Service Dogs are dogs that undergoes proper training to do a job that assists individual with a medical condition. But, what if you feel that you need to have a service dog along with you most of the time? Do you think that you are qualified to have one?
Well, if you want to have a service dog that will accompany you everywhere, here we will answer the question: how do I qualify for a service dog? Requirements in having a legitimate service dog certification are also detailed here.
How Do I Qualify for A Service Dog?
In the first place, it is very difficult to answer this question. There are lots of meaning of the term disability and service animals in various federal laws. The definition for Social Security Disability Income is different as that in the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA outlines the term disability in a legal aspect and not on the medical definition.
However, qualifying for SSDI can be achievable for someone. Thus, it can not certify a dog in service or vice versa. Better to verify first the scenario differently for every context. Generally, it is recommended that you take the written definition with you and discuss it with your physician. This is also a bright idea for you to know and answer the question of: do I qualify for a service dog?
Service Dog Eligibility
For you to be able to answer the question of: do I qualify for a service dog? Below is a list of service dog eligibility. To be eligible for a service dog, an individual must:
- Be at least 12 years of age unless service dog is needed for a child with autism
- Have a diagnosed physical disability or anxiety disorder such as PTSD. Also check for debilitating chronic illness, or neurological disorder affecting at least one limb
- Reside in a stable home environment
- You need to be physically and cognitively capable of participating in the process of training, up to one hour per day
- Must able to independently command and handle a service dog
- Need to meet the physical, emotional, and financial needs of a service dog
- Have no other dog in the home (other animals as pets are permitted)
Service Dog Eligibility of a Child with Autism
To be worthy to have a service dog, a child with autism needs to be:
- Be 6-12 years old
- Have no other dog in the home (other animals as pets are permitted)
- Must be enrolled in an ongoing education program
- Need to enroll in a speech, physical, occupational or recreational therapy program
- A child must have strong family support
- A child with autism have a parent, guardian, or sibling over 18 who resides in the home-trained as a facilitator
- They have no other dog in the home (other animals as pets are permitted)
What are the Documents Required for Obtaining a Service Dog?
- The Dog Knowledge Service Dog Foundation receives a request to consider either finding a potential service dog or training the family pet for a specific service.
- Start the process by telling the clients that any dog that being certified by a foundation for service must first produce a letter from a physician somewhat like a prescription for medicine. An authorized medical practitioner who has treated a patient with a disability in the past 6 months states that the patient has a specific disability and would benefit from assistance from a service dog. The physician’s note must dictate precisely the particular job the dog is needed to learn to offer them support to his owner.
- Download the application form, accomplish it and submit together with the signed note from the physician. Forward it to the foundation for review.
- The foundation may possibly inquire for more details and identify the needs of the service require, etc.
- Finding an applicable dog for the program is the usual beginning of the process. It is good to set an appointment with the receiver and the animal to check if they are compatible with each other.
How does a dog become a Service Dog?
Educating a dog to be a service animal is applicable to all! Below is a general overview of service dog requisite and legitimate service dog certification. How to train your dog to go from your household pet to becoming a service dog is also detailed here.
Service dogs are an important part of the assistance animal family. They also serve an important function in our community. Policies of ADA state that service dogs cater professional support to people with medical conditions that seek their attention will be permitted to go everywhere when going with their handlers.
Step 1: Determining and Knowing the Kind of Dog
Every dog strain is capable of service work! Usually, the common strains are the Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Bully Breeds, Poodles, Huskies, and many more. All types of dogs can become services dogs. It will depend on their potential in offering various kind of service.
Moreover, policies on service dog exclude restriction on dog strains or discrimination on their weight. Awareness of your dog’s medical status is important to verify if his medical condition and the years of his life are applicable to do the task. It’s very crucial to learn your dog’s status to avoid giving stress to a service animal’s health and also to its owner’s mindset. It is also vital to identify your type of personality of your dog to check if he or she has the right attitude for service work.
Step 2: Look for a Reliable Trainer or Train Your Dog At Home!
People usually look for an authorized trainer that is reliable in training their service dog. However, you can train your dog yourself under service dog laws. Thus, lots of people do not know that service animal jobs are trainable even at their home! Moreover, no ADA certification or certification of a legitimate service dog for training is needed in the US.
Step 3: Educating Your Service Dog
You need to invest your time and money in training your service dog. Putting in enough time to train your future service dog is a crucial step. The international standards suggest approximately 120 hours over six months of training. However, the United States has no minimum time requisition for training to have a legitimate service dog certification. It is best recommended that at least 30 hours of it should be spent in public.
The very vital job for you to educate your service dog is instructing the particular skill they will be doing to guide with your condition. These tasks are feeling a medical warning, triggering action during a manic state, or grounding in public places.
Step 4: The Public Access Examination
Your dog must succeed the Public Access Examination. To be able to do that here is a quick list of the vital criteria for your service dog to qualify the legitimate service dog certification:
- No assertive characteristic
- Discontinue sniffing manners unless told to do so
- Petition for food or attachment is a no-no
- Lots of eagerness and hyperexcitability in public
- To offer convenience, the Public Access Examination is given by the ADI through a downloadable PDF format.
Step 5: Certifying and Qualifying
The certification for service dog legitimacy and determination is not a requisite in the United States. Sadly, most working staffs in public and some areas will still ask for it. To make you feel at ease with it, familiarize yourself in presenting valid papers as proof that your dog has proper training for the service.
Verbal confirmation and document presentation of your dog’s training is a legal way to accommodate your service dog. Service dogs offer assistance for individuals with compromised physical or mental state for them to enter public places like resto’s, grocery stores, hotels, and malls. Very vital to learn these processes for your benefit and the people around you.
Legitimate Service Dog Certification
Below are the steps to acquire a certificate for service dog legitimacy.
Step #1 – Educate Your Dog, Do not Belittle
It is very difficult to admit to yourself that you could get lots of advantages from having a service dog. Admitting that you have a disability and knowing you require assistance are factors to feel weak. Making it on your own and taking care of yourself are vital steps of therapy and adulthood.
The first step is to educate your dog to do the job for your condition. After undergoing into a training program, traveling and going somewhere with your legitimate service dog needs confidence. Also, you need to be proud as a pet handler or owner for your dog’s accomplishment. Training also produces a lasting relationship between you and your furry buddy.
Step #2 – Legal Literacy, Learning Laws of Service
Even ADA gives meaning to service dogs, there are still information that misguide people.
#1 – Service Dogs need a memo from a medical practitioner.
This is a fiction. Securing a memo from a physician is not a must.
#2 – Large built dogs like Pitbulls, Dobermans or Great Danes do not fit for service dogs. Golden Retrievers is the only one suitable for the tasks.
This one is also a fiction. Service Dogs do not have any requirements when it comes to the breed, weight or age of the dog. The more the dog is capable to do their job and he undergoes a training program to assist disabled, qualifying as a service dog is a go.
#3 – Imposing a fee, charging a service dog or not allowing them to access the housing are cannot be done by landlords.
A fact! Going to public places which includes housing is one of the rights of a service dog. A Service Dog is not a sedentary household animal and is often times a medical tool.
Step #3 – Practice More
The very challenging part of having a Service Dog is being on a trip with them in public. It is best to educate them at the comfy of your home, which is a lot easier. Educating them at your home also has lesser disturbance for them.
Below are ideas on the way to practice educating with your service dog.
Tip #1 – Train-It-Yourself Service Dog under your roof
The key here is that you and your dog have the same lingo. Meaning, smooth communication between you and your service dog must be clearly established. You have to build a strong relationship with each other at the very beginning.
Tip#2 – Educate your service dog at a park
After speaking the same language, it is very crucial to start practicing and training in public places. This allows your dogs to be familiar with places such as a park.
Tip #3 – Service dog-friendly places – a public training ground
To make you familiarize with having a trip with your service dog, try to call and ask permission to a restaurant with an open plaza. Let them know that want to practice like having a trip with your service dog. Ask for their approval to make a table reservation located at the corner. Your dog may try to sit down under the resto desk and try to wait quietly. They will encounter lots of disturbances like food and other people who may want to mingle and feed them. Always have an assurance to maintain the behavior of your service dog. This way you and your dog can both have confidence.
Step #4 – Legally Certify a Service Dog
The ADA policy only approves public personnel or staff and others to inquire for only two queries regarding your service dog.
Question #1 – Is that a dog offering a service? People can asks you this question if it is not noticeable for them the job of your service dog. In case your Service Dog have a service dog vest, they cannot inquire you this question.
Question #2 – What job does your service dog make for you. You can discuss to them of the particular job your Service Dog is making for you. Just present the Legal Certificate of your Service Dog . Moreover, they cannot require your dog to showcase his job to them the task or inquire pertaining to your condition.
Step #5 – Advocacy for Service Dog Rights
All service dog owner must defend the privileges of a Service Dog. Most of the time, there are cases that handlers criticize others for being a fake handler of a service dog. You must feel the needs of others for a service dog and that you need to learn what they are fighting for. Obstacles that they are facing is a way that make owning a service dog gives them a brighter life.
I have a doctors note for the both my dogs they are American bulldogs and basically the new owner is not something that and I’ve had it since I’ve been here so what do I have to do get my dogs both service dogs and does my depression count as my dogs being a service dog
Hi Stacey,
YES, depression is a valid disability for your service dogs! They are some of the best at being able to tell when you could be slipping into a deeper depression and can keep us going so to speak.
A Doctors note is a great step and should be enough to cover you in any dispute with housing or accessibility to any public
places.
Some people do go the extra step of having ADA cards on hand to give to people with questions regarding accessibility issues and housing, included is a dog tag with the medical alert to help identify him/her as your service dog.
Also, service dog vests that fit appropriately while in public places help identify your dog to others as a service dog.
Most of all though since your dogs are American Bulldogs, you must ensure (unfairly or not) that they are gentle, well-behaved service dogs. So, please make sure your dogs are obedience trained, are under control at all times, and have all their shots up to date. American Bulldogs, aka Pit Bulls, are unfairly singled out IMHO and since I have one as a service dog as well, I speak from experience.
It’s best to have all your T’s crossed and lowercase i & j’s dotted so to speak.
Let us know how you get on!
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Your dogs are ESA or Emotional Support Animals. They are covered by ADA with just a note from your doctor. ESA dogs are still covered by the ADA and the fair housing act. If they are still giving you a hard time, present them with a printout of ADA rules and regulations in relation to ESAs and your Dr’s note.
My son is getting older and he’s on the spectrum, so I wanted info on service dogs and if he needs one! I didn’t know you had to be at least 12 years old to have a service dog unless you have autism. I’ll have to talk to my doctor about service dogs and the certification for the animals, thanks to this post.
Hi Sarah! It’s true most often 12 years old is used a a guideline. It’s not a hard and fast rule though and can be circumvented when the need arises. The reason for the 12 years old guideline is that a lot of times the child isn’t mature enough to handle the dog properly. However, that isn’t always true. Wishing you the best on your SD journey!
Would you be allowed to have a service dog or support dog if you have sensory overload issues? I’ve had times where it’s caused me to essentially shut down and actually drop to my knees.
That would be a question for your physician to answer for you. At the least, I would think and ESA (Emotional Support Animal) would be a good start.
I was wondering does depression and anxiety count towards getting a service dog, and if so, where and how can I get a letter saying i need the service dog?
Hi Arianna, You would need to check with your mental health physician and get a note from them. An ESA (Emotional Support Animal) may be an easier and much less expensive option for you. Good luck in your Journey let us know how it turns out!
We had been wanting to classify our dog as a service dog . He’s 9lb poodle mix. He’s the most intelligent, devoted dog we’ve had. He’s very sensitive to our emotional state of mind and our physical functions and /or impairment. Always in tune to our conversations. Understand everything as we express our emotions or our command to him. I lost my husband on 9-23-19 at home with chronic enphasema . He never left his side gave him emotional peace till his last breath. He would come to earn me when ever my husband struggled to breath. I’m alone now and I also need him to keep me from depression. I don’t want to make myself a shut in. He needs to travel with me. I talk all day to him. He will keep me from going into depression due to my husband’s absence. Please help me.
Maria, It sounds like you have a wonderful friend in your poodle mix. We’d like to know how you two are doing.
I have a old English sheep dog I would like to get trained for my daughter she had a trauma tic brain injury at the age of 4 , now she is 26
Do I qualify for a service dog I have copd NY breathing is not good at all and I find even the simple things in life very difficult
Be certain to check with your doctor.
I have been told many times by different people that I would benefit from having a service dog. I am a paraplegic in an electric wheelchair with a traumatic brain injury, stutter and take meds for seizures. I really need help picking things up from the ground and also reaching things such as items on a grocery store shelf. Two things I wonder about. #1. I live in an apartment and I wonder how fair it would be to the dog having him live here versus a house with a yard. #2. This may sound odd, but would I be allowed to cuddle and play with him when he’s not working?
Michelle, Of course there are plenty of breeds that do very well as apartment dwellers and yes, snuggling, cuddling and playing comes with the territory. I’d hate to think of my relationship with Mister Big without them.
Just completed my service dog registration. Can’t wait to get my ID card in the mail so that I can ride the train with my service dog without any hassle. These dogs are a lifesaver.
Hi I have a 3 month old Husky I’ve been diagnosed with TBI, PTSD, anxiety, depression, on full time oxygen, diabetic and want my puppy to become a service dog besides a DR letter what else would I need to start the process and where would I go for more information on it
A doctors letter is an excellent start. Then work on the puppies basic training first and canine good citizenship. You can look into further training while the basics are being done.
How does one go about getting a letter/ memo for their disorder(s) as proof of needing a service dog? I have an active duty soldier who does not wish to complicate/ hinder their career by admitting themselves to mental health.
If it’s a mental disorder that they are trying to get a service dog for, maybe an easier route would be getting an ESA? I’m not sure what you are asking.
My sisters and mom all have dogs, one of the requirements is no other dogs in the house but my sisters(they live independently)both left their dogs to live at dad’s so they live at my main house (they can’t be service dogs because they are technically 1 not mine and 2 can’t be anywhere except sometimes in our fenced backyard so are they really gonna stop me from getting a service dog when I meet every other requirement
The reason my sister’s dogs can’t leave the house was cause they threatened my neighbors and they can’t be in our backyard if the neighbors are outside
Where do you go to get a trained service dog and does the government help in the cost of getting one? I would like to get one for my adult son who was diagnosed with a very rare autoimmune disease. He cannot train one in his present condition.
You said Anxiety such as PTSD, so would SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder) count to get a service dog?
As long as you doctor thinks your condition warrants the use of a service animal then, yes.
I am looking for a service dog for my daughter who suffers badly from depression and anxiety. Is there anywhere in Canada that trains dogs or is it best to try and do it on my own? Thank you!
I have an anxiety disorder called panic disorder and am 14, I probably get panic about attacks twice a week. Could I get a service dog to help me with that?
I have a doctor’s note for diagnosed PTSD and was treated for more than a year. Have a letter stating this and recommending ESA, which I have. My French bulldog is very well trained and obedient and senses my episodes. He carries a backpack with medication when I need. I felt bad about pursuing service dog but does this sound like he qualifies? I truly believe he saves my life, travels and is excellent in public. Should I get some sort of cert?
Is being iron deficient a reason to have a service dog. I find at times when I stand up or walk somewhere I go really dizzy and lose my footing so I was wondering if they could help
I want to know the process for having my Yorkiepoo be my service dog. He does help me medically, not just for my anxiety and depression. I have sleep apnea and he kicks my face and wakes me up .He keeps this up until I tell him I’m okay
I just have a quick question my mother in law was diagnosed with breast cancer about 5 years ago and ever since then she get these deliberating anxiety and panic attacks. Will she be able to be qualified for a service animal and will she be able to get one already trained and certified. Or does she have to get a puppy to train then certify it herself?
Ok I’m in a wheelchair and my dog Poopoo helps calm me. How do I register him in Milwaukee Wisconsin I
Have a note from my physician
If someone has a panic attack disorder would they be able to get a service dog?
Yes, you should be able to get a service dog or ESA.
I have been diagnosed with PTSD, DEPRESSION, and Anxiety, I am a proud owner of a 2 year old pitbull. How do I go about getting her certified as my Service dog? I have issues walking and have fallen at work already. I have fibromyalgia and I am currently having spine issues. It is hard for me to walk at times and if I can have her by my side to help me that would be so much help for me. Any help or ideas greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
I have severe depression and anxiety and I am 15. I have multiple dogs in my house that have been family pets for years, but I recently got a dog that is considered “mine” and she has been by far the most helpful thing for my depression and anxiety. I have been wanting to make her a service dog or emotional support dog, but would I not be able to do that because I have other dogs in my house?
She could be an ESA.
Hi, I’m a thirteen year old girl with CPTSD, ADHD, Under-developed prefrontal cortex and the following stemming from the issues above: depression, anxiety, anxiety attacks/panic attacks/breakdowns, OCD symptoms/tendencies (waiting to get diagnosed as the psychiatrist has to look further into this), self-harming behaviours, suicidal thoughts, mood fluctuation (Biological Mother had Bipolar, ADHD, and schizophrenia so psychiatrist is also looking into this), and the possible ASD, Maladaptive Daydreaming Disorder, and bipolar/BPD/other mood disorders. Would I qualify for a service dog, and how much would it cost?
You more than likely would qualify for a service dog if the dog could help you with your issues in a physical way such as providing you assistance while having or prior to having panic attacks, or anxiety attacks, etc. Some of the other disorders you mention would be more qualified for an ESA. But either way, a service animal or ESA sounds like could be a great benefit to you. Follow up with your doctors and let us know how it goes.
I have menieres disease and often get vertigo that lasts for hours. I also fall without warning in drop attacks. At home my dog lays on me because I cannot tell where my body is and have hurt myself trying to get up or even falling out of bed. Is this a valid service for a service dog? He already goes to pet friendly restaurants and stores. I bring him everywhere I can to help me prevent hurting myself when attacks occur. He seems to know when im dizzy and refuses to move off of me unless my husband or someone comes to help. He has stayed on me for up to 10 hours not eating or relieving himself. He waited all that time until my husband came home
Wow! What a great dog! Yes, it’s a valid service for a service dog.
Hi, I have an allergy ( It is not the worst but I can still die from it, and I an EpiPen for it) And I really think I could benefit from a service dog. What do you think?
I think you have the perfect case for having a service dog. Check with your doctor. Let us know how it goes!