Emotional Support Animals & Psychiatric Service Dogs

Another persons thread sparked this thread.

What are your opinions On ESA, & PSD's?

I really think a dog would help. When I ever I am by time I just feel happier, I would be motivated to get out of bed, & exercise(i never exercise). Plus I would probably very active with the dog, doing sports with dog. I do get depressed a lot, & the dog will help me probaly. I am 16 if that matters.

What do you think should I get one? if so, what do I need to do?

I think it would depend on how your family feels about dogs in the house and if you are properly prepared for the expense and responisibilty of caring for a dog. Besides food there are vet bills and sometimes these can get expensive. My Maltese's last visit to the vet was over $200. He has allergys and has to go to the vet quite often. Also, do you have a fenced in yard, if not that means getting up and taking them out even when the weather is bad.

I have two dogs and love them dearly but they are expensive. I would recommend them to anyone who can properly take care of them. They give unconditional love and one of the few things that make me smile.

There's a large difference between emotional support animals and psychiatric service dogs, to have either your condition must be disabling (Meaning it limits one or more major life activity such as seeing, hearing, walking, learning, getting the mail, ect)

ESA- Emotional support animals can be any sort of animal (Cat, dog, chicken, pig, guinea pig, ect) and can help people immensely by providing love and also something they need to do and help take care of. ESAs need no special training but also aren't allowed any special rights in public (Meaning you can't bring an ESA into a store that doesn't allow pets) The only special rights they do have are on airplanes and in some housing situations.

PSD- Psychiatric Service Dogs are trained in tasks and work to help mitigate their person's disability. Examples of tasks are alerting and responding to anxiety attacks, interrupting repetitive or self harming behaviour, ect. PSDs do have special access rights. They are not considered pets but medical equipment (Like a wheel chair or oxygen tank) and are allowed anywhere the general public is allowed within reason. PSDs need about two years of training, not only in their tasks and work but also to be able to behave well in public (Heeling next to the person, not sniffing people/pets/things or pulling toward them, getting used to loud noises, leaving dropped food, moving under chairs and tables to get out of the way, ect)

I myself have a PSD and I find her very helpful! Before she had enough training to be my PSD she was my ESA and of course that was extremely helpful also. One thing to be warned when looking into a PSD is that they aren't for everyone. You have to deal with a lot of people staring, asking question, those that are afraid of dogs and people that will try and force you to leave because they don't know the laws. You really have to weigh the pros and cons. While you can owner train your own PSD it's highly recommended to go with a program as you need an extensive knowledge of dog behaviour and training to do it yourself.

Hope this helps!

Are PSD like regular service dogs? Do they have the same privileges as SD?

How do get a PSD?

Thanks

Yes they are, they have the same public access rights as normal SDs except on airplanes (You have to get a special note, not too familiar with that law)

To get a PSD you can look around for places that train them in your area. Most programs require about 5-10 thousand dollars which many will help you fundraise for (May sound expensive, but to care for and train the dog, it's really not) They will interview you and ask about what your disability is and what a dog could be trained to do to help mitigate it. Training takes about two years.

Once the PSD retires, will it still be with me?

What qualifications do you need to meet?
I can get severely depressed, & this makes me not want to do anything, get out of bed, or basically anything. No motivation to do anything really.When I am severely depressed, this when I seriously consider suicide. Even when I am not severely depressed I am still suicidal. I have urges to self harm,will act on impulse- reason I include this is because if suicidal or SH urges, & at that I am impulsive... well, it might not turn out good.

Here a thread that includes stuff I experience.

Is there breed(or breeds), you recommended?

It depends on what program it is. Some take their dogs back, some let the owners chose, some won't take their dogs back, ect.

To be able to have a Service Dog you have to meet two requirements

1. You have a disability, which is something that substantially limits one or more major life activities (Such as seeing, hearing, getting the mail, learning, ect) You'd have to discuss this with your doctor and/or therapist to decided if you would be considered disabled.

2. A Service Dog could be trained in tasks or work that would help you in public to mitigate that disability. Meaning something guiding a blind person, alerting someone with hearing issues to sounds, alerting and responding to anxiety attacks (Which is what my dog does among other things)

I'm not well educated on what PSDs can be trained to do for depression, what were you looking for the dog to be able to do for you?

Most organizations pick the breed and dog for you and 99% of the time it's labs. But if you were looking into getting an ESA, it really depends on what you're looking for in a dog. (Size, energy level, coat type, ect)

So sorry I didn't respond right away. So sorry its this long.

Here is what I have the dog help me with( I looked it up, & here are somethings the dogs can help me with

I'd really like one but my landlord won't approve it whether I need it or not.

ESAs (emotional support animals) do NOT at this time have all the rights as a service dog does. There are many airlines that will allow you to travel with the ESA pet in the cabin if it fits into a carrier and can go beneath the seat. They do not have to allow this, by law...but they probably want a calm flyer and if you need that animal for that, they are usually accommodating.

A PSD (psychiatric service dog) falls into the Service Animal guidelines. Only trained dogs fall into a service animal category under the law (not so much for the helper monkeys etc. but now some miniture ponies do...) See this task/training list of suggestions: http://www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.html

Revised ADA Requirements: Service Animals
The ADA revised it's guidelines a few years ago, btw, and when you have a trained service dog it can go with you anywhere the public can go. Someone can ask you , legally, IF it is a service dog, and WHAT 3 things it does for you that you cannot do. That's all they can ask, and if you respond adequately, you get to stay.

I would personally caution anyone with a psychiatric service dog against buying the badge/patch that states that, and not to use the term "psychiatric" but only "service dog." Not only is there the stigma that a "mental person" might cause a problem, but it also opens you personally up safety wise---you are a better target for those who would prey upon the impaired.

Don't give out more information than you need to (Yes, and list 3 tasks if asked). But you'll learn this in training.

In the USA there is no set training requirements, nor a government certification (keeping my mouth shut here mmmmmmmmm don't wish to give them any ideas)... BUT the dog must be under calm control at all times, be potty trained (to go where you tell it and not before) etc.

There are good trainings available even with PetSmart, for instance, and Citizen Courtesy trainings/certifications along with basic to more advanced help. BUT these trainers are not service dog trainers. I would suggest you connect with a local non-profit organization to assist you...often there is no fee to the disabled person as others donate to the cause for you.

Taking good care of your service dog is important--and expensive. Mine used to only cost about $100 a month, now his care has also taken all of my "budgeted" food expenses for his cancer diet... (but he's doing very well.)

If you can't afford the cost, if you can't afford the time and training (daily training/updates of 15 minutes on average) or don't have someone who will do for you, then you really won't have a dog that is presentable and useful in public. (Bathed, not sick, good breath, nails groomed, who listens and works well and doesn't demand treats, attention and petting.) The monetary value of a good service dog is almost $30,000.

If you are an abled bodied person with some funds and no need for a service animal, please consider being a puppy raiser for your local organization. Only 1 in 10,000 disabled people get a service dog because there aren't enough puppy raisers to begin with!

Peace.

I'm 16,will this effect anything for getting a PSD?

Just remember that tasks or work have to be trained and have to mitigate the disability in public, so some of those wouldn't be considered tasks, like the ones below. Try looking around for an organization that has a good reputation and contact them to ask questions about tasks they could train for you.

(These wouldn't be considered tasks but are just perks of having an SD)

Relief from feelings of isolation.

An increased sense of well-being.

Daily structure and healthy habits.

An increased sense of security.

An increased sense of self-efficacy.

An increased sense of self-esteem.

An increased sense of purpose.

Mood improvement, and increased optimism.

A secure and uncomplicated relationship.

A dependable and predictable love, affection and nonjudgmental companionship.

Motivation to exercise.

Encouragement for social interactions.

Greater access to the world.

Around the clock support.

I am sorry I ask so many questions, I hope I am not bugging you.

A few more questions:
Can the dog partake in regular activities once he is a certified PSD?

What classes should I take?

How do you find a good reliable organization? I am in the Midwest by the way.I can PM you if you more of specific location.

No problem! I'm more than happy to help!

Depends on what regular activity you're talking about but for the most part a SD can do everything other dogs do when they aren't working. (Play ball, go to the dog park, go on walks, learn tricks, ect) Also just thought I'd add, there's no such thing as a "Certified PSD" the places that sell tags and "Certify" dogs are just scams to try and make money off people.

Classes? Do you mean like training classes with the dog? Organizations do all the training before you get the dog, you only have to follow up (And they will show you how) you don't have to go to any training classes unless you want to for fun. With most organizations you aren't very involved in the raising and training of the dog. Here's how it goes with most organizations:

A puppy that they breed is sent off to a "Puppy Raiser" someone who teaches the dog the basics (Sit, down, stay, leave it, their name, come, stand, ect) and gets them used to new things, places, noises, sounds, people, animals, ect. After they are done here they go off to more special training where the dog learns the tasks and work they will be doing along with more advanced stuff. This all takes about six months to two years from the time you fill out the application, get accepted, they pick out a dog for you, and specially train it.

After all this you go to something called "Team Training" for about a week. Here you learn all the dog's commands, how to handle the dog, how to work in public, how to contact the trainer for any issues, ect. Then you take the dog home.

Type in the name of your state and the word "Psychiatric Service Dog" (Example: Florida Psychiatric Service Dog) into Google and it should come up with a bunch of training organizations. When you find one you like and want to apply for, Google the name to make sure there are no bad reviews.

Ok, thanks for clearing that up. Never knew that "certified" was a scam.

That's good they do all the training before the dog would come to me. I couldn't take on all of training & getting them use to all the surroundings,& other stuff.

I'll start looking into some organization.

Oh! Also there are some organizations that will provide care for the dogs expensive wise for their entire life, but the wait list and be 1-5 years!

I have a question though. Does providing signals to holder about emotional well being count? For example: By tracking attention given and energy level to the dog count. count as one of the trained behaviors? I'm assuming not, but it is as if the dog is a tool like a wheel chair or what not.

I have a service dog in training.

From what I know, that wouldn't be considered a trained task or work. (But I'm no expert)

That's what I thought too Thanks!

Can you get a PSD it less than a year? or No?

I have a cat,will that effect anything?

Oh, & what I meant by activities is like doing agility. I really think this would be fun to do. Can I do activities like that? Could I compete or no?

It's possible, yes. Many organizations say training last 6-12 months depending on the dog and type of tasks needed so it could last less than a year or not. (But this doesn't factor in the time it takes to fill out paperwork or the time you spend on a waiting list, ect)

The last two questions, it depends on the organization. When you find one you like, make a list of questions like this to ask them. Some organizations are very strict while others aren't. One thing to make sure of is that your cat is ok with dogs.

She is scared of dogs, but she isn't aggressive with them.

Going to rehash this thread... Have a few questions

• Is there anything in particular they need to wear?
• What do I use to control the dog?
• Is there a specfic diet you need to you use? Or do they let you pick?

1. Legally? No. But it's highly recommended as it lowers the amount of questions and people coming up to pet the dog. The vest my dog wears has 3 patches, two that say "Service Dog" and one that says "Do Not Pet" It also has pockets for carrying things like ADA cards that I can show in case of access challenges.

2. Really depends on the dog and person but it's highly recommended that a trained Service Dog be able to work in only a leash and collar. However some people use things like a halti.

3. This depends on the organization. Some of the bigger organizations get sponsoring from certain pet food companies and therefore require you feed that food. Sadly most of the time that food's not good quality. Though most will let you pick, many won't let you feed a raw diet for fear of public safety (There really is not much more risk than with kibble)

I personally feed raw (Prey model or pre-made) I recommend going with a high quality, grain free kibble such as Orijen, Taste of the Wild, Wellness CORE, ect. What you feed your dog is very important as it has a big impact on energy level, health, temperament, ect.

I would highly recommend a dog. Mine helps me so much and was never specifically trained to do so
it's just in her nature. Sure there have been ridiculous vet bills, but to me, she is worth it.

"One thing to be warned when looking into a PSD is that they aren't for everyone. You have to deal with a lot of people staring, asking question, those that are afraid of dogs and people that will try and force you to leave because they don't know the laws. You really have to weigh the pros and cons."

I am glad you pointed this out! I think this is an issue that people don't really consider when they think about getting a service animal. In fact I hear people come up to me in public and talk about getting a service dog for one reason or another like its a new fad. There really aren't for everyone. It is a big responsibility. Not only in cost and having to care for the animal every day as you go through your day but you also have to deal with everyone in the free world who wants to ignore your "do not pet" signs, kids grabbing him, people who are afraid of them freaking out around you, people you are just jerks harassing you, etc, etc. And for those people who just want a service dog because it would be nice to have a dog fetch things for you shouldn't have one in the first place because if they are too lazy to take care of themselves they aren't going to be responsible enough to properly care for an animal.

I also think that therapist/doctors should not suggest to patients that they get a service animal. I have known people that this was the case and these people shouldn't even have children let alone care for an animal. It is very irresponsible.

Having said all of that. I think that service dogs can be very helpful for people with psychological issues. I have a service dog, for my physical disabilities but I get anxiety/panic attacks when I go to the doctor and hospital sometimes and having him with me has helped me to deal with this considerably.