Many dog people would say their canine companions are their best friends, but for a growing number of individuals with specific physical, neurological or mental health needs, different types of service dogs are also invaluable partners in day-to-day life. Legally, most of these types of service dogs are allowed in places where pet dogs are not. Unfortunately, the practice of non-disabled people passing off pet dogs as different types of service dogs has eroded the rights of real assistance dog handlers, especially those with invisible disabilities.
“Don’t make assumptions,” says Toni Eames, president of the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners. “If you see a person who can walk and talk, and they’re sighted, and they’re hearing, the dog may be alerting to diabetes or seizures.”
According to Eames, those tasks may be done by a breed who doesn’t fit the popular image of a service dog as a retriever or a German Shepherd Dog. As the list of what service dogs do grows, so does the diversity of service dog breeds helping disabled people.
Let’s take a look at 10 types of service dogs, from the well-known to the newly developed:
1. Guide dogs
Assistance dogs who lead visually impaired and blind people around obstacles are one of the most commonly known types of service dogs. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Lab/Golden hybrids are often dog breeds chosen as guide dogs, although other breeds, such as Poodles, can also be well suited to be this type of service dog.
According to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, guide dogs have been helping visually impaired people for centuries, and their use may date back to Roman times. Many laws and pieces of legislation regarding service animals were original written with an emphasis on guide dogs. While people often expect guide dogs and other assistance dogs to wear vests, the Americans With Disabilities Act does not require a vest, although they’ll often be wearing a special harness with a handle on it.
2. Hearing dogs
For people with hearing impairments, service dogs assist by alerting to noises such as alarms, doorbells or crying babies. When the dog hears the sound, they’ll touch their human and lead toward the noise.
Labradors and Golden Retrievers are dog breeds that are often selected as hearing dogs, but many other breeds, including Cocker Spaniels and Miniature Poodles, have been successfully trained to alert as a hearing dog. According to Assistance Dogs International, small-to-medium mixed breeds acquired from animal shelters are often trained as hearing dogs, with Terrier mixes, Poodles, Cockers, Lhasa Apsos, Shih Tzus and even Chihuahuas being selected for personality and temperament.
3. Mobility assistance dogs
These types of service dogs can perform a wide range of tasks for people with a wide range of mobility issues. According to Service Dogs of America, mobility assistance dogs can bring objects to people, press buttons on automatic doors, serve as a brace for people who are ambulatory or even help pull a wheelchair up a ramp. These dogs help people increase their independence and confidence.
People with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and arthritis are among those who benefit from a mobility assistance dog. While the dogs must be large enough to support their human partner, many different can be mobility assistance dogs.
4. Diabetic alert dogs
Also known as DADs, these service dogs can provide independence and security by alerting to chemical changes in blood sugar. The scent changes associated with hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic events in diabetics are imperceptible to humans, but not to dogs. These service dogs alert their people to blood sugar highs and lows before the levels become dangerous.
When a diabetic alert dog alerts, his human knows to test his blood. Then he or she can inject insulin or ingest a dose of glucose before his blood level gets dangerous. Many of these dogs are trained to alert others in the household or set off an alarm system if their human needs medical help.
5. Seizure alert dogs
Seizure alert dogs are one of the controversial types of service dog. They react with a specific type of behavior right before her human has a seizure. The ability to alert to seizures seems to be a natural ability for a small number of dogs, although some neurology experts say there is no reliable evidence to suggest that dogs can reliably predict seizures.
On the other hand, many patients, families and trainers insist their dogs do accurately predict and alert to oncoming seizures, and stories about pet dogs who alert without training have received a lot of media attention. Some epilepsy organizations, like the BC Epilepsy Society, state that it’s not possible for dogs to be trained to alert to seizures, but some dog training agencies (including UK-based Support Dogs and 4 Paws For Ability in the U.S.) say it is possible to train a dog to alert.
6. Seizure response dogs
Not to be confused with seizure alert dogs, seizure response dogs provide help to a person experiencing an epileptic seizure. These dogs bark for help or to press an alarm system during a person’s seizure. They can also get a person out of an unsafe place. And may bring medicine or a phone to a person who is coming out of a seizure.
7. Psychiatric service dogs
These types of service dogs assist people who are suffering from issues like depression, anxiety and most often post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD can afflict people after they’ve served in combat, worked as a first responder, or experienced abuse, natural disasters, terrorism and other life-altering events, such as car crashes.
The human handlers in this category can feel hyper vigilant about their safety, and service dogs can make them feel safer by doing things like entering the home before the human, and turning on the lights with a foot pedal. These dogs can also help PTSD sufferers who feel overwhelmed in public places by creating a physical barrier between the handler and others, giving the handler more personal space. Many PTSD sufferers find that having a service dog to care for forces the human to also take care of themselves, by getting out into the world and getting exercise with their dog.
8. Autism support dogs
For kids on the autism spectrum, these dogs provide a sense of predictability as the children navigate social settings. The dogs can be a big help for kids who have trouble connecting with classmates. The canine acts as an icebreaker in social situations. They improve the child’s quality of life by reducing isolation and comforting the child in stressful times. These dogs are also trained to keep children from running away and can track children if they do run off.
9. FASD service dogs
An emerging category of service dog, these dogs support children who were exposed to alcohol prenatally, and have been diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). These children may have physical and mental difficulties, as well as behavioral problems and learning disabilities. According 4 Paws for Ability, FASD dogs are trained similarly to autism service dogs. They can also be trained to interrupt a repetitive behavior.
10. Allergy detection dogs
With the rise in food allergies has come another type of medical service dog. Allergy detection dogs are trained to sniff out and alert to the odor of things such as peanuts or gluten. Often partnered with children, allergy detection dogs can be trained to alert to allergy-inducing smells at school. Allergy detection dogs provide kids with a greater sense of independence and giving their parents a greater sense of security. While it’s clear that some dogs can be successfully trained to alert for allergies, this category of service dog attracted negative attention when some parents said they paid for dogs that couldn’t care less about a deadly peanut.
Other kinds of working dogs, including therapy dogs and emotional support dogs, are not classified as types of service dogs as they’re not trained to perform a specific task to help their handlers. In most jurisdictions, these kinds of dogs are not afforded the same privileges as service dogs.
Thumbnail: Photography by Chuck Wagner / Shutterstock.
This piece was originally published in 2015.
About the author
Heather Marcoux is a freelance writer in Alberta, Canada. Her beloved Ghost Cat was once her only animal, but the addition of a second cat, Specter, and the dog duo of GhostBuster and Marshmallow make her fur family complete. Sixteen paws is definitely enough. Heather is also a wife, a bad cook, and a former TV journalist. Some of her friends have hidden her feed because of an excess of cat pictures. If you don’t mind cat pictures, you can follow her on Twitter.
100 thoughts on “10 Types of Service Dogs and What They Do”
I have profound hearing loss in one ear, and moderate to profound hearing loss in the other ear. I also have speech discrimination loss in both ears. And if Inturn on my left side in my sleep – i’mtotally deaf. I qualify for a cochlear implant in one ear, but not the other one, even though my hearing loss is very bad.
I live alone and am almost 70. I could really use a hearing dog, but since I don’t qualify for cochlear implants in both wars, I can’t get one. Also, you cannot have one if you have any other dogs. I have dairy goats, and livestock guardian dogs, so I’m doubly disqualified, even though I really need one.
In UK, you have get one if you have one cochlear implant.
Seems very unfair the US rule
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I have afib and diabetes. Do I qualify for a service dog
Yes, you should be able to qualify for a service dog. All you need to do is try to find out how to get one.
I have a service dog for PTSD check out my video
I have had 2 failed back surgeries which has left me with little to no feeling in my legs from the knees down. Leaving me walking with a cane or walker. I bought a sheltie puppy as a pet by the time she was a year old she started alerting when I was going to fall. Now at 5 she has learned to bring me just about anything that I need including bringing my phone to me when I do fall. She can push doors open for me and close them. She has even let me know when I cut my foot and didn’t realize it. She is a mobility service dog despite her size and inability to brace me. Your article says in its definition of a mobility service dog states the dog has to be large enough to brace its handler and I do have people that do not believe shes an actual service dog mainly because of her size and the fact if there is someone with me that can help me I sometimes leave her at home especially when its above 90° and the pavement is so hot it would burn her paws. She has made it possible for me to go out by myself without always having to ask people to pick things up that I drop or give me things that are on a lower shelf. She does so many different things there isn’t enough room here to list them all. I just wanted to point out that even a medium sized dog can help with mobility issues.
I have been reseaeching about service dogs for nearly a year, making sure to know the different of a ESA and a service sog who can go with you to public places. I have a mobility issue with chronic pain in my right knee, a slightly turned foot which is on the right and it turns sligjtly outward while I’m walking along with a right hip problem due to falling off a horse at 19. Currently I’m 22 and i have PTSD, Schizophrenia (Bipolar) and autism with ADHD. I’m also going to be living independently which is really important due to the fact i have problems going up and down stairs. My anxiety is servere to the point i stay inside all day and i get scared during the night as if something is walking around. However i also have some brain damage from when i was 3 from abuse as a child. Now i was looking more into a service cat but there’s not much info about them only what they can do? but i looked into a service dog organisation that breeds and trains English Golden Retrievers and they are a very lovely breed to work with. I read a lot of sites pf different tasks though my memory is really bad. Currently I’m in the process of waiting for a match and I’m glad i dis this. I even helped my 20 year old brother aign up for a psychiatric service dog for his a anxiety (we both are super uncomfortable around a lot of people) Bipolar and his ADHD.
Hi, I was wondering if I should go to therapy or something cause I have anxiety and depression. And also when I have panic attacks my legs tend to feel weak, it gets hard to balance, I feel like I’m going to faint, and sometimes I dissociate. And I tried telling my parents about my panic attacks but they seem to shrug it off. But my teacher offered to talk to them,it’s hard to focus in general,but I told her no. And my panic attacks are only getting worse and this has been going on for about a year and a half. And I’m just really frustrated and stressed.
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I had no idea that some service dogs are able to provide help to a person that is experiencing an epileptic seizure. My brother has epilepsy and has recently been having more and more seizures both in his home and out in public. He has a golden retriever, so it might be a good idea for him to enroll it in a service dog training school in case he has any more emergencies.
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There was an article I saw several months ago that Veteran Service Dogs with a ccl or acl dog knee injury can get a custom acl or ccl posh dog knee brace for a deep discount or for free for needy veterans so they don’t have to risk their valuable service dogs getting that painful risky tplo surgery that causes bone cancer or the other painful tta surgery at poshdogkneebrace This is so needed for veterans with service dogs. Veteran Service Dogs can be walking normally again with a posh brace without painful dog knee surgery.
I enjoyed the article very much. I have “service dogs”…. They’re beagles, and they DEMAND service. I do support actual service dogs, too.
LOL to funny. All my dogs demand service also
Emotional Support dogs is NOT a kind of service dog.
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No body has said anything about medical alert service dogs which I have . She alerts me ahead of time that I’m fixing to have a Dystonic Storm which is related to my Multiple Sclerosis . Dystonic Storms are basically every muscle in your body spasms all at once and can last up to 10 min and your fully alert through this storm and they are very painful. They mistaken for seizures but are not . Medical Alert Dogs are Service Dogs Too.
this is helpful
I’ll try this again I was in line at a store behind a man with a service dog I noticed the dog kept turning his head toward me sniffing sniffing sniffing sniffing the owner said as soon as I walked up in line the dog’s nose started going crazy I stupidly did not ask him what type of service dog he was but could that be one way the dog would warn somebody of something?
I have walked up to many service dogs. I always speak to the owner and NEVER pet the dog with out permission. Depending on the dogs training even with permission it is best to leave the dog to do their job. The service dogs ALWAYS sniff me as I own several pet dogs that the service dogs smell on me.
One time I had a service dog BARK very loudly IN MY FACE. I was speaking to the parent and not the child or the dog. When I asked the parent about her child’s dog I was told it was a diabetic alert dog. I then went on to tell her I think the dog should be retrained as to how it alerts. I myself being diabetic and my sugar being high at the time the dog was alerting on me but I was NOT comfortable with him in MY FACE like that. It can be very dangerous to the person it is working for and anyone around not knowing why the dog would get in their face like that. One wrong move by a person or the dog and SOMEONE COULD GET BITEN!!!!
This is the ONLY time I was ever worried about a service dog.
H I I hope I’m in the right spot I was in line at a store and I walked to stand in line behind a man with a his service dog and when I walked out the dog was just turning and sniffing and sniffing and sniffing I should have asked what his service dog was for but I did stupid late but he said to me would that be one of the ways of dog alerts to something
The way the man answered you, he has a fake service dog. If he had a real service dog he would know that service dog do sniff their owner if the person was diabetic, or going to have a seizure ect.
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What about people like myself who have allergies to dog and cat hair and dander? I recently flew Southwest Air with a lady from Florida who had an emotional support dog. I had to sit at the very back of the plane and she at the very front of the plane. I had to take allergy medicine because dog hair gets airborne and can go anywhere in a confined space such as an airplane. I have always respected and tolerated service animals; however, I do not agree an emotional support dog should be granted the same rights and freedoms as a real service dog for the blind or physically disabled. I always try to be tolerate for the needs of others; however, not at my own personal physical determent. I was informed by Southwest Air I must carry a written medical doctor’s allergy statement, and then I must check in first in order to claim my medical condition.
You can take a doctor note and show the airline and ask them can I get another flight because of my allergy to animal fur.
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There is a great organization called Canine Companions. They train dogs for a variety of services. This might be something for people who are looking for a service dog to look into
I have PTSD seizures Amity all chronic and bad enough I was told to get a dog for seizures from an ER doc I have Medicaid and Medicare both cigna total care and the stress will be so bad at times I will be in a wheelchair for month’s form ptsd
Life long abuse either parental or husband ….. I’m safe now trying to heal from it all been safe since May of 2010
I am looking for a service dog as I have been okayed by health care professional in both mental and physical health areas. My insurance go between, Inclusa won’t help me at all because they say Wisconsin doesn’t have anything to do with companion dogs, bur I said service dog (besides companion dogs are service dogs). I don’t know where to go for what I need. I have many mental and physical health issues and no one seems to care to help me. For mental health I have depression, anxiety, ADD, bi-polar disorder, and Asperger Syndrome (5). In my physical health I suffer and/or have suffered from osteoarthritis (candidate for some joint replacement and need help to get out and exercise), type II diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger. bursitis, underactive thyroid, high blood pressure, low T, severe disruptive sleep apnea, edema in my legs (water retention in the body) pulmonary edema, (blood clots in lungs), congestive heart failure, on oxygen 24/7, need help picking up things at times, sometimes need help opening some doors and need help meeting people.
There may be more things too that I can not remember at this time. If anyone needs a service dog, I most definitely do. I live on Social Security and SSI and my income is very limited and need some help with my finances in this matter and would appreciate all the help anyone can give me in getting the dog and the financing to take care of it properly.
Hi, these pieces might help:
https://www.dogster.com/topic/service-dogs/
https://www.dogster.com/the-scoop/support-dogs-inc
My dog at 6 months old started alerting me of my low blood sugars without any training please tell me is she a service dog or not and how do I get her to become a service dog
Hi Robin,
This article might be helpful: https://www.dogster.com/dog-training/certify-your-dog-as-a-service-dog
Walking Support Dogs — Canine Partners for Life —- k94life.org
My husband has balance issues that prevent him from fear of falling he can walk but do to nerve damage in neck it effects his balance
And he is elderly for better quality of life is there such a dog that could help that could stand strong against his body
Not sure if you received an answer to your question but yes a service dog can help with balance and mobility issues. You would need to make sure that the dog is large enough for the purpose. It can also be given the task of bracing going up and down stairs.
Cabyl Hayes, cats and ‘ankle biters’ can be service animals as well. Both are capable of many support activities, such as seizure/diabetic blood sugar detection, turning on lights and emotional support through panic attacks among many other things. I even knew of a cat who could dial 911 (1 button on speed dial) if their diabetic owner was demonstrating blood sugar issues. Small dogs are also great for the deaf. They can alert the owner to doorbells, phones, smoke detectors, etc.
I’m not someone who supports people that abuse the system and ruin it for others who truly need their support animals, like the turkey flying in a seat on a plane – give me a break! I’m also not a fan of small dog owners who parade them around in shopping carts/handbags, etc. (service dogs are not allowed to ride in a shopping cart or bandbag – they must remain in control on the ground at all times in places of business who don’t normally allow dogs. I live in FL, AKA God’s waiting room and find elderly people who bend the rules constantly and no one seems to object for fear of offending them. I however have a GSD support dog and have asked numberous people how they’d feel if I put my 90lb dog in a shopping cart they may later use for their groceries. Usually I get a look of horror. Then I politely tell them I don’t appreciate any dog in a cart I may later use for my groceries. Almost always does the trick. If they are particularly obnoxious, I tell the store manager and remind them what they can and can’t ask/say in relation to service animals. Be persistent, but kind when speaking your mind to folks you suspect not following the ‘rules’ or abusing the system when asking about a suspect service animal. There are guidelines you can easily find on line about what you can and can’t ask. Best of luck, share your frustration.
To: Belvoir Admin…. Why would you say that emotional needs are not supported when it clearly says it does on #7 under Psychiatric?? You sound like you’re contradicting yourself.
How do you go about getting your dog hat preforms a task for anxiety’s attack that you black out with my dog is train just doesn’t have a identification
Or do I not need o dentification bc she is certified as Emptional support animal
That reason and not for my emotion support for panick attack she alerts me when I’m about to have one to sit down so I don’t fall but some place say I can’t take her bc how I have her certified
To: Michelle Dabney……It was mentioned, #7 Psychiatric Service Dog. PTSD falls under this category.
Psychiatric Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals are nowhere near the same thing. Lumping those two together is an ignorant insult. A PSD is specifically trained to mitigate the handlers PTSD whereas the ESA is just there, similar to a stuffed toy.
I am insulted that people don’t realize how debilitating depression & anxiety can be! Suffer with both and live alone except for my emotional support dog. I have no problem living on my own as long as I have my dog to alert me for possible intruders or any type of emergency. Please think before you judge others. Thank you.
i was hurt in a car accident back in 2006. since then and even until now i’ve been going through ptsd, depression, and anxiety. i tend to feel panic attacks coming on when i’m outside and i hear the sirens from the emt and fire trucks. i get very antsy when i’m in a supermarket (especially waiting in line at checkout) when i’m in a restricted area such as between the registers. i’m also not clostriphobic but tend to get very nervous when i’m in an enclosed area with more than 5 people and not close to an exit. i’m ok outside as long as i’m not mixed in with a crowd of people. i also walk with a cane (walker with long walks) due to my knees buckling out from under me, even with having a partial knee replacement done to my right knee. i was diagnosed as being diabetic but have my sugar under control. i have 3 herniated disks (accident related), and i’m also a cancer patient.
i’ve been trying to find out how and where i can apply for a service dog but have been told that they also cost too much. i’m on a fixed and limited income but could and would be able to work out the cost of a (service) dog expenses for food and such in my budget. can you please lead me to the right direction with regards to getting a service dog? oh, the service dog also needs to be a medium to large size since i’m a fall risk and i’d much rather prefer a female over a male as well as the younger the better so that she can be better acquainted with babies to children for when i become a grandma.
thank you very much!
Hi Anna— Sorry to hear that you’re experiencing these symptoms. We suggest asking your doctor or medical provider or perhaps a local vet to help you find the right service dog.
I can help you with the mobility dog not the diabetic alert dog ksds in Washington Kansas trains Mobility dogs that’s where I receive my Nat and it doesn’t cost you anything but $25 to receive one if they accept you ended their program you have to go to Kansas for 2 weeks for training but they put you up and pay for it all they pay for your meals and everything you can go to their website at ksds in Washington Kansas there’s an application online there you fill out and then they’ll send you the rest of it just thought I would let you know
Tony- I saw you answer someone’s question regarding service dogs for mobility issues- I have been seeking a dog for several years and keep being told if.. I was a vet… I have malignant MS and EDS a rare genetic disorder that creates more mobility issues. If you can send me anything on obtaining a service dog I would be great full. As an educator I need to maintain as much as my independence as possible. I’m experienced with both handling and with fund development so have no issues contributing to any organization that would be willing to help me. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. K
You post at the end of the article about Therapy dogs being a type of service dog is totally incorrect. In no way are they ! You need to get your facts correct . https://www.therapydogs.com/difference-therapy-dog-vs-service-dog/
It actually says that ESAs and Therpay dogs are types of working dogs (not service dogs) and that they do not have the same rights as a service animal
I am unable to walk, and also am diabetic. It would be a big help to know WHERE to oapply for a service animal and how to get one….also, and dwherre to get the training for one………
Thanks…….
Just so you know, according to ADA, you DON’T need to apply for a service animal. And to get one… some animal shelters have some specific service dogs to help anyone in need of them. And they are already trained.
I love this article, maybe people who post comments should actually read the article. (It mentions support dogs.) I think it was an excellent article and I like the support section because as a person with hearing loss I’ve seen a lot of articles about support animals and ran into a fair share of people with. Until reading this article I was completely anti support animal and still am when it comes to people abusing the title. And I have no problem telling people either. I had a heated conversation in an elevator with a lady cause they wouldn’t allow her support cat on the premises. Every animal is a support animal especially ones pet. These people getting there cats and little ankle bitters titled as a support animal so they can parade em around is disgusting. There are people out there with an actual need for their service DOGS both for disabilities as well as support. Quit abusing privileges that others actually require.
Service animals have to be dogs or miniature horses. A support animal can be anything, within reason although a plane doesn’t have to accept anything but a dog, mini horse or cat – cat as emotional support animal only and with multiple doctor and medical letters.
If your apartment complex requires a pet deposit, providing a letter from your doctor for a service dog or emotional support animal, gets.upu out of paying the deposit h however you are still responsible for any damages. Loyal dogs do not make good service dogs. Service dogs are not for your physical protection. Any dog that shows teeth towards another person for any reason, even if you are in danger, can not be a service dog. They do not protect you. They provide a service for a medical condition. A letter from your doctor must contain your diagnosis. So if you don’t want your landlord to know you have PTSD, you can fight them not allowing you to rent – which is against the law – but you have to prove it. A landlord has no choice to accept an animal if it is a doctor ordered service etc. animal. But you can’t prove they didn’t accept because if your dog unless they tell you. People get the rules so confused. Find exact info from valid sources. I went to a presentation at NAMI once about psych service animals and the person giving the lecture had it all wrong. Investigate and know the rules – for your state. But the ADA is federal and the state and local rules.
What the Heck you left out emotional support dogs for people who have PTSD!!!
Hi Michelle,
We mention emotional support dogs at the end of this piece:
Other kinds of working dogs, including therapy dogs and emotional support dogs, are not classified as service animals as they’re not trained to perform a specific task to help their handlers. In most jurisdictions, these kinds of dogs are not afforded the same privileges as services dogs.
I am reading this for homework
yeah they do
read before doing rude comments like that
No they aren’t. Legally, ESA’s and therapy dogs do not require any legal training, and have no public access rights. Therapy dogs can be invited into places such as hospitals or old folks home, but do not have access by default.
Service dogs do not require “legal” training either. People can train their own service dogs.
See question 17.
https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html
Your point about access is correct though.
Exactly. Unless they are trained to do specific tasks (not simply sit, stay, etc such as a household pet is trained to do) they are considered emotional support dogs.
Hi I was wondering if you have bad anxiety, depression, and etc. I really cant be by myself… even if im at school i start acting weird. Do you think i should get a service dog and if so what type of sevice animal is best recommened
Hi Lydia,
Sorry to hear you’re going through this. We suggest asking a health professional re: suggestions on service animals.
Check out more info on service dogs:
https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/what-it-takes-to-be-a-service-dog
https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/best-service-dog-breeds
https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/emotional-support-dogs-certification-public-access-how-to-get-one
I have basically what you have but my chihuahua but i brought it for companion but I was having so many episodes of what you are having including being in close and crowded place that my Chihuahua took it upon himself and guided me to safety for help. When I told my therapist about this and now he is registered as a ESD at first I had a problem especially riding a bus but now I have no problem with him and he is very protective over me and friendly with those who he feel that are not there to harm me and no he is no an ankle biter like people whisper about when they see him and say that he will bite .I hope this is helpful
Its great that your dog helps you! But registrations actually have no legal standing and an “emotional service dog” does not exist. If your dog is task trained to mitigate your disability then it is a psychiatric service dog. If the dogs only purpose is to provide emotional support then it is an ESA and has no public access rights
I have the same problems. My service dog is a psychiatric service dog in training. I would recommend a golden retriever. If you want more help I have a business email. It is theservicegolden@gmail.com
Yes. I have one for myself. I thank god everyday I made that decision to get 2 puppies because I was not me. I was scared inside my own body. I was lost about who or why even what I was even good for. And it happened so fast. That was 4 yrs ago. To make it clear, my last day my husband of 24yrs sit outside my bedroom door and cried because he knew I was lost.. gone.. and he was facing the fact that i needed what he thought was hospitalized for a long time. Way I was I wouldnt have ever came back out. Then just 2 dogs I seen and the 2 dogs I snuck out of my room to get. Husband still locked out and on other side of door. Those 2 beautiful puppies I purchased and brought right back home. Already made me forget that I snuck out, that I’m sick, and my husband doesnt know what to do. That never was a thought. I pulled up jumped out honked horn.. said honey help me carry these in.. look I got 2 for me. ( my husband wasnt a dog/house person.) But the look on his face just seeing me be me … it was me.. that moment for him I cant imagine but I seen it. He ran to help and never not once said one thing. I even overdrawn to buy them that day.. about a month later I heard him say to a co worker. “Never was one that treated dogs like humans or wanted house dogs… But after they saved my wife, and I got her back, I will never put a quantity or a dog out of my bed house or life. They brought my wife back. If it takes 50 in then house then that’s fine because its really her and havent seen that in years . So yes yes yes. Please do for you.
how come a trained therapy dog can not go in stores. This is so unfair We pay to have them trained to help people and alot of money and they can’t go in. yet people pretend their dogs are service animals by buying fake stuff on line and sneak there untrained dogs in stores. soooo very wrong
Because therapy dogs are not trained to mitigate a task for a specific disabled person. Service dogs aid those will disabilities, and work for them. They perform tasks specific to that person. Not just comfort. Payment means nothing when it comes to dog who are or are not qualified in building, bringing a therapy dog is just as bad as bringing an untrained service dog, even if it’s gone through training. They are not trained to aid a disability. They are trained to provide general comfort to people in the places they are invited.
Sorry, I have a service dog and my friend has a service dog. We both have them certified and they are here for our PTSD and depression. So PTSD is NOT just for Emotional Support Animals thank you very much.
Decompression after nightmares, block in public when we feel threatened are two tasks a service dog for ptsd. Wake the veteran up while having a nightmare is another
I have a gluten allergy and it’s been as roller coaster. I’ve had Celiac disease for 8 years and just learned about refractory and non-refactory type CD. I have been having several problems with Celiac lately and was wondering if maybe a service dog would do me some good. I don’t know where to start on getting one though. Everywhere I have found I have to train it myself. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Cheyne
Emotional support dogs are not service dogs under the ADA. The article does, however, mention Psychiatric Service Dogs (item number 7) specifically for PTSD.
It’s under psychiatric support dog
Psychiatric Service Dog?
ESAs are not service dogs and they covered PTSD service dogs
Did you read it all guess not…look under #7 PTSD is covered in their
Just for your information, emotional support dogs does not qualify as a support dog.
Oh no. There’s totally not 100’s of website with information on PTSD dogs. What ever will you do. Your life is ruined someone get her a doctor.
lasaverixx@gmail.com
Emotional support dog isn’t a service dog. For all that’s good in this world “esa” doesnt equal service dog and doesn’t give you any ADA protection it only covers fair housing act and air carrier act. Stop bringing them everywhere with you. As an autistic adult who requires a service dog I have stopped leaving my home due to all the esa or fraudulent service dogs that attack my dog. I can’t go and feel safe anywhere with my dog now. So please educate yourself and respect that those that need these dogs to function and live a normal life.
Well said ryan
Well said…. you aren’t alone not leaving because your afraid of other people and their PLAY SERVICE DOG. ‘I think ill take BOO BOO today’ Think about it like this. I CANT LIVE WITHOUT MY SERVICE DOG. There is no thinking she is with me 24hr 7days a week and twice on Sundays… PEOPLE THIS ISNT A GAME.
An emotional support dog is not a service dog, and not protected under the ADA.
Why don’t you read the entire article before you make an inaccurate comment?
PTSD.
ESA are not service dogs and do not have the right to public access
that is number 7
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