Author: Codys

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Choose the Right Veterinarian for Your Dog

Choosing the right veterinarian to care for your service dog or emotional support animal can be challenging. It’s important to make sure they get the very best care available and enjoy the best possible quality of life. If you have a choice of animal hospitals (also called surgeries, clinics, and practices, depending on where you’re from), it requires a little care to decide which to use.

There are many factors to consider. It’s important to find a veterinarian who connects well with your service dog or emotional support animal. You’ll also want to evaluate who provides quality services and facilities at a cost you can afford (and in a location you can get to easily). In addition, you’ll need someone you feel comfortable with and who shares your views about animal-care.

We’ll share an overview of the important issues you should consider when choosing a veterinarian, and we’ll provide information about how to get recommendations, when to start the search, the factors you should think about, and the all practicalities you ought to consider. Our goal is to give you all the information you need to make the best choice for your service dog or emotional support dog.

Ask for Recommendations

One of the best ways to find a great veterinarian in your area is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, and people who work with animals locally, such as your trainer, groomer or breeder, a local boarding kennel employee, or pet sitter. It’s important to find people who share your attitudes towards animals, and who have the same sort of animal, as different pets have different needs.

If you are moving to a new area, ask your current veterinarian for a recommendation, and/or check with local area veterinary medical associations for a list of active members.

Check the Websites of Local Animal Hospitals, Clinics and Practices

A slick website does not necessarily mean the clinic or veterinarian is highly rated. Conversely, it’s also possible for an excellent veterinarian to have a terrible website (or none at all). It’s useful to check online for some of the practical aspects of your search, however. Most websites should offer important details, such as hours of operation, so you’ll know if the clinic is open during times that are convenient for you.

You should also be able to see the location of the practice and if parking or public transport is available. It’s more convenient if you can find a good veterinarian who is geographically close to you, since it will be much easier if you have an emergency and need to see them quickly. Proximity isn’t the most important factor, however. You might decide that it’s better to travel farther for someone who has a better reputation or a particular specialty.

Sometimes, you can even see see how many employees work at a specific practice, along with their qualifications. Good veterinarians will engage in continuing education, and you can also look for details of internships or residencies. The abbreviation ABVP indicates that they have completed 2-4 years of rigorous additional study following graduation that is certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. You can also check the website to see if the animal hospital has American Animal Hospital Accreditation.

American Animal Hospital Accreditation (AAHA)

In many states, it is not a legal requirement for animal hospitals to be externally assessed or accredited. In fact, only 12% of animal hospitals in the USA are accredited. While it is important to remember that there are many good animal hospitals in the USA that don’t have American Animal Hospital Accreditation (AAHA), this accreditation indicates that a clinic has been determined to consistently deliver care that is both safe and of the highest quality.

During the process of accreditation, the animal hospital completes an evaluation of services and equipment. A consultant then evaluates the hospital to check that it is meeting the 900+ standards required by the AAHA. The accreditation process is very thorough and includes an examination of areas such as surgical procedures, patient care, cleanliness, medical records, and leadership.

Remember, AAHA is a voluntary process and many good animal hospitals have elected to not undergo the process. If you choose a practice with AAHA accreditation, it will add a little peace of mind that they are providing services of the highest quality. If the surgery of your choice does not have AAHA, be sure to ask a few important questions (see below) so you can assess the quality of care yourself.

Don’t Wait Until Your Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal Is Sick

The best time to start looking for the right veterinarian for your service dog or emotional support animal is before you get your animal, or soon after they arrive. If you wait until they are sick, you might be under pressure to choose a veterinarian based on their availability rather than their reputation, service, or facilities.

Do some research, schedule a meeting and prepare a checklist of questions (see below) so you can get to know your veterinarian and assess whether you think the partnership will work when there is no emergency.

Meet Your Veterinarian

It’s a good idea to take your pet along to meet the veterinarian (if you can arrange a very short meeting) and see how they connect. Remember, your service dog or emotional support animal might feel stress at being in an unfamiliar environment and act accordingly, but a good veterinarian should be assertive, soothing, and able to calm him/her.

Although you’ll want to make sure your service dog or emotional support animal connects well with your veterinarian, it’s also important that the vet is good with people. In the future, you’ll likely have to follow instructions to take care of your pet after a procedure, so it’s important that you feel well informed, confident about their communication skills, and comfortable asking questions.

During your meeting, ask your potential veterinarian about their philosophy regarding animal health-care to make sure it makes sense to you. Briefly discuss key topics like attitudes toward spaying/neutering, planning for possible chronic disease, and even pet euthanasia. If you’re going to have an effective partnership with your veterinarian, it’s important to make sure you have reasonably similar views from the start. Your service dog or emotional support animal’s quality of life should be the most important issue for your veterinarian, as well as you.

Meet the Staff

It is equally important that you feel comfortable with the other staff at the surgery. During your visit take the time to meet the receptionists and any available technicians who may work there. If you have to telephone for appointments or information, you will speak to desk staff, so make sure they are approachable and knowledgeable. If your service dog or emotional support animal has surgery or spends time in the animal hospital for another reason, they will probably be cared for by the technicians, so take the opportunity to form an opinion of how competent and caring they seem.

Take A Tour of the Facilities

Take a close look at the facilities; the condition and cleanliness of the clinic can tell you a little about how they care about the work environment. A good animal hospital will be happy for you to take a tour and should show you all the facilities, unless there is a procedure taking place.

Try not to be put-off if the hospital seems busy with people and pets moving through the waiting area. A busy animal hospital typically indicates it is a popular one, so this is can be a positive sign.

Even if it’s busy, the clinic should be uncluttered, well-organized, and clean. It’s particularly important that you have a quick look at the areas where animals are treated, if possible. Trust your instincts. Would you feel happy leaving your service dog or emotional support animal here?

Don’t be afraid to ask for a quick tour. Aside from opening the facility to a quick view, a tour is also a great way to see what services are offered by the clinic, and reasons why you might need to be referred elsewhere.

Before you take a tour, think about the questions you would like to ask:

  • How long do you normally have to wait for a routine appointment?
  • Can you request an appointment with a specific veterinarian?
  • Is there an email or online system for booking appointments?
  • What is the telephone policy? Can you get advice over the phone and/or arrange for a veterinarian to call you back?
  • What happens in an emergency? Can you be seen immediately if your service dog or emotional support animal has a crisis requiring veterinarian attention? If it’s outside of office hours, will you be sent elsewhere? Will they even answer the phone?
  • If your service dog or emotional support animal needs to see a specialist, who will you be referred to? Will they be able to refer you to a board-certified specialist?
  • Is there a veterinarian on-site who specializes in dentistry?
  • What happens if your pet needs an MRI, x-ray, or ultrasound? Can these be performed in-house, or will you be referred elsewhere?
  • Is blood-work performed on-site? What about other diagnostic tests? Are lab tests done in-house?
  • If an overnight stay is required, are staff present 24/7 to monitor the animals?
Costs

The costs of veterinarians vary considerably, depending on location, facilities, and overhead, so it’s a good to get an idea about typical charges for routine procedures and compare with other clinics before you commit. It’s also a good idea to ask about payment methods, and if the costs can be split as many procedures can end up being very expensive.

If your service dog or emotional support animal needs to undergo a procedure or treatment, ask for a quote and make sure you ask for a breakdown of exactly what is included. Ask specifically if there are any additional costs you are likely to incur, such as for followups after the procedure. If you are in doubt about whether a procedure is necessary, remember you are within your rights to ask for a second opinion.

10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Veterinarian

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a the right veterinarian. To make it easier for you, here is a summary of our top ten tips.

  1. Recommendations – Ask people who share your attitudes to animals for recommendations. As well as friends and family, ask people who work with animals locally such as people who work in kennels, groomers, trainers and breeders.
  2. Practicalities – Will you be able to get to the practice easily? Consider the location, parking, public transport, opening hours and how long it usually takes to get an appointment.
  3. The Veterinarian – Are you happy that the veterinarian is the right person to take care of your service dog or emotional support animal? What qualifications do they have? Do they connect well with animals in general and your pet in particular? Do they have good communication skills? Do you feel at ease asking them questions?
  4. Other Staff – Do you feel confident in the other staff members at the practice? What qualifications do they have? Do they seem caring, competent and knowledgeable about the animals? Are they approachable?
  5. Facilities – Are the facilities at the surgery clean, well organized and up-to-date?
  6. Accreditation – Is the animal hospital accredited by the AAHA?
  7. Services – Does the clinic offer a broad range of services? Do they have in-house facilities for most procedures or will you be referred elsewhere?
  8. Specialists – Can the veterinarian refer you to a board-certified specialist if necessary?
  9. Emergencies – Can you see your veterinarian easily in case of emergency? If not, what are the arrangements for referrals to other emergency-care services?
  10. Finance – Are the costs for routine procedures comparable to other surgeries in the region? Does the surgery offer a payment plan?
Final Thoughts

Remember, it’s much better to start looking for the right veterinarian for your service dog or emotional support animal before they are sick or experiencing an emerging crisis. Request a tour of the animal hospital, meet the staff and ask as many questions as you need to assess whether the service is right for you. Keeping these factors in mind should help you find the perfect veterinarian for you and your service dog or emotional support animal.

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Proposed Emotional Support Animal Rules Divide Veteran Advocacy Groups

A current proposal by the US Department of Transportation (DoT) to change the law about flying with Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and service dogs could stop ESAs being recognized as service animals on aircraft.

If the proposed changes in the law are recognized, it would mean only trained psychiatric support dogs would be classed as Emotional Support Animals – and all other ESAs would be treated as pets. Only dogs would be recognized as service animals.

The proposed rules have divided veteran and disability advocacy groups. Some say that a change in the law could be devastating for many people, who would find it difficult or impossible to fly without their Emotional Support Animal. On the other hand, many people (including some disability advocates) think the current rules are too lax and putting the public at risk.

In this post, we’ll outline the proposed changes, and consider both sides of the argument. We’ll also take a look at the responses from some of the major veteran advocacy groups.

The Current Law

Currently, the Air Carrier Access Act of 1986, requires airlines to allow Emotional Support Animals to fly with their owner in the aircraft cabin free of charge.

All airlines ask for a signed letter from a licensed therapist or physician as standard, and some have additional requirements such as a signed form, identifying patches for Emotional Support Animal, a service leash and an ID card from a recognized body such as the National Service Animal Registry. Some also have a restriction on the species of animals that are accepted.

The Proposed Change for Traveling With Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals

In addition to the proposal that Emotional Service Animals will no longer be recognized as a service animal, there would also be a number of changes affecting service dogs, including:

  • Only dogs would be recognized as service animals
  • Airlines would be allowed to require passengers to complete a U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Health Form when traveling with a service dog
  • Airlines would be allowed to require passengers to remit a completed U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Behavior and Training Attestation Form when traveling with a service dog
  • Airlines would be allowed to require individuals traveling with a service animal on flights eight hours or longer to complete a U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation when traveling with a service dog
  • Service dogs would have to fit in the passenger’s lap or footwell
  • Airlines would be allowed to set restrictions about the number of service dogs a passenger could bring on board a plane
  • Service dogs would need to be on a leash
  • Service dog vests are not required but are recommended.

Are The Current Rules Too Lax?

Some veteran and disability advocacy groups cite the increase in complaints about service dogs and emotional support animals made by the public as a reason to review the rules. In 2018, US and international airlines reported 3065 complaints about service animals compared with 719 in 2013.

They say that the current discrepancies in the rules between different airlines and airports make it difficult for both people with disabilities and the general public to be clear about what is allowed. Currently, an Emotional Support Animal might be allowed on an aircraft, but not in a restaurant at the airport, for example.

There have been some reports that show people have made false claims that their pet is an Emotional Support Animal to avoid paying fees. In addition, accusations have been made that individuals acquire false certification to support their claim that they have a disability or their pet is an Emotional Support Animal. This can make it difficult for airline staff to identify genuine cases.

Some disability advocates claim that the fact that people have tried to fly with Emotional Support Animals of unusual species including peacocks, turkeys, and iguana, erodes public confidence in the system.

The Response From Advocacy Groups

Some veteran groups including K9s for Warriors and American Humane support the proposed change as they think the current rules are putting the public and the animals at risk.

Others, including the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) think the current rules are restrictive enough and argue that to make them stricter would be too limiting.

Most advocacy groups agree that the discrepancies in policies are unhelpful and the procedures should be tightened up to prevent people from taking advantage of the system and making false claims that their pets are Emotional Support Animals.

The fact remains, for many people making a journey without their Emotional Support Animal would be extremely difficult, or even impossible. There is a danger that some vulnerable people who require the support of their ESA would not be able to travel at all, which would be discriminatory.

Heather Ansley, from Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) made the following statement: “We do not support treating Emotional Support Animals like pets. Instead, we believe there needs to be a balance between enacting requirements to prevent travelers from taking advantage of access rules when flying with animals and limiting access for people with disabilities. Catastrophically disabled veterans already have more than enough access limits in air travel.”

The Challenge

It certainly is a challenge to make sure that air travel is safe for all customers and staff, and the system is not abused by people who claim they have an Emotional Support Animal in order to avoid paying fees. But it is also essential to make sure that people with disabilities are able to travel.

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Uber’s Ridesharing Service Dog Policy

Going on a trip with your Service Dog?

There are times when we need to travel with our Service Dog for business or pleasure, or even just a short trip to the vet.

Companies such as Uber have changed the way we think about taxis. Whereas they used to be considered an expensive way to travel, they are now much more affordable, commonplace and easy to arrange.

It’s reassuring to know we have the option of using Uber when we need to be somewhere quickly and safely with our Service animal.

This aim of this article is to give you all the information you need to book a ride with Uber for you and your Service Dog. We’ll cover your rights and responsibilities and what to do if something goes wrong.

Do all Uber cars take Service Dogs?

Yes, the right for anyone with a Service animal to ride in a car booked through the Uber App is protected by both state and federal law. In addition, Uber as a company is very supportive of people with Service Dogs. They consider that the company has a role to play helping people with Service Dogs travel easily, and they take this role very seriously.

Uber drivers are not allowed to refuse to drive you and your Service animal even if they are allergic to animals, or have a religious or cultural objection. They are not allowed to refuse your trip even if they have a phobia about dogs.

All drivers working with Uber have been made aware of the Service Dog policy. In other words, they know they are legally obliged to take customers with a Service Dog and they have agreed to do this.

Uber has established systems in place so all new and existing drivers receive an in-app notification that they have to acknowledge in order to demonstrate that they accept their obligations to transport Service animals and their owners. In addition, all drivers receive a quarterly email reminding them of these legal and contractual obligations and general information about transporting Service Dogs.

If a driver refuses to take anyone because they have a Service Dog with them, they would be breaking their agreement with Uber, it would be considered discrimination and their contract with Uber would be terminated.

Will I be charged a fee for riding with my Service animal?

No. An Uber driver cannot charge you a fee for traveling with your Service Dog.

Furthermore, if your trip is canceled or you incur any other fees from Uber because you had a Service Dog with you, you will be refunded.

You cannot be charged a cleaning fee for your Service animal because of shedding. You may be charged a cleaning fee if the dog urinates, defecates or vomits in an Uber car, but only on the third occasion. If you receive a cleaning fee by email for this reason and don’t agree with it, or it’s only the first or second occasion that it’s happened, you can contest it by responding to the email.

What happens if a driver refuses to take a customer with a Service Dog?

If any driver is suspected of refusing to allow someone with a Service animal to ride in their car, or discriminates against them in another way, they would not be allowed to drive for Uber anymore.

If a complaint is made about a driver concerning discrimination but there isn’t enough evidence against them, the complaint will be kept on record. If repeated complaints are made against a driver, they would be permanently prevented from driving for Uber.

Do I need proof that my dog is a Service Animal?

No, you are not required to carry any written documentation that your dog is a trained service animal. The driver is not allowed to ask for any proof. Uber drivers are only allowed by law to ask you two questions about your dog:

  1. Is the dog required because of a disability?
  2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

In addition, your dog is not required to wear an identification tag or anything else to indicate that he is registered as a Service animal. If you say your dog is a Service Dog, the driver should take your word.

Should I inform the driver in advance that I am bringing my Service Dog?

Although you are not legally obligated to inform the driver in advance that you are bringing your Service dog on a trip, you might feel more comfortable doing so as a courtesy and the driver might appreciate it too so he is better prepared.

Many drivers carry a towel or a blanket for dogs to use, but again you might feel more comfortable bringing one your Service animal is familiar with and you know is clean.

What should I do if I have a complaint about Uber concerning my Service Dog?

If a driver refuses to take you because you have a Service animal with you, cancels your ride for this reason, charges you improper cleaning fees or harasses you in any way, you are invited to submit a complaint against him to Uber.

Uber has a specialist support team who are responsible for investigating, documenting and resolving all complaints made about violations of their Service animal Policy.

Following their investigation, the support team will get back to you within a week to let you know the outcome and the action taken. They would, for example, tell you if the driver’s contract has been terminated as a result of your complaint or if there wasn’t enough evidence on this occasion but a record has been kept and could be used to support any future cases of discrimination.

If the support team find that the driver has violated his Uber Technology Support Agreement or Uber’s Service Dog Policy, his contract with Uber will be terminated. If an Uber driver’s contract is terminated as a result of a complaint made by you, you will be informed and receive a $25 account credit from the company.

You can file a complaint either through the Uber App, or the website.

To file a complaint using the Uber App, use the I Want To Report A Service Animal Issue screen that can be assessed from either the Trip Details screen or the Account Menu button.

To file a complaint using the Uber website, click on I Want To Report A Service Animal Issue or go through the Help link.

Further information about Uber’s Service Dog Policy including full details of how to make a complaint is available from this website.

Can I bring a non-Service Dog in an Uber car?

Whereas Drivers are legally obliged to allow Service Dogs to travel in their cars with their owners, they are allowed to use their discretion about non-Service Dogs.

If you plan to take a non-Service Animal on a trip in an Uber car, the company suggest you message the driver through the Uber App once your ride request has been accepted to let him know.

It is good practice to minimize mess by bringing a blanket or a crate for your pet to sit on during the journey. It helps to for your service dog to wear a service vest. It minimizes problems. Get one here.

3 Top tips for traveling in cars with dogs

Your Service Dog will have had training on traveling by car, but it might have been a while ago and you might feel nervous about taking him in a taxi rather than a car he is familiar with.

Here is some general advice about traveling in a car with your Service Dog.

1. Take him for a walk first

Before you travel make sure your Service Dog is properly exercised as he is likely to be confined for a while which can be uncomfortable for him.

Taking him for a good walk before you get into the car will allow him to use some energy and relieve himself.

2. Don’t feed him just before your trip

Don’t give your Service Dog a big meal before you get in the car as the motion might make him sick. Either give him a small meal, take his food with him or wait until he gets home.

If your dog has a history of getting car sick and you need to take him on a long journey ask your vet for advice. He might give him medication or have other suggestions that could help.

3. Be prepared

All dogs have accidents sometimes, so make sure you’re prepared with wipes and a plastic bag.

The driver will appreciate it if you bring a towel or rug for your dog to sit on to avoid mess from shedding or accidents. It’s always a good idea to bring water and a small bowl so your Service Dog can have a drink.

4. Put your dog in the footwell or use a harness

Your Service Dog has probably been trained to sit in the footwell of the car and this is the safest place for him. If you need him to be in your lap or on the seat make sure the window is closed because he might be tempted to stick his head out in the breeze which is very dangerous. If you frequently take your Service Dog in a car it would be worth investing in a special harness that clips to the seat belt.

5. Take short trips frequently

It’s a good idea to take your Service Dog on short trips frequently so he gets used to the procedure and experience of taking a taxi. It would be reassuring for you to know that in an emergency you can order an Uber and both you and your Service Dog are comfortable and familiar with the process.

If you are planning a long trip with your Service Dog build up to it with a few shorter trips.

6. Never leave your animal in a parked car

If you’re taking your dog out in any car, remember never to leave them inside the car when it is parked. Cars get dangerously hot very quickly and your dog could get severely dehydrated.

7. Make sure your dog wears an identity tag

It is very important that your Service Dog can be identified just in case the worst happens and he loses you. Make sure he has an identification tag and is microchipped. This is especially important if you are taking a trip and he will be in an unfamiliar environment.

Final Words

To summarize, you are allowed by law to take your Service Dog with you in an Uber car, and the driver cannot refuse on any grounds, even if he has an allergy, religious or cultural objections or a phobia of dogs.

You will not be charged an additional fee for traveling with your Service Dog, or even a cleaning fee if he sheds. If he makes a mess that involves bodily fluids, you may be charged only on the third occasion it happens.

If you believe you have been discriminated against because you have a Service Dog, either by being refused a ride, charged improper fees or harassed in any way, you are invited to make a complaint either through the Help section of the Uber App, or by clicking on I Want To Report A Service Animal Issue. If you simply want to contest a charge, you can do so by replying to the email you receive.

There are times when we need to travel with our Service Dogs, for work, pleasure, or even to take them to the vet. It’s reassuring to know that we have the option of using Uber and that this right is not only protected by law but also fully supported by the Uber company.

We hope this article has clarified your rights and responsibilities and given you the confidence to know how to use Uber with your Service Dog.

Happy traveling!

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How Service Dogs Help People with PTSD

According to the American Disabilities Act, or ADA, service animals are those that have been trained to perform certain tasks for a disabled person. These tasks may include physical activity or emotional support. Service dogs are commonly used to help those that are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly referred to as PTSD. These service dogs have been specifically trained to assist someone that has experienced some form of significant trauma.

What PTSD Service Dogs are Trained to Do

It’s important to understand first that service dogs are not pets. For this line of work, most dogs are trained from their early years by specialists to become service dogs. These dogs then receive further training to match their companions’ disabilities. These disabilities can be physical like visual or hearing impairment, loss of a limb, etc., or invisible illnesses like diabetes, anxiety, PTSD, depression, etc. PTSD service dogs receive specialized training to sense the symptoms and assist during times of crisis. The following list of tasks defines the job responsibilities of a PTSD service dog best:

  1. Anticipates an anxiety or panic attack and gets their handler away from the trigger
  2. If the attack sets in, the service dog can disrupt the cycle and bring water and medication 
  3. Recognizes hormone changes through sweat and changes in blood pressure and heart rate and initiates physical touch to calm the handler
  4. Assists in the time of depression
  5. Protects handler from getting overcrowded by creating a barrier
  6. Interrupts nightmares by waking the handler and switching on lights
  7. PTSD service dogs are also trained for positional commands. For example, PTSD service dogs for veterans can stand behind the veteran in public to create a sense of safety.

Not all service dogs receive the same training. The training depends on the companion they need to be matched with. PTSD service dog training is quite extensive and the training fortifies the behaviors enough so that the dog can perform the tasks under the maximum amount of distraction. Apart from its tasks, the non-judgmental companionship and support that service dogs provide have emotional and therapeutic value. This is why service dogs work so well as a complementary intervention to mainstream therapies and medication.

How a Service Dog Helps Alleviate PTSD Symptoms

Provide Security

There are a variety of incidents that could cause someone to suffer from PTSD. If a patient has been a victim of an assault, this could cause them to fear leaving their home. A service dog can serve as both a companion and as security for that person. The existence of a dog may make them feel protected, should they fear that someone might enter their home or approach them. As a victim of assault, they may also fear leaving their home by themselves. A service dog can serve as a companion so that they will never be alone, potentially causing them less stress or fear that something might happen.

Self-Sufficiency

Those suffering from PTSD may find it more difficult to live independently and completing certain tasks, such as taking medication or sleeping through the night. Those that use a service dog tend to take their medication more regularly. Additionally, they sleep better through the night with the assistance of a companion so they function better the next day. The assistance of a service animal with these daily tasks will allow those suffering from PTSD to function better independently.

Greater Coping Skills

The assistance of a service dog can help someone suffering from PTSD cope better with their situation and receive help from others. Dogs that have been trained to help with PTSD have certain behavioral traits that will be observed by the person. The presence of the dog will also force the person suffering from the condition to focus on the animal, as they will be playful and loving. This focus on something other than what has caused their condition will help them become less anxious and more self-sufficient.

Modulate Stress Level and Tone of Voice

PTSD can cause increased stress levels and a change in the tone of voice, potentially making communicating with others a difficult process. When working with a service dog in the comfort of their own home, they will need to reduce stress and use a certain tone of voice in order for the dog to react to their commands. This will allow them to practice adjusting these attributes so that they will know how to control them when associating with other people.

A Loving Companion

A major impact of PTSD is that the person suffering from the condition may be unhappy due to the feeling of isolation, stress, and uneasiness around others. In addition to providing a feeling of security and confidence, a service dog is a loving companion. This will allow the person suffering from PTSD to feel less isolated and happier in their daily life.

Post-traumatic stress disorder can be caused by a variety of factors and be very difficult to overcome. The assistance of a service animal with psychiatric service dog registration will allow that person to be more independent and happier in their daily life. Contact the National Service Animal Registry if you’re looking for a service animal to help with PTSD.

Flashbacks

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is becoming increasingly common among adolescents, adults, war veterans, and even children. Loss of a loved one, living alone, family problems, war, and other traumatic events change people’s lives dramatically. Before you know it, you start getting panic attacks, mood swings, flashbacks to the distressing event, and find yourself unable to adjust to social settings. And then it all becomes so overwhelming that it is no longer possible for you to return to life as you knew it.

Sometimes the flashbacks get so intense that you find yourself spiraling down deeper into it with no way of getting out. This is where PTSD service dogs can help. A psychiatric service dog is adept at understanding that you are having a flashback episode through your bodily changes like increased heart rate and blood pressure, hormonal imbalances, changes in your facial expression, etc. They can immediately jump in to break the cycle. If the flashback happens during sleep, your PTSD service dog will wake you up, switch on the lights, open doors, and bring help in extreme situations. This support helps the sufferer to regain control and manage emotions to get out of the episode. 

Flashbacks are common among war veterans and usually involve visual and auditory memories of combat. This is also known as “Dual awareness” where the sufferer is unable to distinguish between the hallucination and reality. PTSD service dogs for veterans can recognize the symptoms and help bring the sufferer back to reality. These dogs act as a comforting presence for war veterans and also as a sleeping aid.

Connecting With Your Friends and Family

PTSD is isolating. You feel uncomfortable in a social setting. You no longer want to participate in family gatherings, go out with your friends, take your spouse out to dinner, make new friends, and so on. As you begin to overcome the problems of PTSD with the help of a service dog, you will feel safe to do all of these activities and reconnect with your friends and family. 
A study has found that pet owners are highly likely to meet new people. A quarter of the participants in the study mentioned that they made at least one new friend rather than acquaintances. In fact, dog owners are five times more likely to meet new people than other pet owners. Dog walking is one of the best ways to make these new acquaintances. So when you have a PTSD service dog with you, you will feel more confident outdoors and build new networks.

Preventing Overcrowding

Sometimes a panic attack can be triggered when people encroach upon your personal space in public. Not everybody understands the concept of personal space. Sometimes you may not even see the person coming up behind you and into your comfort bubble. A PTSD dog will alert you of any such triggers so that you can take the necessary precautions.

At the time of panic attacks, your service dog can create a barrier around you and protect you from getting overcrowded. If someone is coming up close behind you, your service dog can reposition itself and nose your hand to let you know that someone is behind you. This will alert you to potential threats.

Register Your PTSD Service Dog

National Service Animal Registry provides psychiatric service dog registration services. With our services, certifying your PTSD service dog is easy. Our legitimate service dog registration services have been used over 215K times since 1995. Registering your PTSD service dog with us provides benefits like inclusion in the online service dog database, lifetime registration, frameable embossed certificate, ID card, leash clip, service dog vest, leash, collar, etc. 

While it is not necessary for your dog to wear a service vest, it is still helpful since many dogs associate the vest with being on duty. Apart from these, you can also apply for a PTSD letter from a licensed medical health practitioner. This will be the documentation you need when anyone questions you about your accompanying PTSD service dog.
Get your PTSD Service Dog Letter today!

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Service Collars for Your Service Dog

Service dogs play an important role in the lives of their owners. Intended to help individuals who are suffering from a disability, service animals can help their owners perform tasks and make their lives easier on a day-to-day basis. There’s a wide range of people who suffer from varying disabilities that can benefit from having a service dog. Whether it’s a physical, sensory, intellectual, or psychiatric disability, the range of tasks service dogs can perform can provide relief to a wide variety of people with disabilities.

Your service dog is working when it’s with you and needs to be focused in order to do its job well. When strangers come up to pet your dog, it distracts them from their main purpose, which is serving you. This makes it all the more important to equip your furry friend with accessories that establish their service animal status. Your service dog collar should not only let others know that your dog is a service animal, but it also should be comfortable for your dog to wear. You’ll also want to purchase a collar that is easy to put on and take off. If you’re eager to find the best service dog collar for your helpful companion, read on to learn what factors you should be considering.

Identification

This is perhaps the most important element of your service dog collar. People need to know that your service dog isn’t just any pet; it’s actively working. Buy a collar that is brightly colored and features emblems or text that indicate its service animal status. This will ensure that strangers aren’t stopping to pet your service dog and will respect the fact that your dog is on the job.

Type

Whether you prefer a standard flat collar or a head collar, be sure that the type of collar you choose works well for both you and your dog. A head collar is ideal for dogs that always want to be moving, as they give you the ability to leverage their pulling power. If your service dog has a slender neck, you should consider a martingale collar. Perfect for greyhounds and Irish setters, martingale collars will ensure your pup isn’t able to slip out of their harness and scamper off. Just be sure that the type of dog collar you purchase will work well for you and your service animal.

Comfort

If your service dog isn’t comfortable, they’ll have a harder time focusing on your needs as opposed to their own. You also likely care about the well-being of your animal, so buying them a collar that doesn’t cause them discomfort is important. If you notice your service animal is constantly scratching their neck or see that the collar is hugging them too tightly, it may be time to consider a new collar. In order for your dog to adequately handle its responsibilities, you need to outfit them with a comfortable collar.

If you’re ready to purchase an official service dog collar, contact National Service Animal Registry! We sell a wide variety of products for service animals and emotional support animals. Shop our inventory at www.nsarco.com/products/.

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Train an Emotional Support Dog to Calm Anxiety

Emotional support animals (ESAs)  are known as dependable companions for individuals with emotional or mental disorders. In contrast to service dogs, emotional support dogs don’t need special training and provide physical assistance to disabled people. However, it doesn’t mean that emotional support dogs will be untrained or behave badly. There is no federal law that requires an emotional support dog to receive specific training before registration, a well-behaved and well-trained Emotional Support dog is simply recognized by others, particularly when you travel with it in an aircraft cabin or are looking for new accommodation. If you’re planning to adopt or purchase a dog for emotional support, or if you intend to train your pet dog, you will follow the guidelines below before you start the training.

What Is an Emotional Support dog?

Emotional support dogs are quite different from service dogs when the thing comes to purpose. Instead of helping in physical activities, Emotional Support Animals dogs provide emotional support to their owners. A dog does not have to undergo any special training just to become an Emotional Support dog. However, the dog should be well-behaved and respond better to his handler. With this, it is essential to consider the traits of dogs to ensure that he can perform the job well. Generally, you will need a dog with a laid-back and mellow nature.

Some of your perfect choices include:

  • Border Collie
  • Labrador Retriever
  • Poodle
  • Bulldog
  • Bullmastiff

Now, this does not mean that you cannot get breeds that are not as subdued. You can get a high-spirited dog or one that is full of energy if you need it. There will not be any issue with that as long as you are willing to spend time and effort in training them to behave. Speaking of training, here is what you want to know.

Qualities of Emotional Support Dogs

The features of a puppy depend almost completely on its parents and breed. Few dogs were born aggressive, over-excited or timid, but it doesn’t mean that these imperfect personalities can never become an emotional support dog if they received the training to do so. An about 1-year-old with a calm and responsible personality can start training. It’s also perfect to look for breeds that are more human orientated and eager to learn like Poodles and Golden Retrievers.

Basic Obedience Training

After selecting a dog, you will start the course with obedience training, involving Heel, Sit, Stop, Down, and Come, etc. The sooner you start with these lessons, the easy it will be to train your emotional support dog. Apart from obedience training, going outside to socialize will also be trained to prevent anti-social behavior like begging, barking, lunging or jumping for food.

Emotional Support Dog Training

Various of the people who need an emotional support dog frequently suffer from autism, anxiety, and are susceptible to self-harming behavior for many reasons. Several studies suggest that the presence of a dog aids to calm these patients and reduce the possibility of recurring stressful attacks. In these cases, properly trained, emotional support dogs apply suitable pressure on the body of owners, chest or other body parts depending on the size of the dog. For instance, a little Papillion will lie directly on the chest of owners, but a tall Alaskan Malamute has to place its feet or head across the lap or legs of owners. This method is particularly appropriate for people who suffer from airsickness. Here’s how to teach your dog this skill.

Step 1: Paws Up Command (On The Sofa)

If your dog has to get used to sitting on the sofa, you can need to tempt it with a few tasty treats. The first step is to show your dog the treats, whilst at the same time slow-moving to the sofa and giving the Paws up command. Give it the treat when you’re near the sofa.

Step 2: Repeat The Exercise

The result of the exercise depends on whether your dog is willing to join you on the sofa, so you can need to practice it patiently, particularly with an adult dog. If you’re a little dog, the main goal is to have all 4 paws on the sofa. Whilst it’s like a big breed to place only the front paws or head on the sofa. Repeat this exercise with treats unless it comprehends what this command generally means.

Step 3: Paws Off Command

The next step is to train emotional support dog to take paws away in the paws off command. This procedure wants to reverse the paws up exercise and wants to take your dog off the sofa with the paws off command.

Step 4: Keep Emotional Support Dog On the Sofa

To calm your anxiety, your dog will apply physical pressure to you. In the case of a little dog, it’s perfect to call it to hug you while it’s lying vertically beside your body, with its paws on your shoulder and its head near yours. While a big dog will put its paws on your legs or lap and keep its head down when you’re in a sitting position. After you will say paws up, followed by the command as soon as it sits next to you. Provide the dog a treat after finishing this task and order it to place its paws down. After some time, try to command your emotional support dog without offering it treats to understand that this is a task instead of a reward game.

Conclusion

Having a dog around can relieve your stress. However, if you’re dealing with significant emotional or psychological impairments, an emotional support dog can be an amazing therapeutic treatment. Click here to find out more about qualifying.

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New York, NY: A Great Place to Visit with Your Service Do

If there is any city in the world that people dream of visiting, it’s New York. This iconic city is filled with amazing things to see, from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State building, as well as the home of dozens of TV shows, and the inspiration of novels.

If you’ve always wanted to see New York, or are planning to move there, you may be wondering if it’s a safe place to bring a dog. New York has many places that are dog friendly, whether you want to get a bite with your emotional support animal, or see the sights with the help of your service dog. Here are a few great places you can bring your dog, whether he is a working one or not.

Great places to eat with your dog

Taking your emotional support animal or pet to a restaurant isn’t always easy. Most restaurants frown on anything but a service dog entering their premises, making it difficult to take your pet with you when you go out to eat. Fortunately, NYC has an abundance of dog friendly locations to eat out at, and here are two of them.

The Wilson

If your service dog has been a very good boy, taking him along to Chelsea restaurant The Wilson will get his tail wagging for sure. Not only is this high end restaurant dog friendly, it also has a fancy menu especially for dogs.

Unlike many restaurants that offer a burger patty or other simple fair, your dog can dine on salmon or even a choice steak at this restaurant. All dogs are welcome, so if you want your emotional support animal to try a little grilled chicken breast or other treat, your dog is welcome. Join them at 132 W 27th St New York, NY 10001

Cookshop

The Cookshop not only features an amazing breakfast menu, it also has a huge patio with plenty of room for you and your service dog to enjoy. Shade is available when its hot, and there’s also a lot of greenery on 10th ave, making it even more appealing for dog owners. You can try out their American style menu at 156 10th Ave New York, NY 10011

Stay at the Park Lane Hotel

This beautiful hotel has an incredible view of New York City’s famous Central Park. They are ADA compliant, and even have their own pet package, including a bed, poop bags, bowls, treats and a list of pet friendly events you can take your pet to.

Your service dog will appreciate the ease of access to potty spots, and you’ll love the accessible nature of the hotel. It’s perfect for everyone. Stop by at 36 Central Park S , New York, New York 10019.

Visit Central Park

Central Park is an enormous green space both you and your dog will love. The park is, of course, open to all animals, from your emotional support animal to your service dog. Dogs are allowed off leash in the early morning and late evening, and must be on-leash the rest of the time. Basic responsible dog ownership rules apply, such as picking up after your dog and maintaining voice control over your pet when he is not on leash.

There are a few areas where dogs are not permitted at any time except for service dogs, such as the sheep meadow and the playgrounds, for safety reasons, and also certain areas where your dog must be leashed even during off leash time. This includes the bridle path and the Conservatory, again for the safety of the grounds, animals, and other people.

Central Park is huge with multiple entrances. You can access the park from 59th to 110th Street Manhattan Borough, and from Central Park West to 5th Avenue, New York City, NY 10022

Give your Service Dog some off duty fun at Sirius Dog run

The Sirius Dog Run is an off-leash area that pays tribute to the service dogs who helped during the devastating 9/11 attacks. If you have a working animal such as a service dog or an emotional support animal, it’s particularly appropriate that you make this off-leash dog park a stop for your furry friend.

The dog park offers a wading area for the dogs, and while it is small it is one of the most popular dog parks in New York City. Check this park out at 385 S End Ave, New York City, NY, US, 72758.

Go Hiking on NYC’s only natural hiking trail

Inwood Hill Park Trail is the only natural hiking trail on Manhattan Island. The 2 mile hike has a few slopes that will provide you and your service dog with exercise, while at the same time being a beautiful trail that provides epic views of the city. Check it out yourself at 22-90 Payson Ave, New York City, NY, US, 10034

Your dog must be on a 6 foot or shorter leash for this trail, but is welcome to go with you for this hour long walk in nature. It’s a great place to bond with your emotional support animal, or to spend time with your dog in general.

Need a vet?

You depend on your service dog to help you in your daily life. If he gets ill, that means you will suffer too. That is why knowing where a quality vet is no matter what city you travel to is vitally important. One of the best vets in NYC is Hudson Animal Hospital at 238 W 61st Street New York, NY 10023. They can provide emergency care for your service dog, as well as a wide range of other procedures, and of course normal preventative care.

If your service dog needs medical attention while you are visiting NYC, this is a great choice for care.

Take your dog to coffee in the bark

On the first Saturday of every month, you can gather at Prospect Park with other dog owners for coffee and treats for both you and your dog. This is a great opportunity to socialize your emotional support animal, and to meet other people who share your love for dogs. The 9th street entrance is the closest address to this event, located at Prospect Park West (at 9th St.) Brooklyn, NY 11215.

New York City has many wonderful places you can take your dog, whether you own a service dog, an emotional support animal, or just a pet. Enjoy NYC and its many wonders, and take your dog with you. They’ll love it as much as you.

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Service Dog and ESA Breed Restrictions Take Lift Off by Airlines

It’s always important to understand your rights when it comes to your service or emotional support animal (ESA). Understanding the rules and guidelines of living or traveling with your animal can make life a lot easier. However, sometimes these rules and guidelines can become confusing when one entity has its own set of rules, and the federal government has another. This gray area has become apparent when it comes to flying with an ESA or service animal. You may have heard recent news headlines referencing emotional support dogs, and how certain airlines are hoping to put restrictions on specific breeds. If you were confused by these announcements, you’re not alone. Here’s a quick summary to help you understand everything you need to know about the new guidelines for flying with a service or emotional support animal.

Airlines Are Prohibited from Banning Certain Breeds

When Delta Airlines attempted to put a ban on “pit bull-like breeds,” it received pushback from the US Transportation Department. The department puts out guidelines that clearly state that airlines are not allowed to place breed restrictions on service dogs or emotional support dogs. This news comes after an airline crew member was bitten by an emotional support animal and required five stitches. However, the airline did not disclose the breed of the dog that was involved in the incident.

Airlines Are Allowed an Individualized Assessment

Even though airlines cannot simply ban certain animal breeds, they are allowed to review emotional support dogs on a case-by-case basis. For instance, if you’re attempting to buy a ticket to fly with your emotional support animal, any airline can require you to purchase the ticket in person and bring your emotional support dog in for a review. They want to make sure that the animal does not pose a risk to other passengers or airline crew members.

Concerns About Fraudulent ESA’s

Much of this debate stems from concerns that some passengers are abusing the emotional support animal system that the US Transportation Department has in place. They’ve stated that many online ESA companies aren’t following proper protocols when it comes to registering an animal. This has led to many people who are not in need of an ESA to register animals that aren’t fit to fly. Over a million passengers have flown with service animals or emotional support animals over the last year. Unfortunately, there’s been a spike in incidents with untrained animals biting or misbehaving on flights. Because of this, most airlines will require animals to be reviewed individually before entering a flight.

How to Properly Register Your Animal

If you’d like to register your dog or animal to be an ESA, it’s important to go with legitimate registry systems, such as the National Service Animal Registry. We can help you understand how to properly register your animal, how to receive a certified ESA vest for your animal, and what your rights are.

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Training Your Service Dog for Anxiety: Steps to Follow

Anxiety disorders are some of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Millions of people suffer from severe anxiety every year. Thankfully, we’ve recently discovered that trained service dogs can provide a lot of comfort and relief for those who experience regular anxiety or panic attacks. If you believe that you can benefit from having an emotional support dog to help ease your anxiety, you’ve come to the right place! Below is a brief step-by-step guide to help you choose and train your emotional support dog and receive a registered emotional support dog letter.

#1 Choosing the Right Dog for You

You may be a lover of all dog breeds, but there are particular breeds out there that are better fit for comfort and support. It’ll all come down to a dog’s temperament, which is basically a combination of his personality, instinctual behavior, and natural ability to follow instructions. This means that you may want to avoid breeds that are more aggressive or hyper. Experts recommend looking for dogs that are social, alert, focused, and don’t become easily startled. When you meet a new puppy, you’ll most likely know right away if it’s the right service dog for you!

#2 Begin the Bonding Process

It’s important for you and your dog to get to know each other while he’s still a youthful pup! He needs to understand your behavior and personality just as much as you need to understand his. When you start to bond, you can begin to lay the groundwork for his job, which is to detect your rising anxiety levels. The more time you spend together, the more he’ll start to understand this and be able to detect the difference between your relaxed state and your anxious state.

#3 Begin Basic Training

Remember that your service dog will be able to accompany you in public places, so it’s incredibly important for him to be properly trained. He should be able to follow basic commands such as sit, stay, lay down, heel, and come. It’s common for this to be a bit difficult for dog owners, especially if they’ve never trained a dog before. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional dog trainer to help guide you through the basic training process.

#4 Begin Anxiety Response Training

Once you and your dog have had time to bond and perfect basic commands, you can start to target his response to your anxiety. You can do this in a number of different ways, such as cuddling him when anxiety hits or giving him a treat when you feel anxious. He’ll naturally start to pick up on the change in your energy and begin to understand that he should remain close when you’re experiencing anxiety.

#5 Register Your Service Dog

Once you feel your dog is prepared to be an official emotional support dog or service dog, then it’s time to get him registered! Our website has all the information you need to properly register your dog and receive your emotional support dog letter. We also provide therapist referrals, information on housing rights, and even emotional support products for your pup!

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What Dogs Make the Best Service Dogs: An In-Depth Analysis

Service dogs are becoming more common and accepted nowadays. It’s clear that a service dog can offer physical, mental, and emotional support throughout your day. If you’ve been thinking about getting a service dog, it’s important to find the right breed to give you the support that you need. But with all of the different breeds out there, how do you decide what kind of dog would be the right service dog for you? It’s essential to take your time and do your research when it comes to choosing the right service dog. Choosing the wrong kind of dog can be a waste of time and money. It can also be emotionally taxing to attempt to train a dog that’s not the right fit. Here’s an in-depth analysis explaining how to find the right furry pal for you.

Reflect on Your Own Needs

When attempting to find the right service dog for you, it’s important to reflect on what it is that you want out of a service dog. For instance, if you’re facing physical challenges and you don’t feel comfortable leaving the house without some sort of assistance, a bigger breed could be right for you. Larger breeds, like Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds, can offer strength and balance when navigating your neighborhood. If you’re looking for an emotional support dog that can sense anxiety and offer you a sense of calm, be sure to look for breeds that have a gentle temperament. What’s most important at this stage is to know how a service dog can help you personally.

Consider Your Environment and Lifestyle

Once you’re aware of the goals you have with a service dog, then you can start to narrow down your search. Next, it’s important to take your environment and lifestyle into consideration. This can help you to choose the right size dog and one that fits well in your climate. For instance, if you live in a warm climate that’s hot most of the year, it’s important to find a breed that can handle the heat. If your dog is consistently uncomfortable, he or she may not make the best support companion. Also, take your lifestyle into consideration. If you travel often, dogs under 25 pounds are the most convenient to keep by your side when you’re on the go.

Match Your Energy Levels

Remember that different breeds have different energy levels. This is one common mistake that many people make when choosing a support dog. It takes time and energy to train a dog. If a dog is hyper, training stages require more time and energy than you may think. If you want an intelligent dog to help with daily tasks, Border Collies could be an excellent choice. However, it’s important to know that Border Collies also require a lot of attention and exercise. If you suffer from fatigue or other disabilities that keep you stationary, a high-energy dog could end up causing more stress in your life. Before you complete service dog registration, speak to the experts at places like the National Service Animal Registry to explore your options and assure yourself you’ve made the right choice. Contact a representative today!