Service dogs are an invaluable help to people who live with disabilities. A fully-trained service dog can significantly improve the quality of life for their handler, performing tasks that would otherwise be impossible. In some situations, service dogs can even help to save their handler’s life by keeping them safe and pro-actively alerting in certain scenarios.
People with disabilities – and their families – may be wondering if the addition of a service dog could enhance their quality of life. Furthermore, they may be wondering about the process of actually obtaining a service dog. There are a few options available, and in this article, we’ll run through some of the options that you can choose from; each has their own benefits and drawbacks.
How a service dog is defined by law - and what to be aware of
There are several provisions that protect service dogs and their handlers. In the United States, these protections are afforded through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which states that:
“Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.”
Examples of a service dog include an autism service dog trained to help a child through deep pressure therapy (DPT) or tethering, or a mobility service dog who can turn on lightswitches and open doors for a person who is wheelchair-bound.
There are some misconceptions that surround service dogs. Unfortunately, the protections that are afforded to service dogs and their handlers are often abused (either intentionally or unintentionally) and can create confusion. For example, there is a big difference between a service dog and an emotional support animal (ESA) – while ESAs do provide comfort to their handlers, they are not trained to perform tasks. In addition, there is no requirement for service dog handlers to carry paperwork or provide a service dog certificate.
If you intend to train a dog for service dog work, it is important to understand the protections afforded via the ADA, your responsibilities as a service dog owner, and the questions that you can be asked about your service dog.
Options for getting a service dog
There are a few different ways to obtain a service dog. Each has their pros and cons, and it is worth assessing your own situation before choosing the best option for your circumstances.
Train your own dog as a service dog
There is no requirement that states that your service dog must be trained by a professional, accredited organization or trainer – nor is there any rule that stipulates your service dog must be accredited by a state or federal agency. Therefore, if you have the skill to train a dog to help with performing its required tasks, and the time available to dedicate to the training process, training your own dog as a service dog is an option. However, it is important to note that training a service dog is often a complex and lengthy process that requires a lot of skill, and inexperienced dog owners may struggle to successfully train a dog for service dog work.
Pros
- You may already have a strong bond with the dog
- Lower upfront cost
- Training process can move at your own speed
Cons
- Dog may not be suited from a temperament or trainability standpoint to service dog work
- No support throughout the training process
- Requires significant investment of time and skill to be successful (even with the requisite knowledge)
Trained by owner with professional oversight
If you already own a dog who you think would be a good prospect for service dog work, one idea is to have them evaluated by a professional trainer. The trainer can guide you initially on whether the dog is likely to be a good fit for service dog work by analyzing temperament, sociability and trainability. If the dog is assessed to be a worthy candidate, the owner can then undertake the training with support from the professional.
Pros
- Provides balance of autonomy and professional insight
- More cost-effective than some other options
- Increased chance of success due to professional input
Cons
- Dog may not be an ideal fit for service dog work
- The burden of responsibility is placed on the owner to regularly train the dog
- Choosing the correct professional support is crucial to success – and they may feel the responsibility lies with the owner to put in most (or all) of the work
Non-profit grants and donations
Some non-profit organizations may provide financial support to individuals to help them obtain a fully-trained service dog. This route can be particularly valuable if you know you will be unable to complete the training process on your own, but may be struggling to raise the funds necessary for a fully-trained service dog. We previously compiled a list of service dog funding resources that is regularly maintained. Note that many of these organizations receive numerous applications which can make the chances of acceptance slim.
Pros
- Significantly (or completely, in some cases) reduces the cost of obtaining a high-quality service dog
- Dogs are usually carefully selected and well-suited to their role
- Can include community support or interaction with others in a similar situation
Cons
- The demand for non-profit programs means that they are fiercely competitive, with no guarantee of success
- Can often involve a lengthy application and vetting process
- May involve help with fundraising or raising awareness of the nonprofit’s mission
Apply through a professional service dog organization
If you are looking for the most reliable solution for acquiring a service dog, applying through a professional service dog organization is likely to be your best option. These providers typically have years of experience of all stages of the service dog training process – including puppy selection, building fundamental behaviors and controlled socialization activities, and task training. Some organizations (including ours) will also deliver the fully-trained service dog to you and spend several days helping you and your new service dog to adjust to one another.
Pros
- Dogs are specifically tested and selected for the job at hand
- Comprehensive experience and expertise of trainers increases the chances of success
- Turnkey process removes any burden from the handler
- Follow-up training and support is usually provided
Cons
- A pricier option than doing it yourself
- Waitlists can be long
In conclusion
As we have outlined above, there are a number of different ways to obtain a service dog. The best option will depend on your life, your needs, and your circumstances.
Our team has seen time and time again how a fully-trained service dog makes a world of difference to their handler. It is truly transformative, and our experts have experience with every stage of the process. If you’re interested in speaking with us to learn more about our service dog training and how we can help you, please reach out to us at (704) 500-8281 or email info@autismassistancedog.com.
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