Guide to Getting a Service Dog
What is a service dog, and what do they do?
Service dogs are dogs that are specially trained to help people with disabilities, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), perform or assist tasks they may not be capable of doing themselves. Tasks include fetching medicine, sensing blood sugar levels, or leading a person with vision impairments. Service dogs are different from therapy dogs and emotional support animals, or ESAs. An ESA is typically trained to offer therapeutic support and comfort during a time of emotional instability, while service dogs are trained to do specific tasks in order to make sure their owner is safe and aware. Therapy dogs are typically personal pets who have been trained to provide emotional support to people in hospitals, nursing homes, or schools.
Which dog is the best fit for me?
In order to assess what breed would be best for you, you must first identify what you will be using the service dog for. There are a variety of dog breeds that are best suited for service. The most popular service dog breeds are golden retrievers and german shepherds, though some other common breeds include labradors, border collies, and pitbulls. If there are any allergies, a hypoallergenic breed such as schnauzers, poodles, or goldendoodles would be best. While most breeds can perform the same tasks, some may be better at certain tasks than others. For example, according to an article in The Association of Professional Dog Trainer’s Chronicle of the Dog magazine, golden retrievers tend to be easier to train and are ideal for emotional support, while border collies are high-energy and are best for a job that is more physically demanding.
However, service dogs do not have to be a certain breed. Since the Americans with Disabilities Act does not require professional training for a dog to be considered a service dog by law, you can even train your pet so that you do not have to purchase and train another dog. It is important to take into consideration the nature of your dog, as a dog that is not good around strangers, other animals, or in public places may not be suitable to be a service dog. The ideal service dog is friendly, hard-working, and mild-tempered. How you adopted your pup is not indicative of how they will do in training to be a service dog. According to the Journal of Applied Animal Behavior Science, there is no significant difference in the ability to train puppies versus adult dogs from shelters as service dogs, so there is no need to worry if your dog is not a puppy or if they came from a shelter.
When looking for a service dog, you must also take into account the dog’s needs. Different dogs require different diets depending on their size and nutritional needs. The general costs of veterinary care may also vary depending on the breed, as some breeds are more prone to medical problems than others. It is best to conduct your own research on the breed you are thinking of adopting as a service dog to ensure it does not make you go over your budget.
How can I afford this?
While it is up to you to put aside the money necessary to get a service dog, it is important to acknowledge the many grants and scholarships that you may be eligible to receive. For more information on service dog scholarships, view our list here! These scholarships have varying qualifications, so reading through these would be a great idea if you are in need of additional funding. Service dog scholarships help pay for things such as training and adoption fees. It is also a great idea to do your own research so you can see if your state provides any service dog grants specifically for its residents. Keep in mind that many scholarships and grants may require your income to be under a certain amount for you to qualify.
As mentioned, you can also train your own service dog. If you are confident in your skills and feel as though you could train your dog to do what you need them to do, training them yourself is a great option. This way, you can avoid the expenses of professional training and bond with your dog while saving money. There are plenty of great online training programs as well that are significantly cheaper than training in person (view some options here).
What does the application process look like?
If you decide to get a service dog from an organization rather than adopting and training one yourself, you will most likely go through an extensive application process. The application process can look different for everyone depending on where you are applying for a service dog. There are various requirements for different service dog training programs as well, so it is best to research the program you are most interested in to ensure that you meet the requirements and that they can train a dog for your disability. For example, Service Dogs for America has various requirements depending on the disability but does not train service dogs for people with autism, while Little Angels Service Dogs has similar requirements and specializes in service dogs for autism.
Despite the various requirements, most applications follow a similar step-by-step process:
submitting an online or mail-in application
attending a consultation or interview
signing a contract
meeting and training with the dog
Each organization may need different documentation, such as proof of financial stability or a doctor’s referral or recommendation, so it is best to research the documentation necessary so you are able to provide what is needed to get a service dog.
If you choose to train your own dog, you can also register your dog. Registration is not necessary for service dogs to be valid in any public spaces, but it can be comforting to have documentation that your dog is indeed a service animal. If you want to fly, you will have to fill out a form with the US Department of Transportation, which can be accessed here, and bring it to the assistance desk at least 48 hours before the flight. You can also check out the Service Animals page on the US Department of Transportation’s website for more information on traveling with a service animal. Some apartment complexes may require proof of service dog training, in which registration would come in handy. Some registrations are free, like Federal Service Dog Registration, which provides a virtual ID for anyone to verify your dog is a certified service animal. Others vary in prices, such as US Service Animals, which provides you with a physical certificate and ID card.
So you have a service dog… now what?
Once you’ve trained and registered your service dog, the last thing you are responsible for is your pet’s needs. Just like any other dog, you must ensure they have appropriate food and water, bedding, toys to keep them occupied when they are not needed, a collar and leash, treats, and any necessary medications or supplements. These items are just the basics, so depending on the breed of your dog and their personality, you may want to do some research to find what else they may need.
One item you may consider getting is a service vest for your dog to alert people in public spaces not to touch your dog or that your service dog is on duty (Chewy has a variety of sizes and styles). These vests prove to be super useful and effective in keeping your dog attentive to your needs rather than a stranger, especially if you plan to take your service dog everywhere with you.
Another item that may be useful is a hands free leash that you can clip onto your belt buckle, purse, or other items on your person. These leashes are great if you are at work or doing something that requires your full attention and both hands because they allow your dog to stay close to you without relying on you to hold their leash.
Depending on your climate, you may need to purchase your service dog a coat or sweater and boots. A coat or sweater is necessary if you are in a location with chilly weather. Boots are helpful not only in the snow, but also on slick surfaces or hot asphalt to prevent the dog from slipping or burning their paw pads.
Overall, getting a service dog is an exciting but important decision for many people. If you have special needs and are looking for a companion and helper all in one, a service dog is the way to go. Not only are you getting a dog that you can train to do specific tasks, but you’re also getting a loyal friend with unlimited, unconditional love for you.