[Mountaindewed]

I can work just fine, but going into public places like the grocery stores and malls cause huge issues. I went into Walmart Today and I was squeezing my upper arm the whole time and my mom asked twice if I was ok. The store was not very busy.

Would I qualify for a service dog even though I can work?

I am getting a mentor who can take me shopping and help with my anxiety and show me coping skills to use, but would a service dog or ESA help?

I feel like my doctor would say no.

Also it's like 10 thousand to get one and you have to go cross country to train with it.

But maybe I could get a dog from a breeder and have it trained locally?

Does anyone know of anything like this?

My sister in law has a service dog. I think she got it trained near where she lives, but I'm actually not sure, because we don't talk much. You could look into it, if it seems important to you and like one might be helpful. My sis in law's service dog is for her ptsd.

[Sunflower123]

I don't know about this but you might ask your tdoc about it or google it. I hope you qualify. Good luck.

I think you first need to understand the difference between a 'service animal' and a 'therapy animal.' The difference is huge as is the price. Which is it you feel you should have? In many places therapy animals are considered no more than pets and do not qualify as 'service' animals for purposes of gaining access to public places or mandatory acceptance with regards to accommodations. Please research out which it is you want to get.

You need to check the laws in your area regarding the limitations placed upon a therapy dog before you make a decision.

[kecanoe]

To be considered a service dog in the USA, a dog has to be trained to do something specific to mitigate your disability (so there has to be a disability).

It sounds like maybe you would be more interested in an emotional support animal. They are animals who help with reassurance and confidence simply by being present. They require far less training. However, a person with an ESA does not have the same access rights as a person with a service dog. Many places will allow you to have your ESA with you even though they don't have to. Because they don't require the same kind of training as a service dog, they are far cheaper to either purchase or train yourself.

[pegasus]

Check with your insurance to see if they would cover that.