Information on Service Dogs for the Disabled

Laws

• The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act recognizes service animals as a reasonable accommodation, allowing individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by a service animal in a public place and on public transportation. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as "any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability."

  Each U.S. state enacted laws regarding service animals in public places that support or expand upon the federal statute. The state statutes go beyond the federal by specifying the level of training the animal and the human partner must receive. Additionally states govern the type of certification the service trainers and dogs must have in order to be compliant.

Types of Service Dogs

• Service dogs fulfill specific roles in the life of an individual with disabilities, and are considered working animals rather than house pets. These dogs learn to be the eyes, ears and mobility support for individuals with specific impairments. Hearing dogs, for example, alert the hearing impaired or deaf partner to noises in the environment including alarms (e.g., smoke, fire, burglar) and bells (e.g., telephone, doorbells). Mobility dogs lend support and aid an individual with physical disabilities to walk and move independently. Diabetic and seizure dogs recognize the onset of symptoms and help the individual seek assistance.

Training

• Service animals undergo intensive training before being partnered with a disabled individual. Training begins in puppyhood with socialization to other animals, working in a household and learning good manners. The dog spends approximately 2 years learning commands for assisting the individual and to recognize the possible dangers in the environment before being matched with a handler. They must be able to follow instructions and not become distracted by the external environment.

  The individual programs spend time training the human partner to work with the service animal. The individual and the dog develop a bond of trust and teamwork under the guidance of a professional trainer. The trainer matches the pair based on compatibility, lifestyle and needs. The new handler resides on campus to work with the trainer and the service animal. While the length varies, anticipate at least a month on-site for training and bonding.

Applying for a Service Dog

• Selecting a service dog requires a lifetime commitment. Begin by researching options and determining the availability of animals to meet individual needs. Each agency providing service animals requires its own application process. Typically these agencies request that applicants be at least 18 years old, in good physical health, mentally stable and provide documented evidence of the legal disability. The adult needs to be able to spend several weeks on campus at the training facility to work with the trainer and the service dog before taking the animal home. Careful screening occurs before a potential recipient obtains approval for an animal assistant.

Children and Service Dogs

• Children with disabilities benefit from service animals. Like adults, the dog provides a degree of independence the child might not enjoy otherwise. Because the ADA protects the rights of all individuals with disabilities, children may use service animals in schools and childcare facilities. For some children, the animal provides not only physical assistance but emotional support.

  However, obtaining a service animal for a child presents challenges. Service dogs, due to length of training, are not readily available when a child needs one. The family will incur expenses for travel and housing at a training campus. Additionally, young children need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the training period on campus, and this time away from work does not qualify for benefits under the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act.