If you or someone close to you is navigating life with a disability, the thought of acquiring a Service Dog may have crossed your mind. Deciding to welcome a Service Dog into your life is a significant step, laden with numerous factors to weigh. Therefore, before taking any further action, it's essential to arm yourself with knowledge. Continue reading to understand a Service Dog’s role and responsibilities, the journey to obtaining one, and other crucial factors that merit consideration.

What Is a Service Dog?

A Service Dog is a type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people with disabilities, including hearing impairments, mental illnesses (like post-traumatic stress disorder), seizures, mobility impairments, and diabetes. Unlike ordinary pets, Service Dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that assist their handlers with their disabilities, enhancing their independence and quality of life. 

For example, a Service Dog can alert a deaf person to noises, pull a wheelchair, remind a person to take prescribed medications, or calm a person with PTSD during an anxiety attack. Service Dogs are legally recognized and protected under various laws, allowing them to accompany their handlers in most public spaces where pets might not be permitted.

Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Animals

Distinguishing between a Service Dog and an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) can be challenging, particularly when addressing psychological disabilities. The crucial distinction lies in whether the animal performs a specific task or function directly connected to the handler's disability. 

For example, consider a scenario involving anxiety attacks. If a dog is trained to detect the onset of an anxiety attack and actively engages in actions to mitigate or prevent the attack, it qualifies as a Service Dog. That could include distracting the handler, fetching medication, or performing a specific task to alleviate the symptoms. 

On the other hand, if the dog's mere presence offers emotional solace that helps soothe the individual during stressful situations, like experiencing anxiety while flying, then the animal is considered an ESA. Unlike Service Dogs, ESAs' primary role is offering comfort and support through companionship.

In addition, Service Dogs and ESAs have different legal rights. Service Dogs have broader access rights under the ADA, while ESAs have specific rights regarding air travel and housing under the Air Carrier Access Act and Fair Housing Act. Both can incur charges for damages, but this is more pertinent for ESAs, which may lack training compared to Service Dogs.

Evaluating Your Need for a Service Dog

Understand Your Disability and Assess the Need

• Do you have a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)? According to the ADA, a disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. Determine if your condition falls under this definition.
• What specific tasks could a Service Dog be trained to perform to mitigate your or your loved one’s disability? Make a list of the daily limitations and challenges faced due to the disability that a Service Dog could help with through specialized training.
• Is having a Service Dog a reasonable accommodation for you or your loved one? Consider whether you or your loved one can adequately care for, supervise, and control the dog in public. Discuss with healthcare providers or therapists whether a Service Dog suits your condition.
• Would another assistive aid or device work just as well or better than a Service Dog? Sometimes, other aids like wheelchairs, canes, walkers, or assistive technology may be more appropriate.

Legal Rights and Responsibilities

• Accessibility: The ADA allows Service Dogs to accompany their handlers in most public places.
• Identification: While not a legal requirement, many handlers use vests or ID tags to indicate their dog is a Service Dog.
• Responsibilities: Handlers are responsible for their Service Dogs' behavior and care.

Steps for Getting a Service Dog

After evaluating the considerations above, if you’ve determined that a Service Dog may be appropriate for your disability, the next step is to speak with a doctor, professional Service Dog Trainer, or organization to get an expert assessment. Many reputable nonprofit organizations, like Educating Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD), can assist. 

Help Us Transform the Lives of People Living With Disabilities

The journey to getting a fully-trained Service Dog can be lengthy and expensive. Still, for those who genuinely need assistance, a Service Dog can significantly enhance their independence and quality of life.

Everyone can take part in helping people with disabilities with Service Dogs. Support us with a donation, bequest, planned giving, contributions to our wish list, or create a fundraiser. Your support can change someone’s life.