[annielovesbacon]

Have any of you ever had a therapy dog (or other therapy pet, like a cat)? I am considering getting one. I love dogs, and being around them reduces my anxiety, makes me feel calm and love, and the responsibility of taking care of a dog would keep me grounded. I'm just worried about the difficulty of actually getting a dog registered as a therapy/service dog and having it allowed in my apartment.
i'm a college student if that's relevant

[xXFiyaXx]

I'm getting a service dog in training and I've had experiences with therapy dogs in IP. They're great. I suggest getting a service dog as T dogs are not usually meant for their handlers, but for others. And places cannot legally turn away S dogs

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[Victoria'smom]

My T gave me a letter that said I needed my dog. My office excepted it.

[violetgreen]

There are 3 service dogs at my office. Having dogs at work are a definite plus. I hope you can get one.

I would be cautious. I love my dog but i was totally unprepared for how much work she is and how expensive she is. Vet bills are shocking!

[~Christina]

Will you have time and funds to care for a Dog as a college student?

[annielovesbacon]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

Will you have time and funds to care for a Dog as a college student?

After completing my first year of school I know that I will have time to properly take care of a dog, I have a stable job and some money saved up for the day to day expenses of a dog, and I will talk this over with my parents to see if they would be willing to lend a hand if something drastic (like emergency surgery, for example) happened to the dog.
My family owns a dog, so I know all the crazy things that can happen unexpectedly and I know the time commitment needed to make sure a dog is well taken care of and loved!

[annielovesbacon]

Originally Posted by xXFiyaXx

I'm getting a service dog in training and I've had experiences with therapy dogs in IP. They're great. I suggest getting a service dog as T dogs are not usually meant for their handlers, but for others. And places cannot legally turn away S dogs

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How are you going about getting a service dog? I think service dog is what I meant although I said therapy dog. Do you need a referral from a T?

[Anxiousvalkyrie]

I have two Doberman Pinchers. I don't know what I would do without them. They're not registered therapy dogs but Gothenburg is very dog friendly so I can take them pretty much everywhere with me.

[xXFiyaXx]

Originally Posted by annielovesbacon

How are you going about getting a service dog? I think service dog is what I meant although I said therapy dog. Do you need a referral from a T?

You don't NEED one but it certainly helps. I'm getting one from Caring Angels, so if you live in northern VA or are willing to drive a long time multiple times then you can get on from there.

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If I'm not mistaken, there are emotional support animals and service animals.

Getting an emotional support animal is fairly easy. See here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_support_animal

It'll allow you to keep your pet in your apartment. I don't know if you can take it in public places, though (except for parks and stuff like that). But, airlines let you take emotional support animals with you on a plane. (You don't have to put them in the undercarriage)

Service dogs are more difficult to get and they're expensive because they're specially trained. If all you want is a pet in your apartment, then I would just go for an emotional support animal. You don't have to pay to train them.

[eeyore1234]

]

I don't have any registred theraphy or service animals, I just have normal pets.
(Here in Denmark it is highly unusual to have a service dog unless you're blind or have other physical disabilities - although I know an autistic young man who has what could be translated to "safety dog")

But anyhow, my cat and dog can make me smile even on the darkest days! My old cat could calm me down and lower my anxiety! (Now I have a kitten, and he is getting there, but he is not that calm yet.) My dog motivates me to get outside, walk, go to the woods and so on.
So for me, animals are important and I'll always need at least a cat in my life!
(Sorry for spamming with pics.....)


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