For people with disabilities, getting a service animal can be a life-changing experience, paving the way for continual support.
So what are the steps on how to get a service dog? This complete article by Sploot discusses how to get a service dog in the United States — whether for yourself or your loved one. We also discuss other key things to remember as a service dog owner.
1. Assess Your Needs: Service Dogs vs. ESA (Emotional Support Animals)
This is the most important step in how to get a service dog; you first need to know if a service dog fits your needs — or would an emotional support animal (ESA) be a better fit? Here are the differences between the two:
a. Defining Service Animals vs Emotional Support Animals
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) makes a clear distinction between service animals and emotional support animals.
- A service animal —“a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with disability.”
- An ESA — “animals that provide comfort just by being with a person. Because they have not been trained to perform a specific job or task, they do not qualify as service animals under the ADA”
b. Privileges for Service Dogs vs ESAs
Service animals have privileges outlined in the ADA, the Fair Housing Act, and the Air Carrier Access Act which are all federal laws. Meanwhile, ESA privileges are mainly from the Fair Housing Act.
Note: In addition to federal laws, there are different state laws for service animals and state laws for ESAs.
c. Species
An ESA can be a variety of species in virtually all states. Meanwhile, only dogs (any breed or size of dog) and miniature ponies can be service animals, as of the writing of this article.
Note: The ADA’s provision for miniature horses as service animals defines the weight, training requirements, and other strict guidelines wherein this species may be considered a service animal. For more information, visit www.ADA.gov.
d. Duties
Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for a person with disabilities; while ESAs aren’t. It may be confusing to tell the difference, especially if the disability concerns mental health, but the ADA provides this example to clarify:
“If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack or lessen its impact, that would qualify as a service animal. However, if the dog’s mere presence provides comfort, that would not be considered a service animal under the ADA”
Note: Interested in getting an ESA instead? Learn more - ESA Registration - Colorado | ESA Registration - Illinois
2. Determine Your Eligibility for a Service Dog
Once you understand what a service animal is, your next step is to determine your (or your loved one’s) eligibility to get one. The definition of a service animal states that the tasks are performed “for a person with disability.”
ADA defines an individual with a disability as having a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.”
A few examples of impairments that can benefit from having a service animal include blindness, deafness, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, schizophrenia, autism, and more.
Note: This is not an exhaustive list. If you’re unsure if a service dog will be beneficial for you or your loved one, consult a doctor or mental health professional.
3. Understand What Kind of Service Dog You Need
Once you have assessed your (or your loved one’s) needs and eligibility, the next step in how to get a service dog is to find out the type of service dog you need.
The different types of service dogs are determined by what role they do and what disability they support. Here are a few examples:
- Guide dogs — Assist visually impaired or blind individuals in navigating their environment.
- Hearing dogs — Alert individuals with hearing loss to important sounds like alarms, doorbells, or phones.
- Mobility assistance dogs —Help individuals with physical disabilities by retrieving objects, opening doors, or providing stability.
- Medical alert dogs — Detect medical issues such as low blood sugar (diabetes) or seizures and alert their handler.
- Psychiatric service dogs —Assist individuals with mental health conditions like PTSD by providing grounding during anxiety attacks or alerting them to harmful behaviors.
- Autism service dogs — Support individuals with autism by helping with sensory regulation, preventing wandering, or providing calming pressure.
- Allergy detection dogs —Detect allergens such as peanuts or gluten, helping to prevent allergic reactions.
Knowing the type of service dog you need will be helpful as you look for an organization or establishment that will either a) match you with a service dog or b) assess and train a dog to become a service dog. Some of these organizations may specialize in certain types of service dogs.
4. Getting a Service Dog: 2 Ways
There are mainly two ways to get a service dog. To decide the best one for you, consider the benefits for each:
a. Have a Dog Trained to Be a Service Dog
One option is to train your own dog or adopt one for service dog training. This method on how to get a service dog is generally considered cost-effective with the only drawback being the waiting time it takes for the dog to be fully trained.
Once you’ve found a fitting and reputable training establishment, your dog will be assessed to ensure they’re fit for the specific type of service work you need. The trainers will look at factors like personality, learning capacity, trainability, age, and strength. If your dog passes the assessment, training will commence.
Note: The entire service dog training process can take several months to 2 years, depending on the complexity of the tasks the dog needs to do.
b. Get a Trained Service Dog [Free or For a Fee]
Some organizations provide service dogs, at no cost to the recipient. A few examples include Freedom Service Dogs of America and Canine Companions. However, the application process for a free service dog is meticulous and the waiting list can be long.
The other option is to get a service dog and pay a fee, which will be generally more than $10,000. This route may have a shorter waiting list, but the waiting time still depends on whether or not there is a compatible service dog available.
Note: The low supply of fully trained service dogs, combined with the high cost of acquiring a paid service dog, may make certain individuals vulnerable to service dog scams. Please always ensure that you are transacting with a reputable service dog provider.
5. A Service Dog Vest & Harness: What’s Necessary & What Isn’t?
The ADA states that although it is allowed to ask if a dog is a service animal and what tasks they perform for the individual with a disability, it is not allowed to ask for documentation or to ask for a demonstration of the service animal’s abilities. In line with this, certificates, doctor’s letters, and special registrations are also NOT legally required.
A service dog vest or harness is also NOT required; however, these accessories may be helpful for some if they prefer an immediate way to show that their dog is a service animal while in public. Service dog vests may state “Service Dog - Do Not Distract” or “Service Dog - Do Not Pet” to prevent well-meaning strangers from approaching and possibly distracting a service dog.
Sploot’s Director of Digital Marketing & Growth, Maggie Berra, shares how in her experience, the service dog vest also helps her service dog know that he is working: “My panic disorder is mainly triggered by flying, so my service dog Harry has been trained that when the vest is on, primarily in the airport, this means he is at work. It helps him focus and know he is on the job, while also letting others know he is not to be distracted.”
6. Day-to-Day Living With a Service Dog
Living with a service dog requires a clear understanding of both your rights and responsibilities, including the limitations when exercising those rights. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
a. Establishments & Housing with a Service Dog
According to the ADA, even establishments with a no-pet policy or restricted pet areas must make special exceptions for service dogs. This encompasses the following:
- Restaurants
- Hospitals
- Shops
- Hotels
- Schools
- University housing
- Public housing programs
- Emergency shelters
Note: Establishments can still refuse the entry of service dogs IF “the dog’s presence would fundamentally alter the nature of the goods, services, programs, or activities provided to the public.”
There are also additional privileges outlined in the Fair Housing Act, a federal law encompassing publicly and some privately owned housing. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability.
Note: However, the Fair Housing Act will not provide protection in cases wherein there is a direct threat to other residents or to the property.
b. Air Travel with a Service Dog
The Air Carrier Access Act, another federal law, requires airlines to recognize service dogs and to accept them for transportation within or from the United States.
Note: Airlines can still refuse service dogs if they violate safety regulations, pose a direct threat to others, cause significant disruptions, or fail to meet health requirements.
c. State Laws for Service Dogs
In addition to the federal laws mentioned above, there are different state laws for service animals — encompassing Public Accommodation Laws (i.e. access to public areas), Service Dog in Training (SDIT) coverage (i.e. privileges given or not given to SDITs), Service Dog Fraud (penalties for misrepresenting an animal as a service animal), and more.
Note: Make sure to look at your state’s laws to know the details of your privileges and responsibilities as a service dog owner.
7. Keeping Your Service Dog’s Training Sharp
Ongoing training is another important step in how to get a service dog. Training a service dog is not a one-and-done thing. They must be trained consistently, whether by their owner or with the help of a service dog training provider.
Service dogs must be able to respond reliably in various situations, which requires regular practice regarding what they already know. They can also undergo any necessary training adjustments as the owner’s needs evolve.
8. Finding A Great Vet for a Great Dog
Service dogs are not just pets; they are valuable companions and a significant investment of time, resources, and training. This makes it vital to ensure they remain in peak physical and mental condition.
Annual or bi-annual check-ups (pet wellness exams), preventatives, and updated dog vaccines from a trusted veterinarian like Sploot will help prevent or manage health issues that could compromise the service dog’s performance.
Additionally, the bond between a service dog and their owner is profound, and ensuring the dog’s well-being is a key part of maintaining that partnership. A great dog deserves great care, and a trusted vet is a critical part of that support system.
Sploot Veterinary Care: Your Trusted Partner in Ensuring Canine Health
Sploot Vets is your go-to vet clinic for next-level care, with state-of-the-art facilities, an experienced medical staff, and a Fear Free vet practice. With availability 365 days a year and conveniently located vet clinics across Denver and Chicago, you can count on us to provide reliable care for your service dog!
Book an appointment online or through the innovative Sploot Vets pet care app. Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
