Service Dog Requirements
If you are considering becoming a service dog, you should understand the process and be aware of the necessary paperwork. You should also understand that your particular breed of dog will determine some of these requirements. It will be important to work with your vet to learn the breed specific regulations for your state. There are many great websites that offer helpful information on this topic as well as local clubs that provide support and resources for the pets.
Service dogs are often known as emotional support animals. They are typically trained to assist people who are experiencing a disability that makes it unsafe for them to perform normal activities. Many people who love their pets feel that they are a part of their family and provide companionship. This is especially true for people with disabilities.
Most states require that service dogs are given at least twenty-four hours of constant supervision, along with any required vaccines. You may also start to take your psychiatric service dog out more frequently in order to acclimate him or her to further duties in the event that he or she becomes ill or injured. Be aware, however, that, while most cities are aware and supportive of psychiatric service dogs in care, they are not obligated by law to cater to an animal that doesn’t meet full disability service dog requirements. The standards are different depending on the region.
For those in search of additional services, such as seeing a psychologist, there are some cities that allow service dogs to apply for grants in order to offset the cost of boarding or medically treating their disability. Some cities and towns actually provide financial assistance to individuals who need to have their service animals treated or to those who are interested in having their pets get individualized treatment based on their particular needs. These grants are often provided by local organizations that specialize in the area of animal welfare. Your local American Humane Association or Animal Welfare League might be able to suggest organizations in your area that provide these types of grants, as well.
A service dog must be healthy, alert, obedient, and capable enough to protect his or her handler. They must be: possesive/determined, energetic, mobile (can move around without difficulty), physically sound (has enough strength to cope with handling) and obedient (will respond quickly to the handler). The handler must be able to provide the necessary control. For example, a service dog that is blind will not be allowed to perform the function of seeing things through binoculars. Neither will a blind person be allowed to ride in a car with a service dog on board. Even if the handler has a device that allows him to see, the dog must be able to learn to use it.
A service dog is defined as a dog that is trained to assist a deaf or hard-of-hearted person in activities of daily living. Service dogs include guide dogs for the blind, hearing dogs for the deaf or hard-of-hearted, and wheelchair dogs for the physically disabled. If you are applying for a disability tax credit, you should include the requirement that the dog be able to assist the handler using an electronic device if your application includes this requirement. Please note that this is an important requirement and is not typically waived by the IRS.