Written by: Jill Jones

True service dogs require extensive training.
Photo by Michelle, Aurora
So-called “service animals” seem to be proliferating these days. Though the majority of them are dogs, other animals have been appearing in service roles, as well. You see them in all sorts of public places including airports, train stations, supermarkets and restaurants, where pets are not normally allowed. How do you qualify to get one of these dogs?
First, to eliminate further confusion about an already-confusing topic, we should clarify the correct terminology for describing these animals:
The term service dog is accurately applied only to dogs that have been trained to provide a specific service to people who suffer from a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Service dogs are legally allowed anywhere the public is.
There is a wide range of disabilities that may warrant a service dog. The most familiar examples ares a blind person’s need for a seeing-eye dog and a deaf person’s need for a hearing dog. There are also psychiatric service dogs that have been trained to detect and stave off mental health crises by performing specific actions for afflicted individuals. For example, upon recognizing the onset of a psychotic episode, say, for someone suffering from PTSD, this type of service dog might remind its handler to take medication.
Legally, a service dog doesn’t require any type of identification or certification, and you can’t ask its handler about his disability, even if it’s not obvious. However, you can ask what service the dog has been trained to perform. Any breed can be trained as a service dog.
There are many specialized organizations throughout the country, many of them nonprofit, that source and train Service Dogs and endeavor to match them to an appropriate disabled handler (who will also receive training upon being matched with a dog). Depending on the organization, these dogs may be available free of charge even though it costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train and place each one. Unfortunately, there can be long waiting lists for these dogs since they’re in such demand.
An emotional support animal (ESA) can be almost any kind of animal that has been prescribed by a health professional as part of a medical treatment plan to support someone suffering from emotional or mental distress. An ESA doesn’t have to perform a specific action to mitigate its handler’s disability; rather its mere presence provides comfort.
To legally qualify for an ESA you must be diagnosed and certified by a health professional as having a severe emotional or mental disabling condition as defined in the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) This allows you to have the animal accompany you only in specific places, as follows:
- The animal can reside with you in your home, even if your landlord prohibits pets.
- The animal can travel by commercial airline, at no additional cost.
Currently, ESAs enjoy no other legal protection allowing them access to other venues. This leaves the owners and managers of other establishments frequented by the public, which don’t normally allow pets, such as retail stores and restaurants, in the unenviable position of gatekeeper.
ESAs don’t require any kind of identification, though airline officials and landlords have the legal right to ask their handlers to provide a letter from their doctor certifying their need for the animal to mitigate their disability.
Since they don’t necessarily require specialized training, ESAs can be sourced the same way as regular pets which makes them readily available. Their relative intelligence, sensitivity and trainability make dogs well-suited to be an ESA. However, their temperament, socialization and knowledge of basic commands are all of paramount importance to the role they will be asked to fill so it’s important to find the right dog and train him properly. This may be a job best left to the experts. Similar to service dogs, there are many organizations devoted to developing ESAs, particularly for veterans of war.
Service dogs and ESAs perform a crucial function for their disabled handlers, improving their quality of life and allowing them to go about their daily routine without always having to depend on other people to help. While you might think it would be nice to have your beloved pet accompany you everywhere, just consider the situation of those suffering from disabilities who have no choice.
For more information on service dogs, take a look at our Service Dog Infographic , which compares different types of animal aid.
I am all about service dogs, the one thing that I do not like though is when people take advantage of the system, my friends over at https://www.diabeticalertdogsofamerica.com/ have told me a few stories like this
My service dog is my best friend, my safety, and my independence. Please … please …. I’m asking you. Put yourself in my shoes and consider this: if you wouldn’t walk up to someone and say ‘that’s a rockin wheelchair you have! How do I get one?’ Then why would you walk up to someone and say ‘that’s a cool dog. I wish my dog could go everywhere with me.’ Imagine how I feel when ‘I wish my dog could go everywhere with me’ is said to me. Life with a service dog is not all unicorns and rainbows. That being said, I wouldn’t trade Sierra for anything.
Can an 91 years old lady visually impaired almost blind get a seeing eye dog limited income
I have a Coworker who told me she currently trying to get her dog qualified just so she can bring her dog to work. It really irritates and sickens me
You’re sensitive. I wish my dog could go anywhere with me.
When I looked through the reviews that people left concerning the use of a service dog and who qualify’s to have one I am left concerning myself about the reaction’s on your website because I have a service dog that helps me tremendously when I have to go out, because I have to live with the consequences if she can’t come with me. Due to my TBI I have learned how important it is to have a service dog to help keep me on track and she help’s make sure that I don’t lose track of why I’m out in the first place, that’s why it does anger me when people make comments that they don’t see why I have one when they don’t see my disability and therefore jumping to the conclusion that I don’t deserve a service dog – however no one can see my brain injury and how the consequences of my injuries limit my ability to get around. People must understand all disabilities are not visible and service dogs help them out tremendously .
I’m recovering from my second TBI in a years time. How do I go about getting a service dog?
Can you get a service dog for ADHD?