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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.
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.
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.
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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Hello my name is Brenda Garcia. I have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression disorder. I own a German Shepherd jog that’s 3 years old. His name is Max. I really would like for him to be my service dog for me
I do not know what to do how to get him registered. how much would it cost me to get him trained. Please call me.
Can someone please assist me in this situation. Thank you..😁😁😁
I have PTSD from when i was younger growing up from living in a house with physical mental verbal sexual abuse and I was made fun of. I almost died in a house fire. Then when i meet my husband this guy who he know didn’t give me a chance where i had to be out in a truck omost all day. My husband brother talks about blacks i have blacks family members and i remember when i was pregnant his brother said to my face i was eating a chocolate donut and told me i will have a black just because i was eating a chocolate dobut. Then he all was would pick on my other dog that i had be for i got this one he would picked on knowing she was garding me. Then another thing that kicks my ptsd off they tease there brother it brings back how i was treated. and When ever my husband says he’s goes over there to his brothers or the guy that didn’t get to know me .my PTSD kicks in and my dog wont let no one around me. Even at the house if it’s me and her she geta in between me and the door. And hearing a bout THE guy ronnie mcnutt stuff i did not sleep for idk how long because it brought back what i been throw
I have just lost my service dog, she was my heart and soul. The reason I lost her was because I was taken for two years and she had to stay with a best friend. His elderly mother grew fond of her and has a heart condition and lost her own dog. My dog Muppet was there..They bonded. Plus my best friend grew to love her too. I just cant see myself coming i n after two years an ripping her away..I want too..God help me I want to ..But I hardly survived without her… I have severe Major Depression, Severe PTSD, A brain injury and a panic disorder and OCD. I cant hardly survive without her..but I dont want to hurt anyone. Please Please Help me,. I know Muppet has become Happy there,,thre treat her well and love her…but this is breaking me heart and soul. I felt if I could get a new Puppy and try again I could maybe move on…but i cant take this pain.
Take her back. She’s your service dog. Imagine how she’s feeling not having you around. Wondering if you’ll ever come around to get her.
How would I go about training my own dog to be my service I suffer with hearing loss and Deperstion anxity and i am just wondering how to train a dog on my own i am low income
I would research ways to teach your dog how to alert you to sounds (phone, doorbell etc). I was in a similar situation. I trained my dog myself as I could not afford the $25,000, or the 6-8 months to take off work and travel across the country for one. I have had 2 service dogs trained myself. Both rescues from high kill shelters. The first one, Abbey (-RIP sweet girl) had an immediate connection with me that took years to realize on my own. I was diagnosed with dibilitating migraines since I was 7 years old, I am now 35. No medicine, therapy or tests have yet been able to determine why. I’ll have about 15-18 per month. Abbey picked up on my elevated blood pressure that would occur a few hours prior to me feeling any symptoms. Once I finally realized this, I taught her to signal by sitting at my feet and pawing my right knee. She was by my side every day for 14 years. About 4 months ago I found Kismet at a shelter and have trained her to perform the same task. Whenever I had a migraine I would take a saliva swab and place it in an airtight container. I would have jars marked “migraine” “headache” and “none”. With a few months of “Good girl! That’s the right one”! she is able to smell the slightest elevation in my stress, blood pressure or heart rate, or a change in my behavior not noticed by myself or others. Sometimes up to 36hrs before the headache arrived. Now I’m able to take my medication beforehand to prevent the migraine from even happening.
I have PTSD and TBI anxieties and panic attacks I got this little Chihuahua an accident she helped me to get out of the house more she helps when I have bad headaches I want I just don’t feel good all I have to say is cricket I made love and she comes and she licks mean comforts me she’s always by my side I want to go out to stores that carry her in a little backpack but she has a little seat in the front seat of my car without her I don’t know how I would be able to get through the day. I’ve always had PTSD and TBI I fell from the second story and hit the same side of my head I hit in my car accident heading my frontal lobe my mental health doctor diagnosed him with PTSD and he Diagnosed me that was undetected when I was a year old but when I was 30 I had severe Trumatic brain injury and was even in a coma for 3 1/2 weeks had to learn how to do everything all over again I’ve moved to New Mexico and I’m going on 10 years I’ve been in nine different car accidents that were the other people‘s fault maybe even fell on the property and hit the same side of my head doctor say and I don’t just say that it does is make my brain injury worse and then this year they diagnosed me with panic attack. She keeps me calm my kids are big I take care of her and she takes care of me at the same time she has me to get out and take her out to walk her to use the restroom if not I would be isolated could she qualify for a service that she listen she’s very well behaved she doesn’t really like a lot of people but she gets me When it’s dark that there’s someone around specially where I live in New Mexico and she helped me feel safe because if someone’s at my door and if I forgot to lock it Shelbark showered let me know someone’s there even though she’s a little dog.
And when I tell her I have a headache and she comes close to me so I can pet her and helps me to cope with my migraines anywhere I go I take her with me oh because I don’t know what’s going to happen or somethings going to trigger my PTSD or my TBI because they overlap and it’s the perfect storm my mental health doctor said that that is not a good combination. I have a litter so I can have her in my house my apartment I mean but I want to be able to take her two places were service dogs are allowed because I’ve gone through a lot and she really helps me knows when I’m getting agitated and if I tell him getting a headache she can so I can Petr she helps soothe the pain because I get very bad migraines or medication doesn’t help either
I am bipolar. My dog, Ariel, a multipoo, helps me by giving me companionship and emmotional support, without her my disorder is worse and harder to control. I get out more among people when I have her with me. Because of her, I get up everyday. Bipolar is something you are born with. It doesn’t go away. You just need to learn ways to cope with it. Everyone’s different, so, it has to be dealt with individually. It is not always diagnosed right away. The sooner it is , the better because the sooner you learn about it and learn to deal with it the better your life can be and for those you live with. They, too, will learn and know how to live with you. Love.
I have no money and my.puppy is 5 months that old I want her to be a PTSD service dog
Have you found anything out about your question?
I’m in your shoes as well. I went to petco where they train dogs. It’s a pretty penny but it’s well worth it. I was lucky to be put in the path of someone that trains dogs for PTSD service dogs to get mine trained but I haven’t reach that part of training yet. But you could start there.
Talk to your physician, therapist or psychiatrist about it. If you qualify, one of those professionals can prescribe a service dog for you. If you can’t afford a trained PTSD dog, you can train it yourself, as I did. My PTSD dog wakes me when I’m having a nightmare, carries my panic attack medication, recognizes when I’m going to have or am having a panic attack & prompts me to take my medication. These days, a psychiatric service dog must perform a service besides providing comfort & focus. The biggest service my dog does for me is make it possible for me to go beyond my dooryard alone, but that alone doesn’t qualify any longer as it did with the one I had from 1997-2013. After Bug passed away, I couldn’t bear to replace him for several years. In all that time, I never went anywhere without another human with me. Very frustrating for someone who was always super independent before being robbed at gun point. While no one can ask for documentation to prove your dog is a service dog, I would carry a doctors prescription with you to save many headaches & trauma/drama. I also recommend calling the police if necessary as they can explain to the morons that service animals cannot be barred from hotels, restaurants, etc. & that they come in all sizes. I’m in a wheelchair, so I’ve always had a Chihuahua for my service dog. I also recommend getting a vest & even an ID even though neither are required. It just helps with the morons & people who want to make trouble over your service animal.
You can train it yourself. There is no legal requirements that say it has to be officially trained. The dog must pass a public access test though that is available on the ADA website
What if you know of some one who say there dog is a service dog, but there dag was aggressive torrid a other dog. what do you do or who do you contact about it.
I would mind your business.
That’s what you should do!
Call the cops if it’s in public places
Does va pay to train the dog for PTSD anxiety if you have a dog u are wanting to be trained
Veterans that need this type of help will never be able to afford it. Think about it. They are broken and most can’t care enough about themselves to file a claim. I said “can’t” not “don’t”. Joe is right anout minding your own. That dog is more important to the vet than you.
You don’t mind your own business you say something because that dog can cause a REAL service dog to miss an alert and that can cause more problems to the handler.
If you are in a public store/ amusment park I would contact the manager, and in hopes have the dog removed for it is danger to people and real service dog teams. If you wish as long as you are polite and make sure (if you have a service dog) your service dog will not be in danger, then mabey you could let them know about the laws and how it is illeagle to fake a service dog. But defintely contect the manager and or any other higher figure.
I am a Army Veteran medically retired from Branch.
I am seeing symtoms of PTSD simce I have been out 2007.
I have done multiple tours in Iraq.
What steps do I take to get my dog a service dog
Thank you for your service. The VA has developed programs to provide qualified veterans with service dogs. This article on the Steps for Veterans to Get a Service Dog might be helpful to you https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/steps-for-veterans-service-dog/
I have had PTSD for many years now and was even Diagnosed with it as well. I was wondering how I would be able to start training or even adopt a service dog
PTSD would qualify you to get a service dog. If you already have a dog you can start training it yourself right away. If training dogs isn’t your thing, you can look for a trainer or adopt a dog that was already trained to be a service dog. You may find this article on how to get a service dog interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-a-service-dog/
I flew 850 helicopter missions in Vietnam in ’67 & ’68. I was then placed in a moi class to become an instructor pilot. Three weeks into that program my instructor sent me to beach army hospital to see the shrink. The Major grounded me for ” combat neurosis” gave me a copy of catch 22 and told me his job was to ground the sane and clear the insane to fly in combat. I just had a guy threaten to ‘beat me down’ if I proceeded to bring my dog into the grocery where I always take it. He scoffed at my dog as a service dog because ” the cost thousands of dollars and your card is bogus and it is not wearing a vest “. I trained Fred myself and he has given me 2 years of service after a couple years of training. ???
Realistically, if you are the owner of a legit service dog, you can be an advocate for them, and help others know the difference between a pet posing as such a dog, like what you experienced, and you can encourage others to not bring pets to public places. The least these posers can do is correctly train their dogs, sheesh. Keep your head up, don’t let the haters get under your skin.
A service animal can not have aggressive behavior. If a service animal is showing agression for any reason, it needs more training, or should be retired. I would call animal control and ask who they recomend you to report the dog and handler to. You could also call the nonemergency police line to ask for guidance in reporting the dog’s aggression. (They can’t do much about it unless they witness the aggressive behavior. So I would start taking video of the encounters.) Although the ADA provides protection for the handlers to have access to most places, any business can require that the dog leave if it is showing signs of agression. The handler of that dog is doing a disservice to everyone in their community by allowing that behavior. The biggest danger is having to retire a service dog because it was attacked by a misbehaving dog and becomes fearful or aggressive due to the bad encounter.
My name is michele i have ptsd where i don’t want to be around people and i almost died in a fire in 05 before then when i was little lived in a house with physical mental verbal sexual abuse and my mom did substance abuse and so did the ex step dad. And half of the time im in a truck with my husband or home mu dog done what the outher dog did she wonlet anyone around me and she has to get in between me and who ever it is at the door
Both my dog would do that where no one can be around me half of the time. be around me only my husband i need A severs dog really bad
My 4 yr old son has been diagnosed with ptsd from the beatings he took by hid moms boyfriend, as well as anxiety and occasionally will wet his pants when he’s in an episode. His therapist recommended a service dog if possible. Can 4 yr old get service dogs?
There is no age limit on who could benefit from a service dog. Obviously, a legal guardian would need to be present if the patient is a minor and would be responsible for the training and grooming of the service dog. You may find this article on service dog requirements interesting – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-requirements/