I live in the UK, so apologies if this happens in other countries - here it's quite rare. A dog is being bought to therapy sessions in a part of London, to help people overcome their anxiety about appointments

Meet Buddy, the dog helping mental health patients | London | News | London Evening Standard

Other than guide dogs for the blind, we don't really have many service dogs here. I think I've only seen 2-3 in my whole life. I think we should have more. Animals can be wonderful.

[Eleora]

People with mental illness can get service animals in the US and Canada but it's been abused in the past, so I imagine they'll clamp down on it and restrict the programs somewhat in the next few years.

Animals are definitely helpful. My two cats provide me with a lot companionship and love.

[Wild Coyote]

Great post!

It is very helpful to people needing service animals!

In the U.S., there are federal regulations guiding the acceptance/use of service animals, including psychiatric service animals. It's up to each individual state to adopt or reject the federal guidelines. If a state does not support/adopt federal guidelines, "test cases" may be brought to federal court for resolution.

In my state, service animals, including psychiatric are allowed in public places, Companion animals are of a different status, yet are allowed at home in rental housing to anyone in need, if presenting a prescription or letter by a qualified professional.

Thanks, Little Cat!


WC

[avlady]

yes a cat would probably be easier to care for if a patient gets an animal, but dogs are smart and would be useful too.