How Do I Get a Service Dog?

service dog next to a wheelchairPeople who have mental or physical disabilities benefit greatly from service dogs that are trained to help them with specific tasks. That said, finding a reliable service dog can be challenging, especially if you don’t know where to look.

Thankfully, we’re here to help. If you’re asking yourself – how do I get a service dog? This article has you covered with disabilities that qualify, where you can find service dogs, and what the registration process looks like.. Read on to learn everything you need to know below.

What Is a Service Dog?

Service dogs help people who have mental or physical disabilities with specific tasks. They’re highly-trained dogs that can respond to emotions, open doors, push wheelchairs, and much more. In order for a service dog to be eligible, they have to be trained for at least one specific task, which is what separates them from being classified as a therapy dog or emotional support animal.

Typically, service dogs have to go through training periods that range from one to three years depending on the task they’ll be performing. Since service dogs help people with disabilities, they’re protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), and the Fair Housing Act (FHA). Essentially, these protections allow service dogs to travel on airlines, live in otherwise not pet-friendly housing, and accompany their handlers in public.

What Disabilities Qualify for a Service Dog?

Several disabilities qualify for a service dog and these can be physical or mental disabilities – sometimes even both. You’ll find that most service dogs are grouped into physical or psychiatric service dog categories. We cover many of the qualifying disabilities for service dog below; you can find even more listed in this detailed guide.

Physical Disabilities that Qualify for a Service Dog

Service dogs will help with a handful of physical disabilities. You’ll find that they can assist with pushing wheelchairs, opening doors, and much more. Some physical disabilities that qualify for service dogs include:

  • Blindness
  • Hearing loss
  • Paralysis
  • Seizure disorders
  • Arthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • loss of limbs
  • Fibromyalgia

Depending on the type of disability and the severity of the disability, you can contact your healthcare provider to see if you qualify.

Mental Disabilities that Qualify for a Service Dog

Some mental disabilities also qualify for service dog assistance. These disabilities tend to be severe mental health disorders and service dogs can help by calming panic attacks, finding help for people having an attack, and easing social situations for people with autism. Learn more about qualifying mental health disabilities below:

  • Anxiety
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Autism
  • Down syndrome
  • Neurocognitive disorders
  • Mood swings
  • Depression

These are only some disabilities that service dogs can help with, so reach out to your doctor to see if you qualify.

How to Get a Service Dog

Getting a service dog has never been easier. There are a few simple steps you can follow to adopt or purchase a service dog and these steps are as follows:

1. Find the Right Breed

First, you have to choose the right breed, especially if you plan on having them trained after adoption. If you only need comfort for mental disabilities you’ll have a lot of options, whereas physical disabilities may require larger dogs. You can also work with US Service Animals or other organizations to find the right breed if you don’t know where to start.

2. Train the Service Dog

The next part of the process is training the service dog. You can get around this by adopting or purchasing a trained service dog, but if you adopt a dog you’ll need to have them trained. We recommend starting while they’re puppies for the best results and it’s a good idea to choose an easy breed to train.

3. Register Your Service Dog

The last part of the process is registration. You’ll need to provide your information, the dog’s information, and the mental or physical disabilities the dog helps you with. Furthermore, a licensed medical professional will have to sign off on it to ensure that they’re protected under the ADA, ACCA, and the FHA.

Get a Service Dog Today

Whether you want to train a service dog to help you with a mental health disability or you need one ready to help with a physical disability, US Service Animals and other online resources can help. We also recommended checking with local animal shelters and service dog organizations that offer free service dog assistance for those in need; this is common for veterans.

You can also purchase service dogs from reputable breeders and trainers. At the end of the day, just make sure you have approval from a licensed mental health professional.