FAQ and Guides

To be considered a Service Dog, a dog must be individually trained to perform a job or task relating to your disability.

A service dog helps a person with a disability lead a more independent life.

According to theAmericans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a service dog is “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.”

Psychiatric problems, Severe anxiety (ADHD), any Physical or Mental relating condition can quality you for to have a service animal which is trained to perform a task that can help you with these conditions.

Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks to assist individuals with disabilities, enhancing their independence and quality of life. The tasks vary depending on the handler’s needs and the type of disability. Below are examples of tasks service dogs can perform:

For Physical Disabilities

1. Mobility Assistance:

   • Retrieving dropped items, like keys or phones.
   • Opening and closing doors or drawers.
   • Turning lights on or off using a switch.

2. Wheelchair Assistance:

   • Pulling a wheelchair or providing balance while transitioning in and out.
   • Fetching objects out of reach.

3. Balance Support:

   • Helping handlers with stability while walking or standing.
   • Guiding handlers up and down stairs or uneven surfaces.

For Hearing Impairments

1. Sound Alerting:

   • Notifying handlers of doorbells, alarms, or smoke detectors.
   • Alerting handlers to ringing phones or someone calling their name.

2. Directional Guidance:

   • Leading handlers toward the source of a sound, such as someone speaking.

For Visual Impairments (Guide Dogs)

1. Navigation Assistance:

   • Guiding handlers around obstacles in the environment.
   • Stopping at curbs and helping the handler safely cross streets.

2. Location Assistance:

   • Leading to specific locations, such as exits or public transportation stops.

For Medical Conditions

1. Seizure Response:

   • Protecting the handler during a seizure (e.g., creating space or cushioning).
   • Fetching help or activating an emergency alert system.

2. Diabetes Management:

   • Detecting changes in blood sugar levels through scent.
   • Alerting the handler to high or low glucose levels.

3. Allergy Detection:

   • Identifying and avoiding allergens, such as peanuts or shellfish.

4. Cardiac Alert:

   • Notifying handlers of changes in heart rate or blood pressure that may indicate a medical issue.

For Mental Health Conditions

1. PTSD Management:

   • Interrupting flashbacks or panic attacks by nudging or providing grounding.
   • Creating a safe buffer between the handler and others in crowded spaces.

2. Anxiety and Depression Support:

   • Applying deep pressure therapy (e.g., lying across the handler’s lap) to alleviate anxiety.
   • Reminding handlers to take medication.

3. Autism Spectrum Support:

   • Preventing elopement by staying close to the handler.
   • Interrupting repetitive behaviors or self-harm.

Other Specialized Tasks

1. Alerting to Environmental Dangers:
   • Indicating smoke, gas leaks, or oncoming traffic.
2. Support for Non-Verbal Individuals:
   • Retrieving a communication device or assisting with signaling to others.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not mandate that service dogs undergo professional training. Individuals with disabilities have the legal right to train their service dogs independently and are not required to use a professional trainer or participate in formal training programs.

For those training their own service dogs, it is essential to start with foundation skills such as basic obedience and house training. House training should include teaching the dog to eliminate on command in various environments to ensure reliability in different settings.

Socialization is a critical component of service dog training. The goal is to ensure the dog remains focused on its handler and performs tasks effectively, even in the presence of unfamiliar people, places, sights, sounds, smells, and other animals. Training should emphasize the dog’s ability to ignore distractions and maintain attention on the handler.