We wish you the best of luck however in getting help for your daughter. You may also find this article on PSDs helpful: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/psychiatric-service-dog/
  Reply
  - Lynnea Kopach says: February 2, 2022
    Is heart disease a qualification?
    Reply
    - SDC says: February 2, 2022
      The condition has to be considered a disability, i.e. an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
      Reply
  - Wilf McDonald says: February 19, 2022
    I was wondering if my husband Wilf is able to receive a service dog. Wilf has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and of late is loosing his central vision. He is Veteran and is under VIP Services. We have had several dogs over the last thirty years. Our last dog was Meiko who had passed away after seventeen years. We both dearly miss their undivided love and compassion that they gave us. I noticed of late Wilf is keeping to himself more and more due to not having a dog beside him. Meiko and Wilf along with Coco and Mandy were with each other every time of the day and night. Is it possible if Wilf is able to receive a dog to help him through during this time in his life to be able to have the love and compassion he had with other pets we had over the passed years.
    I want to thank you for all the help you have given to other Veteran who had require your assistance and much appreciated
    Thank you for your time, and hope to hear from you soon.
    Ann McDonald
    Reply
    - SDC says: February 20, 2022
      We thank your husband for his service and we’re sorry to hear about his condition. If your husband’s condition requires the assistance of a task trained dog, then he may be a good candidate for a service animal. We do not provide recommendations for service dog providers, but we suggest checking with your husband’s VA services. They may be able to help with procuring a service dog in some circumstances.
      Reply
- Walker Barrett says: February 1, 2022
  I am a 25 year old college student/ single mom that has adhd, anxiety, ptsd,depression as well as pre diabetic, and I zone out a lot and have really bad back spasms. How do I go about getting a service animal, can I please get info on finding one
  Reply
  - SDC says: February 2, 2022
    You might find this article on psychiatric service dogs useful: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/psychiatric-service-dog/
    Reply

Disabilities that Qualify You for a Service Dog

Definition of “Disability” under the Americans with Disabilities Act