Service Dogs

There are very few competency tests for the various service dogs. With several service dogs there are training and length of training requirements.

Service animals perform some of the functions and tasks that the individual with a disability cannot perform for him- or herself. Guide dogs, used by some individuals who are blind, are the most well known type of Service Dog. Other specific terms for specialized service dogs include Signal Dogs for the deaf or hearing impaired, Mobility Assistance Dogs, Seizure Response Dogs, and Psychiatric Service Dogs. The terms “Service Dog,” “Service Animal” and “Assistance Dog” all mean the same.

Service Dogs can benefit people with disabilities associated with many diagnoses, including:
• Arthritis
• Ataxia (poor balance)
• Autism
• Blindness or Impaired Vision
• Deafness or Impaired Hearing
• Diabetes
• Cardio/Pulmonary Disease
• Cerebral Palsy
• Physical mobility Issues
• Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.)
• Psychiatric Disabilities
• Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy)
• Severe Allergy Alert
• Spina Bifida
• Spinal Cord/Head Trauma
• Stroke

The latest type of service dogs added is for soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This project is part of a study funded entirely but the Department of Defense and put service dogs with 10 soldiers. The other type recently added is a service dog for autonomic neuropathy. Autonomic neuropathy is a disease that damages the autonomic nervous system, a branch of the central nervous that helps people adapt to changes in their environment, according to the American Heart Association.

PTSD dogs are now being placed with non-military persons that have suffered from acts of violence and other acts that do cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The United States Department of Justice defines a Service Animal through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal specifically trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability. If an animal meets this definition, it is considered a Service Animal regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government.

Please note that Therapy Dogs, Search & Rescue Dogs, Forensic Dogs, Police K-9's, Military Working Dogs and other types of working dogs are NOT Service Dogs.

Dogs that work on the front line such as Police and Customs and Border Protection are usually trained for specific tasks. While these dogs undergo training they also live alongside their handlers and usually graduate around 18 months of age. This type of working dog has the important role of protecting the public and the country’s borders. Their job is to detect things from illegal drugs, bombs and firearms to concealed food items coming across the border. Police sniffer dogs are also used to help locate suspects on the run and dogs are also often used in the military for tasks such as bomb detection and as search and rescue during disasters.

Many individuals who are partnered with a Service Dogs use vests, harnesses or patches that display generic wording like "Service Dog" or "Do not pet." Others may choose to use generic IDs that are not linked to any organization. While this is traditional, it leaves little accountability and these items are sometimes purchased by those who use them to abuse the law — even though absolutely NO gear or IDs are required in the first place (Bold is my emphasis). Like any product, it is not the fault of the item itself or those who make it, as the sole responsibility lies with the person who seeks it out and uses it improperly.

A test given by the American Kennel Club for a dog to become a good citizen when out in the public and every service dog needs to have this training and pass this test. It is true that some dogs are never given this test and do behave properly in the public.