Our goal is to educate people about animals and help pet owners provide to the best care for their beloved pets. This article is about how to make your dog a service dog. A lot of people ask, “I’m out, people see me and they come up and they’re like I want to make my dog a service dog online.” A lot of people want to make my dog a service dog, but none of them really seem to know how to go about it.

This article is also about service dogs, not emotional support dogs or therapy dogs. If you guys don’t know the difference between a service dog and emotional support dog and a therapy dog, then please go ahead and Google it.

This video is to tell you all about what a service dog is and what emotional support dogs are and therapy dogs, and the differences between all of those assistance animals.

Have you ever seen someone take their dog everywhere and you’re wondering how can I do that?  The very first thing is to understand why a person is able to take their dog everywhere with them, able to enter any public place with a service dog is covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Americans with Disability (ADA) states that the definition of a service dog is a dog that has been trained to perform tasks for somebody who has a disability. The ADA recognizes only dogs and miniature horses as service animals. For anyone interested in getting a service parrot, a service pig, a service lizard, any animal that is not actually not covered under the ADA.

It is impossible to have a service animal that is not either a miniature horse or a dog. Now that you know the definition of a service dog, let’s move into what this means.  In order to qualify for a service dog you must be diagnosed with a disability by a doctor.

Some people may be thinking, “I’ve seen service dogs out in public with their handler, and their handler seemed perfectly fine, normal.  A lot of disabilities are invisible disabilities. Use of a service dog is obvious for some disabilities like people who are blind or people in a wheelchair. Many disabilities are actually not able to be seen, diabetes, epilepsy and psychiatric disorders are just some of the invisible disabilities that people live with. Remember, in order to have a service dog, you must have a disability.  You may be thinking, “Well I must be able to have a service dog.” Self-diagnosis does not work when it comes to federal laws. You need to have the medical records in order to back yourself up. If you do want to use a service dog, you need to go to your doctor and get diagnosed, and also find out what your other treatment options may be.

If you have your diagnosis from your doctor, you’ve talked to your doctor, and you have their support to use a service dog, at this point, most people start looking for an agency to get a service dog from that can perform tasks to help you with your disability.

remember the ABA states that a service dog is a dog that has been trained to perform tasks for a person with disability so the fact that you have a disability doesn’t make you a dog a service dog not yet the reason that people use a service dog is to make their overall quality of life better so service dogs aren’t just there to make you feel better they’re there to do a job so let’s say that your diagnosis is fibromyalgia and you have trouble walking and your dog is a cocker spaniel what you will need is a mobility support dog and a cocker spaniel is just way too small for this so your dog won’t be able to be a service dog because it just isn’t capable of performing what you need it to do but if your diagnosis is something like diabetes you need a medical alert dog so size doesn’t matter and a cocker spaniel could do this if it could be trained to alert tooth drops and increases in blood sugar service dogs come in all shapes and sizes so it really depends on what your disability is and what you are expecting of your dog but on an important note it is illegal to have a service dog in a shopping cart okay so now you have your medical records and your dog is the appropriate size to perform the tasks that you need the next question is is your dog healthy enough to be a service animal for this you should get a veterinarians advise they can check to see if your dog has any signs of hip dysplasia or anything else that would hinder it from being able to perform its job remember that for dogs being a working dog is tiring and you want to make sure that your dog is in the best of health in order to perform their job and make sure that they can do it without any complications and you also don’t want your dog’s health to deteriorate by using them as a service animal okay so you have your medical records your dog is the right size to perform the duties and your dog is healthy so what’s next does your dog have the temperament to be a service animal dogs are wonderful animals and every dog owner out there believes that their dog is the best dog in the world and they’re not wrong but not every dog out there has what it takes to be a service dog we expect so much from service dogs and it’s not easy for them while working a service doggies feel to ignore everything around them except for their handler does your dog bark and squirrels do they get really excited when they see another dog do they beg for food from you every time that you’re eating do they want to greet people that they see do they want to jump up on people or other things do they pull a lot on their leash when you’re out walking all of these things are things that would disqualify a dog from being a service out your dog’s obedience needs to be 100% in order to consider using him as a service dog the truth is is that we spoil our dogs and we express our love by being lenient with that most service dogs from agencies are trained from birth of how to react and how to behave and how to ignore distractions around them so not every dog can be a service dog a service dogs worst day is still better than a pet dogs best day and your access rights are granted based on your dog’s behavior so don’t think that somebody with a service dog can go into a public place with their service dog no matter what if the dog misbehaves the management has every legal right to ask them to leave a handler and their service dog represent the entire service dog community when they’re out in public so please only consider your dog if you have an exceptional dog don’t give the rest of us a bad reputation okay so you have your medical record your dog is the appropriate size your dog is in great health and your dog has excellent behavior at this point you are certain that your dog has what it takes to be a service dog after all of this you can now start to get your dog trained to be a service animal while most of us can manage potty training and some basic obedience anything outside of this is usually beyond most people’s experience and knowledge some very experienced people can train their own service dog however most people should consult with a professional dog trainer and I’m not talking about the dog trainers at the pet stores they usually don’t have the knowledge that it takes to task train a service dog start looking up dog trainers in your area and see if there’s any the train service dogs remember the service dog community is relying on you to have a very well trained service dog service dogs are classified as medical equipment and using a fake service dog is a federal offense falsely claiming that pet is a service animal is punishable by federal fines and jail time if you liked this video please give it a thumbs up to help my channel and if you haven’t done so already please subscribe you can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook and read my blog at MJ happy tales calm thanks for joining me

Reasons The Disabled Do Not Get Service Dogs

Service Dog Training: What Do The Candidates Learn?

6 Factors to Consider Before Getting a Service Dog

Training A Service Dog: What Are Your Options?

Do Dogs Help With Anxiety?

Physical Health Benefits of Having a Dog

Make My Dog A Service Dog

Before Getting An Emotional Support Dog

The Ultimate Service Dog Training Guide

California Emotional Support Animal Pros and Cons

How to Ask for an Emotional Support Animal Letter

Get a Dog for Depression? 4 Ways a Service Dog Could Help

What Autism Service Dogs Do

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling With a Service Dog

Service Dogs in Restaurants

Stay Chill, Dog! Keeping Your Service Dog Safe and Cool This Summer

Animal Therapy: The Key Benefits of Therapy Dogs

The Different Types of Service Dogs and What They Do: A Guide

The Amazing Mental Health Benefits of Emotional Support Animals

 

 

 

 

 

BEFORE GETTING AN EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG

We need talk about the difference between a service animal and an emotional support dog because these are often confused. A service animal is any dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability including a physical sensory psychiatric intellectual or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not really considered service animals.

Emotional Support Dog vs. Psychiatric Service Dog

Another type of service animal is a psychiatric service dog. This type of dog is a specific type that is trained to help their owner with a psychiatric disability or a mental illness such as PTSD, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. These dogs are trained to alleviate some of their owner struggles such as reminding them to take their medication, or even barking to otherwise signal them to stop doing any repetitive or harmful behavior. They are actually pretty cool and they can be really helpful. 

These are some common Emotional Support Dog questions people frequently ask about:

How to get an emotional support dog?

How you make your dog an emotional support dog?

How to adopt an emotional support dog?

How to make a dog an emotional support dog?

How to get a support dog?

How do I get an emotional support dog?

How much is an emotional support dog?

ESA Treatment Plan

Emotional support dogs are often part of a treatment plan and used as therapy animals. They are not considered service animals under the American Disabilities Act these support animals provide companionship, relieve loneliness, and can even help with depression, anxiety and phobias. They do not have any special training to perform tasks that assist people with disabilities. A letter from a medical doctor or therapist  is all that’s really needed to classify an animal as an emotional support dog.

Emotional support dogs are extremely helpful for psychiatric patients who struggle to get out of bed or care for themselves, especially some who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, or maybe an even attempted suicide in the past. Having something that is depending on us to take care of it, walk it, feed it, you can not only keep fighting for recovery, but also help get up and get out of the house each day.

Emotional Support Dog System Abuse

There has definitely been an increase in the abuse of the ESA or emotional support dog system. Many people claim their animal is an ESA so that they can bring them into restaurants, grocery stores and even on planes. Therapists are frequently asked to write clients letters for their animals. Some are valid requests, while others are from people who the therapist doesn’t really even know.  This is against legal and ethical standards that every mental health professional should hold themselves to.  It is offensive, not only to my profession, but also to the people out there who truly benefit from having an emotional support dog . If all animals are given paperwork that they are ESA, then no animal is an ESA because there’s no special distinction, but there are tons of benefits. People abuse emotional support dog system.

Emotional Support Dog Are Good For Your Health

It’s important to talk about why having an animal is good for our health as a whole. Petting an animal can help lower your blood pressure and your heart rate, not to mention the fact that if you have an animal that needs to be walked it gets you up and moving every day can be really great for your health. Recent studies have linked petting animals, it doesn’t even actually matter if they’re fluffy or not.  Even petting a turtle it releases oxytocin which comes from our pituitary gland of in the middle of our brain. Oxytocin is a relaxation hormone. It is the hormone that helps us attach emotionally to others which might be why we love pets so much.  When oxytocin is released it decreases the release of cortisol. Cortisol is it’s a steroid hormone that’s linked to stress and anxiety so it makes us feel really really good.

 

Emotional Support Dogs Make You Approachable

It is believed that by having an animal it encourages others to approach you and interact with you. We struggle to meet new people or make new friends. Having an animal could help with that, not to mention there’s also meetup groups where it’s for dogs specifically, ESA cat owners specifically, and you go to places where you can bring your animal. It’s kind of cool having an animal. It is good for our health, it can improve our mood, lower our blood pressure, and help us feel connected to another being. So if you are considering adopting a pet, I say go for it.

In Conclusion

There is so much confusion when it comes to support and service animals and this should hopefully have cleared up for you, but we want to hear from you. Do you have an emotional support or service animal? How do they help you?  How did you go about getting one? And, don’t be shy if you are looking for an emotional support dog for sale, call us.

You have a lot of different options if you need service dog training, but the problem is most of them are terrible.

HOW TO NOT GET TAKEN TO THE CLEANERS SERVICE DOG TRAINING

No one in their right mind shopping for service dog training wants to get on a multi-year waiting list. No one with a psychiatric or mental disorder wants to pay the same price for service dog training as someone who is blind.  No one wants to pay a lot of money for service dog training performed by volunteers, or get a service dog that is not actually trained. No one wants service animal training or a service dog with no off-leash service dog training.

 

Instructions for ‘How To Get A Service Dog’

1. Read our website.

2. Get to know us on Facebook and see 100’s of dogs we trained.

3. Submit a Service Dog Application

Service Dog School of America offers Public Access Training for Psychiatric Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs and Service Dogs For Sale. Our Service Dog Training School was created to provide Service Animals at a lower cost, and without clients having to wait 2 to 5 years to get their service animal.

The reason you should buy a service dog Training or from Service Dog School of America is:

1) We sell you a more well-trained dog than ones being sold for $50,000+;

2) You won’t have to wait 3 to 7 years;

3) You deal directly with the trainer, not cold mid-level bureaucratic administrators, and the volunteers getting paid minimum wage that actually train your dog.

Everyone is a nice person in The Service Dog Training Industry, BUT we are not going to rip you off by selling you a dog that is in actuality no more trained than a family dog trained at a pet store. 

Service Dog School of America is an ethical provider. We only train a few dogs a  year here at our 13-acre DogAnswers Ranch. We take a lot of pride in understanding what our clients want and providing them absolutely wonderful trained service dogs at an affordable price without all the headaches and grueling waiting times.  We are here to help you and get you the best-trained service dog ever.

 REAL SERVICE DOG TRAINERS, NO VOLUNTEERS
FORGET THE 2 TO 5-YEAR WAIT
 THE ONLY OFF-LEASH SERVICE DOG TRAINER.
 AMERICA’S #1 SERVICE DOG TRAINING RESULTS

Service Dog Training 

 NO BREED RESTRICTIONS. We can train a puppy or dog bred for service we obtain, or a rescue dog, or a dog you already own.

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE DOG TRAINER FOR PUBLIC ACCESS  Get Psychiatric Service Dog Training without paying a premium for unnecessary tasks like your dog getting your medicine for you when you can get your medicine yourself.

Who spends $38,000 on anxiety service dog training to teach their dog to turn the lights off or answer the door anyway?  Most people who get Psychiatric Service Dogs and train them have horrible disabilities like anxiety, depression, nightmares, obsessive-compulsive behavior and dissociative disorder.  For many disabled people, just having a dog makes it possible for them to live independently, leave the house, go to work, be in crowds of people.  A service dog to many disabled people can be an alternative to Xanax and other medications like alcohol, cocaine, opiod painkillers and marijuana.

What is Public Access Training?

The only dogs that can be Psychiatric Service Dogs are Assistance Animals, dogs trained for Public Access:

• Controlled approach to strangers and objects
• Off-Leash Control even with other dogs present
• Heeling off-leash through a crowd or building
• Heel off-leash with distractions like cats
• Down on command in all situations
• Control in a restaurant, hotel, classroom or airplane
• Under control and trained to listen off-leash

BEHAVIORAL SERVICE DOG TRAINERS.  Service Dog Training that makes dogs pleasant, calm, friendly, loyal and loving.  Service Dog Training that focuses on temperament and quality of interactions.

LOVE  AFFECTION  RESPECT  TRUST  FRIENDSHIP

AMERICA’S #1 ON & OFF-LEASH SERVICE DOG TRAINING.  There won’t be anymore service dog or emotional support if your dog runs down the street, or sees a dog and takes off because it did not have Off-Leash Dog Training.  
Notice how almost all Service Dog websites only show dogs on leashes.  If the dogs are really trained, why are all of them on leashes?  We are renowned for getting all breeds of dogs Off-Leash Obedient without using shock collars.  Service Dog School of America has the only service dog training in the United States where the dogs are all off-leash obedient.  

Everyone has a camera on their cellphone.  We are BEHAVIORAL TRAINERS specializing in Off-Leash Obedience.  What you see in our photos and videosis what you get.  

BE CAREFUL not to buy thin air.  Being a 501(c) charity or pontificating at length and pointing to authorities and State and Federal laws is different than showing dozens of dogs you trained to substantiate the efficacy of your Service Dog training.  Well-meaning is different than well-qualified.  In the dog training profession, like many professions, 5% of the dog trainers are getting 95% of the results.  If someone was proud of their dog training, they would show dozens of dogs they trained.  Either someone has photos of dogs they trained or they do not, there is no in-between.

None of the other Service Dog Training websites have dogs off-leash, do they?

SKIP THE BUREAUCRATIC RUNAROUND.  Deal directly with the trainer for better service dog training and lower cost.  No waiting 2 to 5 years to get a service dog from an agency that was “trained” by well-meaning amateur volunteers. Forget that, look at how much better our dogs are trained.  Everyone says they are a service dog trainer.  We have more photos of service dog training to prove it.  Ours works.  What you see in the pictures is what you get.

EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG TRAINERS.  Have a dog that makes you feel better that you can take anywhere pet dogs are normally allowed with Public Access Service Dog Training.

 Service Animals
Service animals are sometimes referred to as assistance animals, assist animals, support animals, or helper animals.

For a person to legally qualify to have a service dog, he/she must have a disability that substantially limits his/her ability to perform at least one major life task without assistance.

To qualify as a service dog, the dog must be individually trained to perform that major life task. All breeds and sizes of dogs can be trained as service animals.

 Emotional Support Animals
An emotional support animal (ESA) is a person’s pet that has been prescribed by a person’s licensed therapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist (any licensed mental health professional). The animal is part of the treatment program for this person and is designed to bring comfort and minimize the negative symptoms of the person’s emotional/psychological disability.

ESAs are also sometimes referred to as comfort animals, comfort pets, or companion animals. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, mini-pigs, hedgehogs, and many more species may qualify as an ESA. These animals do not require specific task-training because it is the very presence of the animal that mitigates the negative symptoms associated with a person’s disorder. An ESA can be any age.

What Animals Qualify To Be An ESA?

All domesticated animals may qualify as an ESA (cats, dog, mice, rabbits, birds, snakes, hedgehogs, rats, mini pigs, ferrets, etc.) and they can be any age (young puppies and kittens, too!). These animals do not need any specific task-training because their very presence mitigates the symptoms associated with a person’s psychological/emotional disability, unlike a working service dog. The only requirement is that the animal is manageable in public and does not create a nuisance in or around the home setting.

 Therapy Animals
Many people confuse Therapy Animals with Service Dogs. A therapy animal is normally a dog (but can be other species) that has been obedience trained and screened for its ability to interact favorably with humans and other animals. The primary purpose of a therapy dog is to provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and to people with learning difficulties.

Therapy animals may be classified into three different types:

 Therapeutic Visitation
The first (and most common) are “Therapeutic Visitation” animals. These dogs are household pets whose owners take time to visit hospitals, nursing homes, detention facilities, and rehabilitation facilities. Visitation dogs help people who have to be away from home due to mental or physical illness or court order. These people often miss their own pets, and a visit from a visitation animal can brighten the day, lift spirits, and help motivate them in their therapy or treatment with the goal of going home to see their own pets.

 Animal Assisted Therapy 
The second type of therapy animal is called an “Animal Assisted Therapy” animal. These animals assist physical and occupational therapists in meeting goals important to a person’s recovery. Tasks that a dog can help achieve include gaining motion in limbs, fine motor control, or regaining pet care skills for caring for pets at home. Animal Assisted Therapy animal usually work in rehabilitation facilities.

 Facility Therapy 
The third type of therapy animal is called a “Facility Therapy Animal”. These dogs primarily work in nursing homes and are often trained to help keep patients with Alzheimer’s disease or other mental illness from getting into trouble. They are handled by a trained member of the staff and live at the facility.

1. Service Dogs Can Be Any Color, Size or Breed

There’s nothing that says Service Dogs can only be Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds. While those 3 breeds are some of the most commonly seen Service Dogs, absolutely any dog with the proper temperament, good health and structure, and the physical capability to do the job their person needs them to do (as an example, a 30 pound dog cannot do brace and mobility support work) can be a Service Dog, regardless of color, size or breed.

2. Service Dogs Come In Multiple Varieties

Everyone knows what guide dogs are, and most people have heard of hearing dogs. People often know immediately that a dog wearing a special harness and partnered with an individual in a wheelchair is a Service Dog, although they may not know exactly what that dog does for its person. However, there are well over a dozen distinct varieties of Service Dogs, including, but not limited to:

• Allergy Alert Dogs
• Autism Assistance Dogs
• Brace and Mobility Support Dogs
• Emergency Medical Response Dogs
• Diabetic Alert Dogs
• Hearing Dogs
• Guide Dogs
• Medical Alert Dogs
• Medical Assistance Dogs
• Medical Response Dogs
• Psychiatric Service Dogs
• Seizure Alert Dogs
• Seizure Assistance Dogs
• Seizure Response Dogs
• Visual Assistance Dogs
• Wheelchair Assistance Dogs

3. Service Dogs Aren’t Just For Emotional Support

Service Dogs don’t just offer companionship and emotional support to their people. In fact, any dog that does that and only that isn’t a Service Dog — it’s an Emotional Support Dog. In order to be a Service Dog, a dog has to possess specialized training that mitigates some part of their handler’s disability. It can’t be a behavior the dog offers naturally, either, since that isn’t a trained behavior. It must be a specific, predictable behavior tied to a cue or trigger that the dog performs reliably in order to be considered trained task work.

4. Service Dogs Perform Specialized Work and Tasks For Their Person

Service Dogs possess specialized training that mitigates their person’s disability.  Some examples of Service Dog tasks include:

• Waking Someone With PTSD From a Nightmare
• Licking a Seizing Person to Help End the Seizure Via Tactile Stimulation
• Bracing an Unsteady or Unbalanced Handler
• Respoding to changes in the environment or handler physiology
• Guide a disoriented handler.
• Find a person or place. 
• Room search.
• Signal for certain sounds.
• Interrupt and redirect.
• Balance assistance. 
• Bring help. 
• Clear the airway. 
• Identify hallucinations. 

5. Service Dog Handlers May Not Be Visibly Disabled 

Lots of disabilities aren’t visible, including neurological disorders, psychiatric illnesses, diabetes and hearing loss. A person partnered with a Service Dog who doesn’t appear to have a visible disability still has a right to their Service Dog, and to not be questioned about their private medical history or diagnoses. A common question asked of people with invisible disabilities is “Are you training her for someone?” If the answer is, “No, she’s for me,” then it’s polite to not inquire further unless the handler clearly welcomes additional inquiries or offers additional information.

6. Service Dogs Aren’t Allowed “Everywhere”

Legally, Service Dogs don’t have public access rights. Their handler, who must have a disability in order to be partnered with a Service Dog, has the right to access “places of public accommodation” with their Service Dog. There is a difference — it’s the person with rights, not the dog. The person has the right to not be discriminated against based on the fact they have a Service Dog. However, having a Service Dog does not magically grant a handler access to places where members of the public aren’t allowed. Exceptions to “everywhere” include churches and other places of worship, private/exclusive clubs, certain areas of zoos, aquariums and refuges where the dog’s presence could cause danger or stress to the animals within, and places where other people can be excluded, like MRI rooms and radiology, sterile laboratories or factory floors, and the ICU, cardiac and burn units.

7. Service Dog Handlers Can Only Be Asked Two Questions

When in a business or place of public accommodation, if it isn’t readily apparent that a dog is a Service Dog, the employees or person in charge may only ask two questions of the team:

1. Is the animal required because of a disability? (This often takes the form of “Is that a Service Dog?”)
2. What work or tasks has the dog been trained to perform? (This often takes the form of “What does the dog do for you?”)

8. Service Dogs Aren’t Required To Wear Gear

In the United States, there is no required gear for Service Dogs. A Service Dog is a Service Dog regardless of what they are or are not wearing, and their handlers possess the exact same access rights with or without their dog in gear. Vests, harnesses and jackets are very commonly seen on working Service Dog teams, but by law, the dog isn’t required to wear anything in order to work in public.

9. Service Dogs Aren’t Required To Have “Paperwork”

There is no required documentation, registration, certification or paperwork required in order for a dog to be a Service Dog. All of the above is strictly optional, and while offered by many Service Dog programs, it is not necessary by law. A Service Dog team does not have to provide proof of Service Dog status. If their legitimacy is in doubt, the dog’s outstanding behavior and obvious training, combined with the handler’s answers to the questions “Is that a Service Animal?” and “What tasks is your Service Animal trained to perform for you?” should solve the access challenge promptly.

10. Service Dogs Should Have Excellent Manners and Obvious Training

Service Dogs in public should never be obtrusive, rude, disorderly or out of control. In fact, if a dog is any of the above, and the handler is not taking appropriate action to rectify the issue, the business or place of public accommodation may ask the handler to remove the dog and return for services alone. People with a disability have a right to have their Service Dog with them, but businesses and other places where Service Dogs are allowed have a right to not have their day to day operations interrupted by a dog who isn’t ready or who shouldn’t be working in public.

Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals & ADA

U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section
DEFINITION OF A SERVICE ANIMAL

GENERAL RULES

CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION

 

BREEDS

EXCLUSION OF SERVICE ANIMALS

MISCELLANEOUS

Should you get a California emotional support animal (ESA)? Weigh the pros with the cons and decide whether a support animal would be the right option for you.

Pro: Provide Emotional Support

Animals can help give a sense of good health and help people feel serene. The general health of pet owners is higher than those who do not own pets. Animals can also reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

You do not have to own a dog or cat for emotional support. Some registered emotional support animals include rabbits, pigs, and snakes. It’s all up to your preference!

Pro: Animals Need Care

Animals need care every day. They can give you a sense of purpose because they need you to eat, play, or even go outside to potty. You always have a job to do when you own a pet.

Pro: Get You to Exercise

Your pet can be a great motivator to get you moving. Walking or running with your pet is great for both of you. Walking your pet gives you an underrated exercise that can help your heart and boost your mood.

Pro: Help You Keep a Schedule

Animals help you keep a regular schedule because they want to eat at a certain time or be taken outdoors to go potty. Animals are very regimented creatures that have internal clocks to help you keep a consistent schedule.

Pro: Healthy Alternative to Medicine

A big benefit of emotional support animals is not having to take medication to help relieve stress. Medications can cause side effects like weight gain, nausea, and insomnia. 

Having an emotional support animal is a natural way to treat your condition. Medications can also be addicting. Xanax is a popularly prescribed medication to relieve anxiety, and it is one of the more addicting drugs in its class.

Pro: Travel Benefits

Emotional support animals can join owners on a plane. Owners just need an ESA letter. You should give the airline a notice of 48 hours.

Some employment laws also allow you to take your emotional support animal to work under certain restrictions.

Certain living accommodations do not allow pets. If you have an ESA letter from a health professional, you may be permitted to keep your emotional support animal without any extra costs.

Con: Cost of Owning an Animal

Owning a pet and an ESA pet can be expensive. You have to pay for:

• Vet care
• Food 
• Equipment (leash, collar, toys, crate, etc.)
• Grooming
• Preventative medications like flea, tick, or heartworm

You will have to clean more if you own an animal—this includes accidents and pet hair. If you are going to be gone and won’t take your ESA with you, you will also need to find care for your ESA. 

The average cost of owning an animal is more than $1,000 for the first year. Average food expense is around $120 a year. Routine vet visits range from $100-$200 depending on the type of animal.

Con: Limited Laws for ESAs

In California, the ESA laws do not protect your pet in public areas like restaurants, government buildings, and hotels. Only service animals with specific physical tasks like helping and leading the deaf or blind.

Your pet won’t be able to go in these places for your anxiety unless the establishment has a pet-friendly atmosphere. Some restaurants allow pet owners to dine outside with their pets, including ESAs.

Con: Obtaining an ESA Letter

Getting an ESA letter from your health care professional could be a lengthy process. You also have to get them officially classified. Your health care professional needs to agree that your ESA is vital to treating your anxiety or depression.

You have to have this ESA letter in order to have your pet travel and live with you in some areas.

Con: Always Needs Care Even When You Are Sick

Taking care of a pet consistently can be a benefit and a con. Your ESA will need care no matter how sick you are. Your pet always needs:

• Clean water
• Regular mealtimes with appropriate food
• Exercise 
• Attention

If you are too sick to care for your ESA, you will need to make alternative arrangements.

Con: Risk of the Unknown

Emotional support animals are not trained the same as a service animal. There’s always a risk that the animal can damage your home, bite someone, or even harm you. This is why it’s best to work with dogs or other animals that have been trained or have some background information.

You need to make sure you take time to meet with your animal. You may even want to meet the animal a few times before deciding to buy. Also, do your research on what type of animal is best for you and your living conditions—not all ESAs have to be dogs.

Looking for a California Emotional Support Animal?

There are numerous advantages and a fair amount of disadvantages to having an emotional support animal. You can get some positive social interaction, lower depression, and provide a calming atmosphere. These animals can also be costly when you consider food, vet fees, and also your time.

Do you have an open mind and want to explore alternatives to medicine? Talk to your health care professional. He or she can give you advice on getting a California emotional support animal.

If you are okay with caring for an animal and the expense, this animal will give you support, help you keep a schedule, and give you reasons to get out of bed in the morning.

Looking for an already trained dog or even a trainer? Contact us today. We have trained dogs for sale. We also work with trainers that will come to your home to train your dog.

Animals provide a sense of comfort, protection, and calm to people who are coping with emotional distress.

If you’re thinking of using an animal for this purpose, you’ll need to talk to your doctor about how to get an emotional support animal letter.

This letter will allow you to take your animal with you in certain places like stores, on airplanes, or in restaurants. Read this helpful guide to show you how to ask your doctor for the letter and what it should include.

Where to Get Your Emotional Support Animal Letter

In order for your ESA letter to be valid, it must come directly from a licensed healthcare or mental health professional. These experts can be anyone from psychiatrists to licensed social workers, psychologists, and licensed counselors.

Many Americans suffer from emotional distress, and a support animal can be extremely beneficial. When your animal is able to be constantly by your side, it makes functioning a whole lot easier.

For anyone who needs to use an emotional support animal, an official letter must be carried with you at all times. This letter can prove to your landlord or an airline worker that the animal is medically necessary.

Some business might ask to see your letter in order to allow your animal into their facility. Keep in mind that not everyone allows service animals, regardless of whether or not you have a letter in hand.

Be wary of any private services that claim to issue animal emotional support letters for a fee. The only legal and valid source of these letters is via one of several licensed, professional health providers who can diagnose your specific issue.

What Your Letter Should Include

An official emotional support animal letter needs to include several different facts for it to be valid. When you talk to your doctor, make sure they understand the current rules regarding these letters so you don’t run into any problems later down the line.

All ESA letters must include the following information:

• Your health professional’s official office letterhead and their signature
• The date of issuance for your letter
• The health professional’s type of license, the date of their license, the current license number
• The state that issued the license to the mental health professional
• A statement of confirmation demonstrating that your emotional support animal is essential to your day-to-day life
• A description of how your animal helps your condition
• An official recommendation from your doctor stating that the ESA is needed
• Your name, your pet’s breed, type, and name (this information isn’t required but it is recommended)

Make sure that all of the items on this list are included in your letter. If your doctor deems the letter is appropriate, writing it and giving it to you should only take several minutes.

How to Talk to Your Doctor About an ESA Letter

Writing an emotional support animal letter is the easy part. Convincing your doctor to give you one might prove to be more difficult than you expect.

For patients already in therapy for a medical condition, getting the letter is easier than those who are not currently undergoing any form of treatment. If you are in therapy, ask your therapist about getting an ESA letter.

The therapist can determine if having a pet by your side will help you through your recovery or assist you with your day to day life. If they believe the animal can help you, they’ll probably be happy to write a letter for you.

For patients who are not in therapy, there are still some options available. You can start the process by seeing a mental health professional as soon as possible. Explain your current situation, and let them know you feel an animal could be beneficial.

The doctor or psychologist will need to analyze your condition and make the determination as to whether or not an ESA can help you. If they deem the animal as a form of therapy, you will probably be able to get them to write and sign the letter.

Convincing Medical Professionals

Not all doctors are enthusiastic about writing emotional support animal letters. Some do not feel that these animals can really help people coping with a variety of mental disorders and conditions.

Others may think most patients who ask for an ESA letter are simply trying to get permission to board their pet on a plane for free or take them with them wherever they go. The skepticism about emotional support animals is the main reason most letters get rejected.

If you’re convinced that the letter can help you, you can plead your case with the doctor in person. Sometimes, expressing the importance of having your animal with you is all it takes to convince them to write the letter.

Be open and honest with your doctor and give them some real examples of how your emotional support animal is helpful. When they understand how the animal improves your condition, they’ll be much happier to give you the documentation you need.

Animals for Emotional Support

Whether you have PTSD, panic attacks, or anxiety, animals can make a big difference in your life. Talk to your mental health professional or doctor to find out about getting an emotional support animal letter.

With your pet by your side, you have a new lease on life and can enjoy your surroundings much more easily. Learn the laws regarding these letters so you can talk to your doctor in an open and honest way to get the help you need.

Visit our website to find your service dog and to learn more about how animals can help you cope with your condition.

Owning a dog offers a unique sense of companionship and loyalty. Dogs have a natural way of influencing our lives and happiness levels. Adding a four-legged family member to your home can also be helpful for your mental health. 

This is where service dogs, emotional support dogs, or therapy dogs come in. They can offer a long-lasting solution for those suffering from symptoms of depression. 

Read on to learn more about how getting a dog for depression can help benefit your wellbeing. 

1. Dogs Have a Natural Influence on Hormone Production  

Many people turn to a depression therapy dog to help improve their moods. These dogs get trained to evoke a positive emotional response in those around them. 

The simple act of petting a dog can increase feel-good hormones in your brain. This results in higher levels of oxytocin, serotonin, dopamine, and prolactin. These hormones work to help you control your emotions better and help you feel happier.

Cortisol is a hormone responsible for feelings of anxiety and depression. Interacting with your dog can help reduce this hormone. 

A service dog for depression may be able to pick up on increasing stress hormones in their owner. Then they can react to them to help them calm back down. These dogs also get trained to remove you from a situation that may trigger depression. 

Dogs also evoke feelings of calmness and content in their owner. This works to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Dogs have a natural ability to do this, unlike using prescription drugs. 

Dogs have helped people with postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, and panic disorder. Those with OCD and PTSD can also find relief with a service or support dog. They can help a person get through psychological trauma.

Dogs aid people in learning to trust and open themselves back up again. A service dog can be a helpful reminder in taking your daily depression medicine. These special dog training methods can help people cope with depression. 

2. Dogs Combat Feelings of Loneliness 

Feelings of loneliness and isolation let in depressive thoughts and anxiety triggers. Service dogs for depression and anxiety help their owners avoid these negative emotions. 

A dog helps to promote social interaction with others. This can be with neighbors walking their dogs or people playing in a nearby park. These opportunities offer a chance to connect with others and combat loneliness. 

An owner will feel less isolated when doing daily activities with their dog. This sense of companionship brings about better self-esteem. It also makes it easier for the owner to keep the communication flowing. 

Having a dog sleep in your room at night may help you to fall asleep better. As a lack of sleep can wreak havoc on our mental health.

Dogs can even stop you from self-medicating as a way of curbing depression. This can make it less likely that you will turn to drugs or alcohol. Stronger mental health will also bring about a lower risk of suicide. 

There are different benefits of having a psychiatric service dog or therapy dog. Service dogs have permission to travel into public places with their owners. This is due to special training for public access. 

Having a therapy dog may help you to engage better with others. These dogs can visit certain locations to help people in need. You’ll find them in hospitals, nursing homes, and special-needs schools.

 

3. Dogs Encourage Daily Exercise

Exercise acts as a natural antidepressant. It works to produce endorphins and help to stabilize the mood. This is why dogs used for therapy make excellent workout partners. 

It helps to get in a daily fitness routine of even 30 minutes a day. Take your dog for a walk or to the park to play catch. Fresh air combined with physical activity can help boost your mental health.

This type of exercise helps to ward off depressive thoughts. It can even improve your blood circulation and immune system. 

Being outdoors provides a healthy dose of vitamin D. Having a vitamin D deficiency can cause depression. So being outdoors with your dog can make a significant impact on your mental health. 

4. Dogs Offer a Sense of Purpose

There are many responsibilities when caring for your dog. This includes feeding, walking, and bathing your dog. 

Dogs give you important activities to focus on. This can help you to feel more productive and needed. Having a dog rely on your for love and care can battle depressive thoughts. 

Dogs can even help people who suffer from agoraphobia. This mental health disease causes people to have trouble leaving home. Some people with more severe anxiety or depression may also have these symptoms.  

You’ll develop a strong bond with your dog, built on unconditional love and trust. This can help a person who struggles with giving and receiving affection. A dog can also help you with your personal growth path to opening up to others. 

There are a few different methods for how to get a therapy dog for depression. Yet, it’s important to decide which type of service dog is best for your lifestyle.  

Having a severe mental health disability may call for a psychiatric service dog. Those who suffer from this type of disease may have trouble living their daily life. 

These dogs get trained to carry out certain tasks to help their owners. They can also notice an owner’s mood changing and can act on it. 

Training a Dog for Depression

A specialized dog for depression can improve your lifestyle and wellbeing. They can help improve depression symptoms and anxiety triggers. 

With the right training methods, any dog can help you cope with depression. Yet, it’s also key to select the right type of service dog for your needs. Learn more about how you can enhance your life with a service dog.

  

Autism Support Dogs: Is a Service Dog or Therapy Dog Better?

It is a fact that pets benefit those with developmental disorders and mental health problems. This realization has led to a broader variety of training in animals, particularly in dogs.

It’s now possible to hone in on the specific needs of an individual and match these with the right dog. Dogs can help those with autism.

What’s important is to decide what kind of dog is right for your situation. That starts with an understanding of the differences between autism support dogs and therapy dogs. Here’s what you need to know.

 

Instructions for ‘How To Get A Service Dog’

1. Read our website.

2. Get to know us on Facebook and see 100’s of dogs we trained.

3. Submit a Service Dog Application

Some Things to Consider

There are important things to think about before taking the plunge and adding a new family member. Firstly, if your child has autism, you should establish if they like dogs.

It’s also possible that they or another family member may have allergies which could be made worse with the introduction of a dog into the home.

Dogs are a big commitment. Having one as a pet means you’ll need to consider all the implications. These are financial and practical. If you’re used to enjoying your freedom, you need to assess whether a dog would fit with your lifestyle.

You’ll also need to decide if you’d be happy handling a dog while caring for your child in public places.

Even with a highly trained service dog, this can be tough. A dog will be looking to you for instructions. direction, and commands. Your child may also need your full attention at the same time.

Autism Support Dogs

It could be that the needs of a person with autism could be better supported by a dog which has received specific training. These kinds of dogs can make a huge difference in daily life.

Service Dogs

These dogs undergo rigorous training. They also achieve official certification. These are related to the functions they can perform to help with the challenges that come with a person’s disability.

The law allows people to bring their service dogs into public areas. That includes restaurants and stores. Service dogs often wear a cape or harness to identify them — letting the public know they are working dogs.

Service dogs are trained according to the needs of those they’ll be helping. The more familiar examples could be someone with a mobility problem or someone who suffers from epilepsy or diabetes.

Specific Training to Help Those with Autism

These dogs can also be trained to help those with an anxiety disorder or a developmental disorder such as autism. An autism service dog would stay with a child to decrease anxiety during medical or dental visits, for example.

They could also accompany them during school activities, shopping trips, and when traveling. Some autism service dogs can be trained to identify and calmly interrupt self-harming behaviors. They can also assist in easing an emotional meltdown.

They’ll recognize and respond to signs of anxiety or agitation with a calming activity. This could be something like leaning against the child or adult and then tenderly laying across the lap of the person they’re caring for.

Safety Issues

There is some evidence that autism service dogs can provide a degree of safety to a child with autism. When tethered to a child, such dogs can minimize the risk of a child getting injured or lost.

These dogs can also provide monitoring at night. That can let parents be more confident that their child will remain safe whilst they’re asleep.

There’s also evidence that service dogs can help those with autism to learn more about emotional and social behavior. That could be because they act as a safe medium for a person with autism to practice their skills.

This could be something very simple like learning to feed the dog. Children with autism may also appear happier, and more willing to engage in positive social interactions. They may have fewer tantrums and improved confidence.

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs often have great social instincts and learned social skills. They can offer people emotional benefits and sensory interventions. Dogs share a love of patterns, structure, and repetition. This can work well with an autistic mind.

A very satisfying benefit of a therapy dog is its ability to bond quickly with a child.

Therapy dogs are often trained to offer affection and comfort in therapeutic situations. They will often work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. They can help with physical or occupational therapy.

They can also help to calm a patient undergoing a stressful medical procedure. Therapy dogs are also popular in the autism community due to their calming influence and ability to boost social interaction.

A lot of therapy dogs undergo special training. This does not apply to all therapy dogs, however. Some may just have a very loving and calm nature.

If therapy dogs work in a professional setting, they typically wear an identifying cape. Private owners may also use an identifying cape too. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs do not have the same legal access to public places.

Companion Dogs

A well-trained companion dog could be another solution. They can have a calming influence on anyone who has autism. An affectionate dog offers love and friendship every day.

There are physical health benefits too. That’s because walking dogs means you’ll be taking exercise. That can also lead to social interaction with others, perhaps in local parks.

Having a dog also helps children to learn about responsibility and behavior. If you decide to go down this route, it’s wise to choose your dog carefully.

Your caring instinct may be to go for a rescue dog. Many though have unknown histories. They could have emotional and behavioral issues. The best advice would be to choose a breed that’s known for being patient and affectionate.

Finding the Right Match

Selecting the right animal means finding a dog that matches the needs of an individual. It will also need to fit in with the specific family dynamics and social situation. The whole process can require a lot of patience.

We hope you found the information about the ways autism support dogs can help individuals to be useful. Continue to read more related articles on our site. Find more details here about how service dogs can help those suffering from anxiety.

 

What Autism Service Dogs Do

Do you have autism? Are you looking for an autism service dog for sale to help you or someone that you know? The good news is that there is much support in this area nowadays and much like the dogs who help those requiring assistance for being visually impaired or deaf, there is a lot that autism service dogs can do.

These specially-trained dogs will provide support when their owners are dealing with situations and circumstances that they find themselves struggling to deal with due to their condition. 

Service dogs of this nature often work with children who are on the autistic spectrum and will help them, as well as older owners, to improve things such as: 

•     Independence
•     Confidence
•     Owner’s safety
•     Skill development 

There are many breeds of dog that can have been proven to be brilliant autism service dogs, and the most common breeds are Labradors, Golden Retrievers and Poodles. This is because they all carry the main traits that make for a good service dog for autistic owners, including gentle disposition, large size, intelligence and being people-orientated. 

Now that we’ve had a small glimpse at what these special pups can offer, below is some more information highlighting a handful of the most important ways that autism service dogs help their owners.

Autism Service Dogs Can Be A Vital Calming Influence

Autism dogs are on hand to give their human companion with a focal point when they become overwhelmed with a situation’s sensory output. 

Being a calming influence is important and often ties in with the other benefits we will mention below. What’s more, many children who are on the autism spectrum are soothed by light pressure being applied to their body when they’re overstimulated. It’s in these times that the dog will lie down on or press on the child.

As with almost any canine, these dog’s provide absolute unconditional love paired with limitless companionship and endless patience. These four-legged friends are a superb source of comfort too, which is wonderful for creating a calming effect on people they have been trained to help.

Autism Service Dogs Can Improve Social Skills and Develop the Ability to Communicate

These professionally-trained pooches are there to give people with autism the ability to be introduced into various public and social settings. 

They can help to make it safer and much easier which ties in nicely with their companion’s personal development that can help to lead on to regular daily engagement. Furthermore, when their owner has the capability and self-confidence to give the dog commands and achieve the response they want it’s often an excellent source of motivation for developing verbal communication.

Autism Service Dogs Will Assist with Sensory Processing Issues

Sensory processing is a common issue for those who live with autism. Because of this, there is a section of the dog’s training that is closely in-line with the training that impaired vision or hearing service dogs are trained to help out with. 

These dogs will know when to alert their owner to vital sounds and/or other environmental essentials that require the most significant attention that can otherwise be missed by their partner as a result of over-stimulation.

If there is an abundance of stimulation at any given time, the dogs have the knowhow to lead their owner away; this assists in avoiding potential agitation brought about by these surroundings.

Autism Service Dogs Will Alert and Interrupt Stimming

Stimming is the official term related to repetitive movements, physical motions, sounds, and/or other actions carried out for self-stimulation.

While the majority of the stimming autistic people do is harmless, some can cause disruption, become violent, and in more serious cases dangerous to their welfare; for example, repetitively hitting their head against a door or wall. 

An autism service dogs will be able to make it known to their partner that they are stimming in order to help them realise that they need to interrupt this behaviour.

Autism Service Dogs Increase Their Owner’s Personal Safety

The autistic spectrum means that for those living with the disorder, it can be hard to act with the right level of personal safety awareness. This can cause children to step into a road or walk off unannounced, for example. 

Their service dog is highly-trained to closely observe for any such risk, and can also track their partners with their incredible sense of smell in the event that they go missing. In addition, these dogs can signal to an autistic child’s parents if their child wakes in the night, is leaving somewhere or doing something dangerous. 

These are some of the remarkable was that an autism service dog can help make the world a better and more enjoyable place for autistic people!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Baron is the most-trusted trainer for Autism Service Dogs For Sale.  He has two college degrees and is generally considered a top expert for training Autism Service Dogs and has been in business training dogs since 1998.  He lives with his wife in Roseville, California and currently only trains service dogs for sale.  

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling With a Service Dog

Summer means that it’s time for vacations, but can you travel with a service dog? Check out these rules and tips for traveling with a service dog successfully.

Traveling with a service dog might sound like a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be stressful as long as you’re prepared!

Have you always wanted to travel with a support animal but aren’t quite sure about the process for doing so? Superdog is here to help! This guide has everything you need to know for seamless traveling with your support dog.

What You Need for Traveling with a Service Dog

The Air Carrier Access Act requires airlines to allow you to bring your support animal for free. But due to travel guidelines, you’ll need to carry certain documentation with you. Make sure to have these items to avoid disruptions to your travel plans!

Service Dogs

While businesses are normally not allowed to ask for proof of a service dog’s status, things are a little different for air travel. Most airlines ask for something to prove that your dog isn’t a pet. Usually, this includes items such as cards, documentation, a harness, or a doctor’s letter, but it’s a little different for each airline.

Again, they can’t ask you about your disability, but they can ask what tasks your dog can perform. And remember, emotional support animals aren’t service dogs, and it’s illegal to misrepresent them as one.

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals are also allowed on airlines but tend to be under stricter scrutiny. Make sure to have your emotional support animal (ESA) letter on you at all times. ESA letters must be prescribed by a licensed mental health practitioner in your state.

The letter must assert that you have a diagnosed mental health problem and the emotional support animal is a form of treatment. It must state what kind of animal the ESA is. It also must state that you are under the letter writer’s care and include their license number, type, issue date, and state.

Traveling with a Service Dog: Requirements by Airline

Each airline has different requirements for traveling with a service dog or an emotional support animal. We’ll cover the most current guidelines by America’s most-traveled airlines here. Always remember to call before your flight and confirm you have up-to-date information.

American

When traveling, animals must fit by your feet or under the seat. If your dog is smaller than a 2-year-old, you can also choose to place them in your lap (as long as it’s smaller than a 2-year-old). If in a kennel, the animal must fit beneath the seat in front of you.

Each person can only bring one animal and it must be clean and behave well. Disruptive, uncontrolled behavior can result in the airline preventing your animal from flying. This includes growling, biting, and jumping.

Delta

Support animals can travel in the cabin if they fit in the space below the customer’s seat or in the customer’s lap. Only trained animals can travel, so animals that growl, bite, jump, or bark excessively may be denied transportation. Additionally, no pit bull type dogs can fly on Delta.

Trained service animals need to have current veterinary health forms available. Psychiatric service animals must send in these forms at least 48 hours in advance of the flight.

Southwest

Animals fulfilling the proper requirements travel free as long as they behave well. This means that they do not scratch, excessively whine or bark, growl, or bite. Southwest prefers you notify in advance if you’re traveling with a support animal by clicking on the “Special Assistance” link on your reservations web page.

Animals must fit on the floor or in the customer’s lap as long as it is small enough. If in a carrier it must be stowed for taxi, takeoff, and landing beneath the seat in front of the customer. When traveling with an animal you cannot sit in an exit row.

Trained service animals can fly if the customer can give credible verbal assurance that the animal is a trained service animal. If the disability isn’t visible, they may ask about how the animal helps with your disability. This may happen at several points along your journey to ensure it is a trained support animal.

United

Animals traveling on United must be in the space below your seat and need to behave properly in public. You can use a kennel as long as they fit the airline stowage requirements. Customers with support animals cannot sit in the exit row.

Trained service animals need to have their current veterinary health forms available.

Customers traveling with emotional support animals or psychiatric service animals must complete these forms at least 48 hours before their flight. These animals must be older than 4 months and weigh less than 65 pounds. They are not permitted on flights that last longer than 8 hours.

Basic Tips for Traveling with Animals

Traveling with an animal can be stressful for both you and your beloved pet. Consider these precautions when traveling with a service dog.

Make sure to limit the amount of water your animal drinks before the trip. It will likely be a long time before you’ll find a place for them to relieve themselves. It might require you going out and then back in through security all over again.

Make sure that your dog is well-behaved and under control. You might want to put them through Superdog’s training ahead of time to make sure they won’t act up unexpectedly!

Arrive early for extra security screenings. When you get to security, make sure to let the TSA Agents know that your dog is not a pet. You’ll likely go to the front of the line so they can further examine you both and ask questions.

When going through security, you can’t make contact with your dog except for holding the leash until after TSA clears them. If your disability prevents you from being able to hold the dog on a leash at all times, make sure to let them know. Finally, you might have to undergo a simple explosives trace testing process where they swab your palms.

Next, go to the gate and check in with your animal so you can let them know you have a service animal. Then you should be all ready to board the plane! You’ll likely get to board first with your animal.

Need Support Dog Training?
If you’re traveling with a service dog, you’re going to need one who is well-trained. Whether you’re looking for training or are looking to buy a new, already-trained dog, Superdogs is here for you! Contact us today to find out how we can help you get the service dog you need for your condition!

This page has everything you need to know about service dogs in restaurants.

Are service dogs allowed in restaurants? What should you know about service dogs and accomodating someone with a disability in a reastaurant? 

Around 500,000 service dogs are helping people in the United States.

Service animals have been used to help people for over one hundred years. Since the First World War, dogs have been trained to serve people who need them. And, you have to admit, they’re doing a great job!

If you’re a restaurant owner or a service dog owner/handler, you may be confused by the rules and expectations of service dogs in public places.

Do you want to know more about service dogs in restaurants? Check out the blog post below.

What Exactly Is a Service Dog?
It is important to remember that not all service animals are dogs. Did you know, horses are also important service animals not to be forgotten.

However, dogs are the most common service animal which may easily enter restaurants.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a service animal is “a dog that has been individually trained to assist an individual with a disability.”

A service dog can be any breed. However, the most common breeds include German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers.
What Is the Federal Government Law?
As a service dog owner/handler or restaurant owner, you need to know the Federal government laws.

The “Americans with Disabilities Act” (ADA) makes a clear distinction between pets and service animals, such as dogs. But, under Federal government laws, service dogs can be any breed of dog.

Many service dogs help the visually impaired to navigate through their day. And yet, this isn’t the only function service dogs can serve.

For example, some dogs help people with hearing impairments by retrieving medications during emergencies. Others service dogs are trained to support people living with PTSD during an anxiety attack.
>What Are the State Laws and Rules?
The Federal government laws under the ADA apply in every state. However, there are also laws at the state level, which affect service dogs in restaurants.

For example, in Texas, service animals need to be marked and trained clearly by the animal owner/handler. If this isn’t followed the state government can impose a strict penalty on the service dog owner/handler.

While in many states, only service dogs which help with physical disabilities are permitted in restaurants. Therefore, dogs which help with mental or emotional needs are not allowed.

One exception to the rule is the state of Maine. The state says a service animal is defined as a “dog that is individually trained to do work or tasks to benefit someone with a disability, including intellectual, mental, psychiatric, sensory, or physical disability.”
Are Emotional Support Dogs the Same as Service Dogs?
There has been a growing understanding of how dogs can help with mental and emotional problems in humans.

From anxiety to depression, dogs have been shown to reduce the symptoms of mental health conditions and disorders.

Many emotional support dogs are trained to help the owner/handler to feel comfortable and calm. For example, by recognizing the signs of a panic attack or post-traumatic stress before it emerges.

However, this is usually distinguished from a service dog. Emotional support animals are usually not trained to perform the same tasks as service dogs.

A few states, such as California, have introduced legislation which recognizes the important role of emotional support dogs. However, this only covers workplaces and homes, not public places such as restaurants.
Who Is Responsible for the Service Dog in the Resturant?
It is important to remember that the care and liability for the service animal is entirely the responsibility of the owner/handler.

The restaurant owner or staff do not have any obligation for the case of the service animal. Therefore, if the service animal barks and growls at customers or staff, you can request the dog be removed.

However, this would be highly unusual since service dogs are trained to remain calm among crowds and perform their tasks without being distracted.
Are Questions Allowed?
Many restaurant owners are unclear about whether they’re permitted to ask questions to the handler/owner about the service dog.

In many cases, the service dog will be clearly marked. However, it is acceptable to ask whether the service dog is essential or not.

It is also permitted to ask about the function of the service dog. Such as, regarding what tasks the dog performs for the handler.

However, you have to take their word for it. This means the restaurant cannot determine whether the service dog is necessary or not themselves. Nor does the service dog handler need to produce proof of disability.
Can the Service Dog Go Anywhere the Handler Can?
The service dog should be allowed to go anywhere in the restaurant with customer access. Therefore, if customers aren’t permitted to enter the kitchen, the service dog won’t have access to it either.
Is It Permitted to Pet the Service Dog?
Restaurant staff and customers shouldn’t pet or engage the service dog without first asking the owner. This includes pulling faces from across the room, which could distract the dog from its vital work.

However, it is acceptable to pet the dog if you first ask the handler/owner who then gives permission.
Is the Restaurant Obliged to Feed or Water the Service Dog?
No, restaurants are not obligated to feed or water the service dog. This is exclusively the responsibility of the handler/owner.

However, many restaurants are happy to provide a bowl of water for the dog. But, it’s important staff ask the handler/owner before providing the water.

Service Dogs in Restaurants

Service dog owners/handlers and restaurant owners and staff need to know the laws and expectations for service dogs in restaurants.

With the information in this blog post, you can ensure that everything is clearly understood by the restaurant and customer.

Do you want to learn more about service dog training or need an emotional support dog for sale? Check out our help guide to service animales for more information here.

Stay Chill, Dog! Keeping Your Service Dog Safe and Cool This Summer

Stay Chill, Dog! Keeping Your Service Dog Safe and Cool This Summer

Summer is here, and it’s a hot one. Your service dog can face the dangers of heat, bugs, and more. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your service dog safe and cool this summer.

When temperatures start to soar, both humans and dogs alike are susceptible to heat stroke. Unfortunately, there is a 50% mortality rate among canines who suffered heat stroke, many of which dying within the first 24 hours.

However, your beloved service dog doesn’t have to become a part of this statistic. In fact, there are many ways you can keep your pup cool and safe this summer.

Do you want to know how? Keep reading to learn our top tips for keeping your service dog safe in the intense summer heat.

Get Appropriate Attire

Your dog will get hotter faster if they aren’t wearing appropriate attire. Make sure they’re dressed for summer by opting for breathable fabrics and cooling gear, like the ones listed below.

Vest

One of the best ways to stay cool during the summer is to wear lightweight fabrics. The same is true for your service dog. Consider purchasing a mesh vest or a special vest with built-in cooling pockets.

Boots

Boots may seem like winter wear, but streets, sidewalks, and parking lots can be too hot for your dog to walk on unless they have boots to protect their paws.

However, not all boots are made the same. Dogs only sweat through their paw pads, so it’s important to find boots that have proper ventilation. Not only will this help keep your pup cool, but it also limits the risk of them developing a bacterial infestation on their paws.

Collar

Have you ever tried to wear leather on a hot day? If you have, you’d know it gets extremely uncomfortable. If your dog has a leather collar, consider swapping it out for a nylon one.

A cooling bandana is also a great idea. Just soak it in cool water before you go out, and tie it around your service dog’s neck to help keep them cool. If you plan to be out all day, consider bringing enough cold water to dampen the bandana again once it dries.

Get Them Acclimated

You may think that the best way to protect your dog is to keep them inside with the air conditioning on. However, this can actually make them more sensitive to the heat as they won’t be used to it.

If possible, take your service dog outside daily for walks or play sessions. This works best if you start during the spring and continue throughout the summer.

If you can’t walk or play with your dog outside, consider fencing in your backyard and purchasing toys that your dog can play with by themselves, like an automatic fetching toy. This will give them the chance to acclimate to the heat without putting your health at risk.

Avoid Extreme Heat

Of course, some days it’s best to stay inside. Consider signing up to receive weather advisory alerts, or be sure to check the weather before going outside. If there is an extreme heat warning or you see that it’s going to be in the 90s or 100s, consider staying inside.

Try to plan any outside activities on days that it will be a little cooler. If you can’t change your plans to another day, consider going inside during the hottest part of the day (usually around 3:00 pm).

Stay in the Shade

Are you planning to hit the beach, go on a picnic, or attend an outdoor BBQ? The best thing you can do to keep your service dog cool is to find a place in the shade. Dogs can actually get sunburn too, so this protects them (and you!) from overheating and getting burned.

If you’re going on a walk, guide your dog to a shaded area. This will still help keep you and your dog cool, even if you don’t stay in the shade for the entire duration of the walk.

Don’t Leave Them in Your Car

You may think that your furry friend will be fine in the car as you quickly run an errand. However, it only takes 6 minutes for a dog to die in a hot car.

The good news is that your service dog is allowed with you wherever you go. So, make sure you always put their summertime vest on before you leave the house and take them inside as you run errands.

Avoid Dark-Colored Surfaces

While many surfaces can become hot during the summer, dark-colored surfaces absorb more heat than light-colored ones. During the peak of summer, these surfaces can become hot enough to burn your dog’s paw pads within a few seconds!

It’s best to avoid asphalt and blacktop during the summer altogether unless your dog is wearing boots with proper ventilation. The best place to walk your dog is on the grass. However, if there isn’t any grass, guide them to the sidewalk.

When in doubt, do the 5-second test. Place your hand on the surface you plan to walk your dog on. If you can’t hold it there for 5 seconds, it’s too hot to for your dog to walk on.

Keep Them Hydrated

Humans and dogs both need plenty of water to avoid dehydration during the summer. If you plan to be outside for a long period of time, make sure you bring extra water for your service dog.

They have collapsible water bowls and even special water bottles that turn into bowls for your pup. Purchasing one of these products is the best way to ensure your dog has easy access to water.

Keeping Your Service Dog Safe in the Summer

Don’t let your service dog suffer from burns, dehydration, or heat stroke this summer. Instead, follow the tips above for keeping your service dog safe. From making sure they have the proper attire to keeping them hydrated, there are many ways to keep your pup cool under the hot sun.

Are you looking for a trusted and experienced service dog trainer in Sacramento or San Fransico, California? Then contact us today to learn more about our services!

Therapy dogs can improve your mental health, physical health, and more. Here are the key benefits of therapy dogs that you should know.

There is nothing like a pets love. Even further trained therapy dogs can help humans in multiple ways. Therapy dogs help improve your communication skills, boost mental health, and a myriad of other benefits.

It is already therapeutic to have a furry friend waiting on you when you come from work. They help you feel like you have company even when you are alone and protect you. It is even better because scientific research shows that dogs can promote mental and physical health.

However, trained therapy dogs are significantly different from normal dogs. They are trained with competence.

Read on to understand the key benefits of therapy dogs

Key Benefits of Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs undergo training to help people going through a tough time by providing comfort and accompanying patients to where they need to go.

Whether it is the hospital or the rehabilitation center, hospice patients and the elderly living in retirement homes sometimes need a dog for support.

According to research, interaction with dogs releases chemicals that improve your bonding capabilities and increase happiness. Hence the reason why there are people who prefer dogs to an actual human being

Here are a few other amazing benefits of therapy dogs.

1. Boost Your Mental Health

Using therapy dogs in patients with mental health patients is helps them achieve better results. There is a range of mental diseases including depression and PTSD. Dogs play an important role in helping one overcome or control these mental health challenges.

Continuous interaction with therapy dogs helps one overcome challenging situations like PTSD. When you feel inner peace, it becomes easier to overcome or control mental issues like depression.

It is important to note that these dogs have a handler at first to help with the interactions. Ones the patient is comfortable with the animal, the handler stops staying with the dog. If you have a loved one dealing with mental health problems, hire trainers to help your dog help your loved one.

Even if you are going for an overall boost in mental health, having your dog trained to become a therapy dog can serve this purpose.

2. Therapy Dogs: A Solution to Dementia

The elderly often develop dementia due to their age. Therapy dogs go a long way in assisting such situations that sometimes an elderly does not have to end up in a retirement home. These dogs assist with simple tasks around the house like fetching items and placing the trash in the right place.

The owner has to take these dogs for walks, which is good for physical strength. Mentally they help because the grandparents no longer feel like they are unwanted when their families take them to retirement homes.

You can also have a visiting therapy dog in the retirement home for the same kind of support it would support if you were at home. However, there are retirement homes that allow the residents to have service dogs as long as they meet the requirements.

3. Facilitate Communication

Did you know it is easier to talk to a dog than it is t talk to a human confidant? A dog will let you talk and simply listen. They will not judge or give unsolicited advice.

The best part is that you can talk to them every day about your issues and they will still listen.

It helps improve communication, especially in people who have a hard time talking. When you talk to them enough, it becomes easier to talk to people as well.

4. Overcome Speech Disorders and Other Autistic Related Issues

Dogs also help you overcome speech disorders. They help increase your concentration and coordination, which is the reason why people with dysarthria are unable to talk properly.

Dogs are also beneficial to autistic children because they get something to talk about, hence improving communication in the child. Autistic children also have a hard time making friends and they prefer being alone. Dogs often provide them with some company, which is great for both behavioral and speech therapy.

5. Household Chores

Did you know that therapy dogs have the training to enable them to respond to situations when the patient is unresponsive? Yes, they can detect and respond to a smoke detector or go outside and find help. These are the animal-assisted therapy dogs.

The best part is you can actually send them to get you something from the fridge. They can fetch your medicine, and even answer your doorbell. It is like living with an in house chauffer who is also your best friend.

However, they are not normal pets and you have to have a form of disability to own one.

6. Physical Exercise

People often want fitness to become a part of the routine but do not where to start. Get a therapy dog. You have to walk and play with them almost daily. They become your workout partners and you can talk to them during this time.

They are especially helpful to patients going through something difficult. A good example is when soldiers survive traumatic experiences but come back with mental and physical injuries. They have to go through painful rehabilitation for their physical health.

Dogs help them achieve this and at the same time, they have a friend to talk to easily.

7. Health Benefits

Research shows that therapy dogs have a great impact when it comes to improving the general health of the owner. Scientifically, they have human-like emotions. They help lower blood pressure in patients with unstable pressure.

This is because they provide a safe and stress-free environment for the owners.

Dogs also improve cardiovascular health in patients and overall physical pain. Apart from the fact that you have to walk them, they also ensure that you are in a safe environment. Therapy dogs will constantly listen to you and you feel better.

Sometimes you need your inner self to be healthy for your physical self to follow suit.

Peace of mind is paramount to you improving your health, and therapy dogs often provide an environment for you to feel safe and have the peace you need.

Hire a Trainer and Experience the Benefits of Therapy Dogs

There are numerous benefits of therapy dogs for both young and old people. If you are in an environment where you cannot live with a dog, there are therapeutic visitation dogs who will visit you where you are and when you need a furry friend.

They have handlers who will bring them and take them back after the session. You can also have one full time to maximize on the benefits they have.

Therapy dogs are becoming more common because of these benefits. You can also get emotional support dogs, epilepsy service digs, and normal service dogs that are there for whichever services you need.

Contact us to purchase a trained service dog, buy a trained service dog for sale or have your own dog trained to become a therapy and service dog.

 

The Different Types of Service Dogs and What They Do: A Guide

Different service dogs can bring great changes into your life. Learn more about the different types of service dogs and what they do.

For eons, dogs accompanied us as faithful and stalwart companions. They’re not simply pets as many dogs are trained to help us get through various hurdles. You can see this in the form of service dogs aiding those with disabilities.

In fact, there are about 500,000 service dogs active in helping people. The Americans with Disabilities Act has set this to legislation. This is to ensure that the dogs provide the aid needed by their handlers.

They all have different jobs and different specializations. Let’s look at the different types of service dogs in active duty today:

1. Guide Dogs

While there are different types of service dogs, the most common is the guide dog. These dogs receive training aimed at leading visually-impaired and blind people around obstacles.

When it comes to the breed, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers tend to be the perfect candidate for this particular role. That said, other breeds like Poodles can fit well with enough training.

Most service dogs wear a vest to indicate their role but for guide dogs, they don a special harness with a handle on it.

2. Hearing Dogs

If we have guide dogs aiding the blind, there are also hearing dogs which aid folks with hearing impairments. These dogs help by alerting their owner about specific noises. Once they detect the sound, the dogs touch the human to follow them.

For this form of training, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers rise once again as the perfect candidates for the role. Other breeds like Cocker Spaniels, Terrier mixes, Shih Tzus and other mixed breeds can also qualify. Animal shelters train small-to-medium mixed breeds to function as hearing dogs.

3. Medical Alert Dogs

Whenever there is a medical emergency, these service dogs spring into action. They look for the nearest human and call for help right away.

These dogs have the training to help regardless of what the medical condition is.

Medical alert dogs receive extensive training to help them recognize when a human is in trouble. For example, look at service dogs trained for a heart attack or an epileptic seizure. These dogs can sense a person undergoing a seizure and will then prompt the nearest person to call for an ambulance or apply first aid.

A service dog trained for diabetes alerts, on the other hand, trains with a different setup. The service dog will alert the human about the changes in sugar levels. The dogs make use of their acute sense of smell to detect this kind of change.

The dog can then alert the human about a potential hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic episode.

4. Mobility Assistance Dogs

There are service dogs that help people get from one point to another. Mobility assistance dogs aid by pressing hard to reach buttons, bringing objects closer, or hitting switches.

Mobility assistance dogs help people with spinal cord injuries, arthritis, or brain injuries. There’s no specific breed needed for this kind of service dog but they have to be large enough to support their human partners.

5. Psychiatric Service Dogs

Disabilities come in different forms, a number of which are not visible to the naked eye. This happens to be the case with those struggling with PTSD as well as various mental illnesses like depression and anxiety.

Psychiatric service dogs assist people with such issues, aiming to help them cope in various situations.

These service dogs allow people with PTSD to feel safer. These dogs enter rooms first to check for safety or to inspect areas filled with a lot of people. The service dogs also form a physical barrier between the handler and other people.

With a psychiatric service dog, the handlers gain this compulsion to also take care of themselves as they would care for the dogs that aid them.

6. Autism Service Dogs

These service dogs have the means to aid children under the autism spectrum. It provides a sense of predictability to the children by helping them navigate social settings. The service dog also provides a calming presence and stability, allowing the child to focus.

These service dogs can also act as ice breakers when it comes to social situations. It works well for a conversation starter. Also, with an autism service dog, the child can develop a sense of independence and autonomy.

7. Emotional Support Dogs

Emotional support dogs provide relief in moments of turmoil. This is often providing therapeutic relief to people undergoing anxiety, depression, and other forms of phobias. These dogs serve as a positive outlook and uplifting companion.

Dogs aren’t the only ones that qualify as emotional support animals. Having a canine companion still comes on top. Despite this, ESA dogs do not have the same privileges as those of other service dogs.

Here’s more information about ESA dogs to help cement the difference. If you feel alone or depressed, you don’t have to struggle by yourself. You can get an ESA dog to help keep you afloat and away from suicidal thoughts.

8. Allergy Detection Dogs

While some allergies are mild in nature, some people risk serious health complications or death due to allergic reactions. Allergy detection dogs aid their handlers to alert them of items that would cause a reaction.

These dogs receive training in sniffing out items such as peanuts or gluten. They then alert their handlers about it.

With these kinds of service dogs, children with allergic reactions to various foods can move about with independence. This grants the parents a sense of security, knowing the dogs can keep the children safe from harmful reactions.

Discover More About the Different Types of Service Dogs Today!

There are different types of service dogs for different needs. While some require a specific breed and size, other roles tend to be open for dogs of various kinds.

Looking for a way to have your dog trained as a service dog? Contact us today and we’ll help you get started.

Different breeds of dogs have their own unique qualities and characteristics. Check out our list of  the 7 best breeds for service dogs.

Are you looking for a hard-working friend who is sensitive to your physical and emotional needs? This might sound like a description of the perfect therapist or romantic partner, but it also fits the definition of “service dog” to a tee.

The best breeds for service dogs have service in their blood. With their inborn temperaments and the right training, they can become indispensable to their human companions.

What are the best breeds of service dogs, and what makes them so well-suited to the tasks they perform? We answer that question and many more in this guide to service dog breeds. Read on to get your answers!

Different Types of Service Dogs

Not all service dogs serve the same purpose. Some help with mobility issues, while others are attuned to the specific medical problems of their owners.

One thing all service dogs have in common is that they are not therapy dogs, nor are they emotional support animals. These other, highly trained and valuable types of dogs provide emotional support to one or many people, but they are not trained to help with specific disabilities in the way service dogs are.

Here are some of the disabilities service dogs can help with.

Hearing Impairment

These service dogs are trained to alert their deaf or hearing-impaired owners to certain sounds. Alarms going off, doorbells ringing, and the cries of babies are all examples of sounds their owners may need help hearing.

Diabetes

Highly specialized training helps diabetic alert dogs sense changes in their owners’ blood sugar, which can prevent extreme hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.

Visual Impairment

The guide dog is the most recognizable of the service dogs, and for good reason. These dogs help blind and visually impaired people navigate the world and live full lives.

What Qualities Make a Good Service Dog?

Do some dogs have heightened senses that predispose them to help with the disabilities we just listed. Well, yes and no.

They may not be born with the ability to sniff low blood sugar or lead the blind, but some dogs are better equipped than others to learn these skills. Here are the traits that make their learning easier.

Trainability

It is no surprise that a dog who is willing to learn will pick up new skills faster than a more stubborn counterpart. Service dog training is rigorous, but some breeds genuinely enjoy the engagement they get from it.

Intelligence is another factor that makes dogs trainable. We love all breeds equally, but some breeds are smarter than others. Smart breeds train more easily.

Size

The ideal size of a good service dog depends on the function they are performing, but for most disabilities, a large, sturdy dog is preferable. This is especially true of dogs who help with mobility issues. A dog cannot pull a wheelchair if they are not large enough to develop that strength.
Temperament
What do we mean by temperament? Focus, for one. A dog that is able to ignore distractions can digest training more effectively than a hyperactive dog.

A gentle disposition, though not required, is another personality trait that makes dogs good for service. An angry or rough service dog is simply too much of a contradiction.

7 Best Breeds for Service Dogs

Now that you know more about the different types of service dogs and the qualities that make them good at what they do, you have more context for the breeds below. Here, we will give you more information on what makes each of these breeds uniquely qualified for service work. See for yourself.

1. Golden Retrievers

Golden retrievers are among the sweetest of dog breeds. They are social and loving, which makes them good companions along with the physical work they do.

Boy, can they ever do physical work. These dogs are gentle giants, which makes them great at guiding and pulling wheelchairs, if that is what is required of them.

As retrievers, goldens are predisposed to pick up items and return them to their owners. This is key for owners who need visual or memory help.

2. Labrador Retrievers

Labs are some of the most popular service dogs. If you have an image of a guide dog in your mind, the chances are high it looks like a labrador retriever.

Labs have a natural intelligence that pairs well with their loyalty. They bond deeply with their owners, and when it comes to trainability, they are especially engaged in the process of training. They love having a task to accomplish.

3. Golden/Lab Mixes

We do not forget our hybrids on this list, and what could be a better service dog than a mix of the previous two breeds. Like both of their parent breeds, these dogs are highly sociable, which makes them ideal for bonding with their owners.

Golden/lab mixes are big people-pleasers too, which means they respond well to early training.

4. Poodles

Poodles get a bad rap. This is one of the most intelligent dog breeds that deserves to be known for more than a highly stylized haircut.

Their intelligence and their heightened sense of smell, even among dogs, makes poodles excellent dogs for diabetics and people with life-threatening allergies. They are quite common in the diabetic alert dog community.

A standard poodle has the heft a strong service dog needs. Plus, this breed is exceptionally trainable. Their intelligence means they learn quickly.

5. Tibetan Mastiffs

Tibetan Mastiffs may not be what comes to mind when you think of service dogs, but they have many of the qualities that make training and physical assistance easy.

Most importantly, Tibetan Mastiffs are gentle, and they work hard. They are a hulking breed, which means their hard work pays off in substantial physical ways. Forget just one wheelchair; your Tibetan Mastiff might pull three!

One thing you should know about Tibetan Mastiffs is that they are a more independent breed than others on this list. That means they can go their own way at times, but it is straightforward to redirect this impulse early with good training.

6. Labradoodles

The loyalty of a labrador retriever combined with the intelligence of a poodle makes the labradoodle a near-perfect service dog. Despite being highly social, labradoodles’ intelligence allows them to make distinctions between work and play time.

7. Goldendoodles

That same intelligence resides in goldendoodles, thanks to each of their parent breeds scoring in the top four of the 150 smartest dog breeds. Here is what goldendoodles bring to the table that is unique: the gentleness of a golden retriever. They bond with their owners similarly to labradoodles, but they tend to be even more affectionate.

Here to Serve

We hope this guide to the best breeds for service dogs has given you insight into what makes a good service dog and the breed that may be right for you. A service dog is nothing without good training, and now you understand just how much work goes into that training.

If you want to explore getting a service dog for yourself, learn more here.

The Amazing Mental Health Benefits of Emotional Support Animals

The Amazing Mental Health Benefits of Emotional Support Animals

Having an emotional support animal (ESA) can change your life and your mental health for the better. Here are the benefits of emotional support animals.
Keyword(s): benefits of emotional support animals
Did you know that depression is one of the most common mental disorders around?

In fact, there are 300 million people around the world suffering from it. It doesn’t matter what age you are — but it does affect more women than men.

Yes, you can fight depression by taking medications, relocating, or starting fresh in life. However, you could also get uplifting help from animals.

There are benefits of emotional support animals and you shouldn’t ignore them! These animals can help you cope with stressful situations and maintain a more relaxed state.

Are you ready to learn how a mental health dog or cat can help you? Read on and find out more today:

Benefits of Emotional Support Animals

Experts define an emotional support animal (ESA) as an animal that helps its owner to overcome and deal with specific disabilities. This makes them different from other forms of assistance animals. It’s the case since these animals have a different role in supporting their owner’s health.

With that, here are some benefits of emotional support animals:

1. They Help in Producing Neurotransmitters
It’s important to remember that antidepressants work by increasing your serotonin levels. The good news is that certain animals like dogs will increase the neurochemical associated with love and bonding. This includes dopamine, a neurotransmitter that gives you a feeling of pleasure.

Dopamine production gets a boost whenever you look into your dogs’ eyes. It’s a great thing since it lessens your depression while increasing your means of loving and caring for others. So, if you tend to become lonely, you’ll need an ESA to feel safer and loved.

2. They Calm Plane Anxiety
Anxiety affects about 40 million American adults. If you’re diagnosed with this, it’s likely for you to experience it when boarding a plane. But with an ESA, traveling becomes possible again.

It’s important to take note that traveling isn’t always for a good time. Sometimes, you have to travel due to necessity, whether it’s for funerals, family bonding, or medical treatments. While in flight, your ESA supports you in a way that no medications or methods can do.

When you’re having an anxiety attack, you can try focusing on your ESA instead. This helps prevent you from getting overwhelmed by your fear of airplanes. With that, it doesn’t only make the experience better, but possible.

3. They Give Unconditional Love
Some individuals get diagnosed with a distinct inability to feel love. But with an ESA, you’ll have an easier time feeling this once more. Your animal helps give you the feeling of connection through their unconditional love.

But you need to remember that an ESA isn’t for avoiding other people. This type of love will help you overcome your mental condition and get back on your feet. It helps you feel less alone, regardless of whether it’s in the world, in life, or in your relationship.

This helps improve your entire mental health. It helps decrease the negative effects of your symptoms. An ESA will help you feel more encouraged when trying to re-engage with the world.

Emotional Support Animals Work Well with Other Treatments

Some treatment models integrate ESAs to help give owners relief. A lot of experts agree that emotional support animals shouldn’t be a treatment on their own. You need to use them with other treatments to help you get the most out of your life.

No matter what therapy works, you need to find a way to put ESAs into it. You can always use it in mindfulness techniques that help ground yourself to the present.

An example is the Trauma Resiliency Model. This method allows you to use your ESA to help bring yourself down from both emotional highs or lows.

5. They Help Regulate Your Daily Feelings
Managing your daily activities is as important as dealing with single emotional moments. It becomes much easier when you have an ESA. There are studies out there that say petting animals help you get reduced daily anxiety and improve your overall mood.

Animals give attention on-demand while giving an unconditional connection regardless of time. They become a steady presence that helps stabilize your emotions. If you get a prescribed ESA, you will have someone to be with regardless of your living conditions.

6. They Help Stabilize Intense Emotions
Whenever your emotional situation gets rough, you will have your emotional support animals. They have the means of helping you whenever your emotions become unregulated. For example, when you feel down, agitated, fearful, or anxious, the animal helps you divert your attention.

You can see their steady stare, supportive stance, and get affection on demand. Focusing on the animal helps you start resetting and recalibrating your emotions. It’s due to the fact that they’re unlikely agitated, depressed, or anxious.

The animals’ dedication to their playthings can become therapeutic. It will help whenever you’re in need.

7. They Give Social Support
ESAs can help your health since they can function as social companions. Most studies agree that they can benefit your well-being like any other good person. The social support helps in improving your cardiovascular, endocrine, and immune functions.

What it means is that the emotional support given by your ESA goes beyond the walks and the blood pressure stabilization. Your relationship with them alone can help you start healing.

It’s especially important when you’re suffering from PTSD. After all, the companionship can help you become stable.

Enjoy the Benefits of Emotional Support Animals Today!
Emotional support animals are great when recovering from mental illness. That’s why you need to start integrating it with your treatments. With an ESA, you can make your life easier with the mental health benefits they give.

If you aren’t sure, this list of benefits of emotional support animals might give the push you need. Don’t hesitate and seek out support no matter the form. Your mental health is important — don’t hesitate to do anything to improve it.

Do you need to get a good emotional support animal? Contact us today and we’ll help you find your furry companion.

If you are looking for an Emotional Support Dog for sale definitley contact us here.