Also known as assistance dogs, service dogs make a big difference in the lives of people with disabilities. Likely, you’re already familiar with service animals, thanks to the rising spotlight on these heroic canine companions. You may be less acquainted with the different types of service dogs, all of whom perform particular tasks to help their human handlers.
According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), disabilities can be mental, physical, sensory, intellectual, and psychiatric. Given this diversity in disabilities, it would only make sense there should be highly trained dogs able to perform tasks fit to these unique needs. As a result, these dogs undergo specialized training to prepare them for their incredibly valuable and supportive role. These dogs adeptly assist their handlers in situations that could otherwise be overwhelming or even impossible, empowering them to lead lives that are more independent and fulfilling.
Are service dogs allowed everywhere?
Unlike emotional support animals, the ADA mandates public access for service dogs. They are allowed entry into establishments that are ordinarily prohibited to pets. This includes restaurants, museums, and public transportation. Airlines, however, are an exception to this public mandate. In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation updated their rules regarding animal assistance on planes.
Service dog training
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not require professional training for service dogs, nor does it establish a certification process for them. Under ADA guidelines, individuals with disabilities have the freedom to train their service dogs themselves. This provision enables a more personalized and customized training experience, allowing handlers to address their specific disability-related needs and tasks.
According to the ADA, service dogs must complete training that allows them to perform tasks that aid with a handler’s disability. Moreover, they must always be under control of their handlers. In addition to these requirements, the handler should be able to answer questions regarding their dog’s ability to assist. While service dogs are often recognized with special tags or harnesses, this is optional. People often choose to include vests or tags with important medical information.
How much do service dogs cost?
Because service dog training is rigorous, it may take over two years to complete. Although there is no official standardized training for service dogs, many opt for professional trainers. Professional training for different types of service dogs can often cost upwards of $30,000. Unfortunately, health insurance plans generally do not cover the cost of training or acquiring service dogs. However, if you qualify for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI), a portion of these payments can be allocated to cover expenses.
Some nonprofit organizations also work to pair people with service dogs for free or at a low cost. If you’re interested in being paired with a service dog, you may be able to find an organization that can work with your needs.
Types of service dogs
Various types of service dogs are available to assist individuals with diverse disabilities. Each type of service dog possesses unique skills that contribute to their exceptional value in aiding those they serve.
Guide dogs
The most commonly recognized service dog may be a guide dog. These service dogs aid those who are blind or visually impaired. They typically wear a harness with a handle for their human companion to hold. Guide dogs practice what’s called selective or intelligent disobedience. For example, if a handler gives the “forward” command but it is not safe to cross the street, the dog will resist. Guide dogs use their own risk assessment to make decisions that help keep their handler safe.
Due to their calm demeanor and level of intelligence, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Labrador Retrievers are commonly trained as guide dogs.
Allergy detection dogs
Allergy detection service dogs are trained to alert their handlers to the presence of allergens such as peanuts or shellfish. Some people are incredibly sensitive to even the smallest amounts of an allergen. Peanut allergies, for example, can cause people to go into anaphylactic shock. Unlike food intolerance, food allergies may be fatal. Allergy detection dogs pick up the scent of an allergen, alerting their owner to its presence.
Often, these service dogs are paired with children. Because they are still learning about their allergies, children may unknowingly eat food that contains a harmful allergen. Due to their age and level of immunity, children are more prone to severe allergies than adults. Allergy detection dogs allow children to maintain their freedom. Simultaneously, they give parents security in their children’s safety.
Hearing dogs
Like other service dogs, hearing dogs help give independence to their hard-of-hearing or deaf partners. They can alert their handler to a variety of noises or sound cues. This might include alarms, a knock at the door, phones, traffic hazards, or even their own name. Common hearing dog breeds include Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, Poodles, and Labradors.
Psychiatric service dogs
Psychiatric service dogs are trained to help people who suffer from mental health disorders or learning disabilities. This may include psychiatric disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, autism, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).These dogs are able to sense if their owner may soon experience negative symptoms from their disorder, including panic attacks, or flashback episodes.
In response to oncoming episodes, psychiatric service dogs may perform “grounding” tasks to bring their handler back to reality. This can include pawing, licking, or rubbing. They can also help determine what is real from imaginary as in the case of hallucinations, or perform simple tasks like turning off a light to help with sensory overload. This is only a few examples of the many ways these dogs can help reduce the stress of a mental health episode.
It is important to remember that while these dogs offer invaluable emotional support, they differ from emotional support dogs. These service companions undergo specialized training and are not considered pets.
Mobility assistance dogs
People with physical disabilities can require aid from mobility assistance dogs. With a physical disability, daily tasks can be difficult or even impossible. This type of service dog may offer assistance by opening doors, pressing automatic buttons, or retrieving objects. They can also turn on lights or carry objects.
People with spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, multiple sclerosis, or muscular dystrophy may benefit from a partnership with a mobility assistance service dog.
Autism service dogs
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or autism, is a behavioral or developmental disorder. Difficulty with social skills, nonverbal communication, and speech are all characteristics of ASD. Occasionally, health professionals pair service dogs with children with autism. They can help children navigate behavioral challenges and connect in social settings. Often, people with autism may have difficulty communicating with their peers. This can cause them to feel overwhelmed in social situations. This type of service dog helps children connect with their classmates, allowing for increased skills in communication.
Additionally, autism service dogs can prevent children with autism from running away. These dogs can track and locate children if this happens. They may also alert the child’s parents to potentially dangerous situations.
Seizure-alert dogs
These service dogs assist individuals before, during, and after an episode. They may find help for their person by calling 911 on a K-9 alert phone. They can also move the person if the seizure occurs somewhere that is unsafe. Seizure-alert dogs also use pressure to end a seizure early.
There are contradicting perspectives on the validity of seizure alert dogs. Many scientists and health professionals believe dogs can be trained to alert owners of episodes. Conversely, others think the gift of seizure detection lies in their instinct alone.
Diabetic service dogs
Diabetic alert dogs inform their partner of blood sugar highs and lows, which can pose a serious health hazard. This can sometimes be fatal. Because of the dog’s alert, the diabetic person can test their blood sugar level for indications of danger.
These service dogs inform others if their handler needs medical assistance. Some are even trained to call 911 on a special K-9 phone if the person is at home alone. Often, these dogs wear a vest containing their handler’s medical information so first responders know how to aid in an emergency.
Want to learn more about types of service dogs and heroic stories of helping their human companions? Check out more details here.
