Emotional support animals (ESAs) are pets (usually dogs and cats) who provide vital assistance to people suffering from a mental illness. While it’s become increasingly acceptable in recent years to talk openly about the struggles of living with a mental illness, not everyone who could qualify for an ESA is taking advantage of the life-changing difference living with an ESA can make. To qualify for an ESA, pet owners need to have a letter from a mental health professional verifying that they’re living with a disability, so there is a process you have to go through in order to have your pet registered as an emotional support animal. Tags can denote your pet’s status, and there are certification costs, but the benefits associated with ESAs far outweigh the cost and effort.
Reducing Stress
One of the principal benefits from living with an ESA is the impact they have on lowering stress levels. If you suffer from anxiety, having your pet present with you in public spaces will diminish the feelings of alienation you may feel. Time spent with your pet releases endorphins which make it easier for you to cope with anxiety, and the mere act of petting your ESA produces a calming feeling that helps you deal with stressful situations.
Increasing Socialization
Dogs are perfect ice breakers. If you feel nervous around strangers and crowds, your ESA will make it easier to engage in conversations in a positive way. Having a pet you can take anywhere encourages you to get out more and go for long walks where you can expect to meet and interact with other people and their pets. This offers the positive reinforcement from meeting and talking to people you might not get without an ESA.
Greater Responsibility Brings Fulfillment
When you’re taking care of a pet, you transfer your attention from yourself to another living being. If you’re afraid of flying for instance, it can be tremendously helpful to comfort your pet and give them the kind of support that someone might give you. Feeding and caring for your ESA helps divert your thoughts away from things that might be troubling you and offers a sense of satisfaction from knowing the love you give your ESA is returned to you tenfold.
Keeping You in the Present
If you tend to dwell on your own insecurities and problems that upset you, ESAs force you concentrate on the moment at hand. Dogs and cats don’t fixate on issues affecting them in the past or future; they’re always present in the now. This is one of the most instructive things about pets. When you’re with them, petting them and talking to them, you’re as present in the moment as they are and less likely to focus on negative thoughts and fears.
If you would like to take advantage of the benefits offered by emotional support animals, contact the National Service Animal Registry. We’ve been providing people with emotional support animal certification since 1995. To certify your ESA, visit our certification page or give us a call at (866) 737-3930. Get your pet registered today!
When you have a service dog, there’s an extra element of planning that goes into a vacation. Between pet needs, recreation, dog-friendly hotels and restaurants, and good weather, you want to make sure that man’s best friend is as comfortable on your trip as you are. While the U.S. has excellent places to visit, these 10 cities, in particular, are ideal to visit with your service dog.
City Criteria
These cities were evaluated based on pet needs like access to veterinarians and pet stores as well as pet recreation areas provided by dog-friendly beaches, trails, and activities. The city profile was also evaluated by walkability, days of sunshine, dog-friendly hotels and restaurants.
1. Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale is known for having nearly 300 days of sunshine daily and is an all-around family-friendly destination, even for your furriest member. There are dozens of dog-friendly hotels, six dog parks, nine trails, top-rated emergency vets, and a whopping 117 restaurants that you can bring your dog to. Due to the Arizona heat, this is a great spot to take your service dog from September to April. Sunny days are abundant without unbearable heat.
2. Charleston, SC
Although coming in after Scottsdale, Charleston still ranks above average for U.S. cities with 209 days of sunshine. It’s a popular destination for family vacations and weddings because of its southern charm. The outdoor activities and pet-friendly hotels will keep you and your service dog content throughout your trip.
3. Jacksonville, FL
You can never get enough of the Florida sunshine. Jacksonville has 221 days of sunshine and 154 dog-friendly restaurants. You can also take your service dog to get some energy out at the nine dog parks in the area.
4. Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City has some of the best outdoor scenery in the country. Between its snowcapped mountains and canyons, your service dog will love accompanying you on all your excursions. There’s also a wide variety of pet-friendly hotels right in downtown SLC along with 12 dog parks nearby.
5. Nashville, TN
Nashville is at the top of the list for best pet-friendly amenities with close to 200 dog-friendly restaurants and countless pet-friendly hotels. Your service dog will also enjoy the six different dog parks and trails that will give you a true peek into the gorgeous Tennessee countryside.
6. Knoxville, TN
Knoxville is considered a hidden gem for most who live near it! The southern hospitality will charm you, and there are dozens of hotels who will welcome both you and your service dog. There are also 149 restaurants in the area and eight dog parks.
7. Virginia Beach, VA
If you’re looking for a beach vacation, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for at Virginia Beach. This city has 213 days of sunshine and numerous dog-friendly establishments for you to cool down after you’re at the beach all day.
8. Seattle, WA
Seattle may not be in the running for days of sunshine per year, but it tops the list when it comes to walkability. Perhaps you already live in a super sunny spot, and you’re seeking some variety in your vacation. Seattle already has more dogs than children and can have really pleasant summers! Dogs are permitted on city bus lines, the light rail, ferries, and even seaplanes. With plenty of dog-friendly businesses, keep Seattle on the list.
9. Nantucket, MA
Nantucket ranks as the number one outdoor activity location in the entire country. Your dog will love how many dog-friendly beaches and trails you have access to. However, in terms of local vets and dog parks, the small community doesn’t provide quite as many. This is the ideal spot to take a service dog when you’re in need of the relaxing outdoors. Rent a dog-friendly beach house and get ready to chill out.
10. Chicago, IL
Another great spot to visit with your service dog in the summertime (not sure you and your pup would want to brave the Chicago winter)! Chicago is a walkable city that loves dogs. Plan your trip to line up with Dog Day with the Chicago White Sox or take your dog to the Montrose Dog Beach. The city also has dozens of dog-friendly hotels for you to stay at right downtown.
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Looking for more information and resources about your service dog? The NSAR is here to help. Visit here to learn more about us and our approach to helping you!
When you have a service or emotional support animal in your life you know a bond that many other emotional support animal owners may only dream of. The service dog is there to comfort you and often times are in tune with your emotions and physical status. These service dogs are trained from puppyhood to be there just for someone like you. They often will protect you from danger and be the ultimate shoulder to cry on when it feels like the world around you is coming apart just a little more than normal. So, it’s no surprise that you’d want your service animal to be healthy if possible.
Getting Started
As with anything, keeping your service dog alive for longer is going to require a bit of research on your end. For starters, just what breed is your service dog? Each different breed of service dog requires different needs to reach their peak health daily. Just like humans, service dogs have their own individual needs that change based on a bunch of surrounding factors in their life. By learning the breed of your service dog, we can begin to pinpoint a starting point for their particular needs, and we can get a better grasp on what health conditions may be most likely to pop up in their lifetime.
We also are going to want to figure in the age of the service dog, as well as their current daily activity levels. Each service dog has a different personality, even within its own breed standards. To figure this out it will take less breed research and more of paying attention to your service dog’s individual habits. Try to record the amount of time your service dog is up and moving around compared to how much they are laying around or sleeping. Also, be sure to get their current weight, as well as write down how much food they seem to eat during the day.
Lastly, make note of what you do with your service dog. How much do you guys go out or do you give your service dog frequently treats throughout the week? By taking about a week or two to fully record your routine with your service dog and their habits, we will have a clear picture to start with. During this also consult your vet to see if the patterns you have noticed seem to line up with your service dog’s needs. Your vet can give you the best idea of what your emotional support animal may be lacking or needing to cut back on.
Keeping Them Nutritionally Sound
The diet of each service dog is going to vary greatly from individual to individual. Still, there are quite a few tips we can offer you to help you extend the life of your service dog through base nutritional knowledge. We will also be able to properly tell you some things you may not know about your canine companions’ dietary needs, such as the fact that service dogs are not full-on carnivores like many people believe. We can also give you a pretty good idea of just why table food is such a bad idea for any emotional support animal, especially a service dog.
First things first, dogs are not full carnivores. In fact, you may be surprised to know their mortal enemy the cat is actually more of a carnivore than a dog could ever hope to be. This is because over time a dog’s intestinal tract has grown longer to be able to better digest things like grains or vegetables depending on what food was available to them. This was most likely due to dogs adjusting to being domesticated creatures over such a long period of times. Thanks to their domestication their bodies have changed some of their nutritional needs from that of their wild counterparts to better help them survive in a human filled environment.
This means that while your service dog could use some vitamins from a few veggies mixed in with their food, they are not able to be vegetarian. If your service dog’s food doesn’t mostly seem to be meat, then you are going to want to change their brand. In order to check this pay attention to the first three ingredients on the back of your bag of service dog food. If they aren’t meat related, then you may just be better off with going to a more expensive brand that offers a more protein driven ingredient list. Many brands have come out in recent years to support better emotional support animal health. Of these brands, a lot of them are now even affordable for lower-income families due to their large market success.
Dietary requirements will also change depending on your service dog’s stage in life. This is because much like us, dogs will have changing nutritional needs throughout different parts of their life. Older service dogs may need more calcium in their food if their bones have begun to weaken. Likewise, when a service dog is younger you may need to give them a food containing higher calories to support healthy growth. Some breeds may even have special mixes available to them if they have strange requirements, and you can get yourself to an emotional support animal specialty store.
Hydration is really the last thing you’re going to need to worry about in the nutrition department. You should always have water available for your service dog and frequently take hydration breaks when on the go. While your dog may not seem like it, they can work up quite a thirst throughout the day. Since service dogs are also more patient creatures, they may not always let you know how thirsty they are unless they are desperate. Simply keep access to a clean source of water available for your service dog as much as possible to meet this need.
Activity is Key
While you may have nutritional needs down, this next part of service dog health lessons will require a lot more effort from you. To truly make sure your service dog is staying as fit as possible, they are going to need a lot of activity in their lives. Even for low energy breeds your going to find that a daily outing may just be needed to properly keep your service dog at a healthy weight and keep their muscles from growing weak over time. In truth, a service dog that just lays around all day is likely to develop a lot of physical, as well as, a lot of mental problems like depression. These can be detrimental to the long-term health of your emotional support animal.
This is where knowing the breed of your service dog is going to be a huge part of figuring things out. If we have a breed to start with then we can tell if they were originally bred to be a working-class service dog or not. Working class breeds need a lot of time to run around each day in order to properly balance their high metabolism and keep a healthy weight. This is because these breeds were originally bred to work all day doing thing such as corralling sheep. Some service dogs may even develop problems resting well if not properly exercised due to their high amounts of unspent exercise throughout the day.
One good way to keep your service dog active is to cycle in new toys. By introducing new toys to the environment, you can keep their interest peaked you encourage play. The more your service dog is encouraged to play inside, the more you can take a break from extra-long walks. If possible, you should consider getting a playmate for your service dog. Another dog can promote play in a way we could never hope to with our dogs. If another dog isn’t possible, then trips to the local dog park can make a great bi-weekly workout for your pet!
Lastly, make sure your dog is going out for at least 30 minutes each day or what their breed requires. If you don’t take your dog out for proper exercise each day, then health problems can quickly rise in the future. Sedentary lifestyles are not good for most any creature on earth including your dog. On the other hand, if you must take your dog out more a lot, be sure to allocate the proper time to rest each day.
Keeping The Veterinarian Happy
While keeping your veterinarian happy can seem like quite the daunting task, fear not! The truth is that a lot of people skip out on a lot of the health needs of their pets or may even put them off for longer without realizing the dangers it can pose to their dog’s health needs. While we can’t speak for any special cases of dog health, there are a few things that you can do to extend the life of your pet while making your veterinarian proud as well.
Keeping your service dog on a schedule may be a little troublesome. However, when it comes to properly getting your dog checked up, having a good schedule is a huge help to stop these health problems early on. If you can keep a good relationship with your vet and take your dog in regularly for check-ups, then it can end up making most health problems go away in their earlier stages. The vet can catch the signs of things that may be affecting your dog’s health with a regular check-up, and by just doing things like simple diet changes they can prevent bigger problems that would come up later on.
Another great way to keep your vet smiling is with flea, tick, and heartworm medicine. Always make sure your dog is up to date on their worm medicine no matter the time of year. The worms don’t just go away with cold weather, and are easily catchable during all times of the year. While this may be rarer for pests such as fleas. If you notice the weather starting to warm, be sure to immediately start your flea treatments if you have decided to forgo them in colder months. Many owners can avoid a bunch of transfer diseases just by making sure their dog is properly protected year round from pests that would love a taste of their blood.
Another much-overlooked part of your pet’s health, is their mental status. Your emotional support animal is going to deal with much more than just a normal dog. Thanks to this you are going to need to make sure they have proper time to unwind throughout the day. If your dog seems too stressed or to be going slower each day, then consider taking a break from going out if possible. Also, make sure to properly show your appreciation to your dog through spending downtime with them as well. The less stress your dog feels, the better their heart and brain will do throughout the years.
Finally, be sure to stay with the same vet, if possible, throughout your dog’s life. By keeping the same vet you are guaranteeing that your dog can get some of the best care. That vet will know the ends and outs of your dog’s medical history. This means that your vet will be able to more correctly diagnose your dog or notice any differences in their labs or blood work more quickly.
Keep Them Close
By mixing all of this together you can help your pet live a longer life. Service Dogs may need more care than some other pets due to the amount of stress we put on them. By providing them with great medical care and nutritional requirements though, we can make them have much longer lives. Never skimp when you have the choice of buying your dog better food or medication. With each dollar you are willing to put into your dog, you are a step closer to giving them the longest life possible.
For individuals who rely on an emotional support animal, it’s extremely important that they be able to bring those animals along with them when they travel. Traveling via airline can be extremely stressful for everyone-and even more so for those with an anxiety disorder. If you struggle with anxiety or another emotional or mental disorder, and you rely on an ESA to assist you with it, here are some things you should know about flying with your ESA.
Does Your Animal Need to Be Certified?
First and foremost, it’s important to be aware that you do not need an official emotional support animal certification for your animal to be considered an ESA. There are no certification or training requirements for an ESA, and if someone tells you differently, they’re misinformed. The only thing you legally need to fly with an ESA, without worrying about paying added fees for bringing a pet inside the airplane, is a letter from your doctor.
What Should the Letter Contain?
It is extremely important, however, that this letter be official, and include all of the necessary information to verify that your animal is, in fact, necessary for your mental and emotional health. This means that the letter needs to be from your primary care physician, therapist, or other mental health professional, and it needs to be written on their letterhead.
The letter should also include your specific diagnosis, and state that the presence of an emotional support animal is essential to you keeping your anxiety or other mental or emotional disorder in check. Be sure that your name, your doctor’s name, the date, and your doctor’s signature are all included. If possible, ask your doctor to include your animal’s name and breed or description in the letter, so that airline staff can easily verify that the animal you have brought with you is your ESA.
Presenting Your Letter
There may be several times throughout your journey when you may be asked to present your ESA letter to officials and airline staff, so keep it on hand along with your boarding pass and ID. Whenever your animal’s presence is questioned, presenting your doctor’s letter should be sufficient to answer any questions that people may have.
Making Your Travel Easier
Unfortunately, it can be quite common to receive some hassling due to the presence of your ESA, especially if it is not readily apparent that your animal is, in fact, there for emotional support. This why we strongly recommend purchasing a vest for your dog that includes the ESA logo or a patch designating them as an ESA. The presence of this vest can go a long way towards minimizing the number of people who question your animal’s presence in the airport and on the airplane.
Additionally, though it is not required, you may want to consider getting an official service animal certification for your ESA. Having this, along with your doctor’s letter, can give your ESA an air of legitimacy that will make it less likely you will be questioned over and over again. If you bring all three along with you-your ESA certificate, a branded ESA vest, and your doctor’s letter-you will be covering all your bases and ensuring that you and your ESA have a simple, hassle-free flight.
Dogs perform a number of jobs in society, including acting as service dogs for many individuals who are deaf, blind, autistic, physically disabled, or otherwise in need of assistance. Dogs are incredibly adept at learning to perform the tasks needed to be a fully certified service animal. But what about emotional support animals? These animals are not required to receive specialized training or to perform specific tasks, so does that mean you can have a different type of ESA animal, like a cat? Or are you limited to only an ESA support dog? Keep reading to find out.
Any Animal Can Be an ESA
The short answer here is yes, a cat can be an emotional support animal. In fact, any animal can be considered an ESA, so long as it provides you with comfort and relief from a mental, physical, or emotional struggle. Many people find their pets to be a comfort in times of difficulty, but for those with persistent anxiety, depression, or even chronic pain, that pet becomes a necessity.
So, if you have a cat that helps to relieve your mental health complications and enables you to live a happier and more fulfilling life, then that cat is qualified to be an emotional support animal.
Not Everyone Is a Dog Person
Not everybody likes dogs. In fact, some people have a deep fear of dogs. This is why it is so important for people to have more than one option when it comes to owning an emotional support animal. Far too many people who genuinely need an ESA will put off getting one because they believe it must be a dog. Once they discover that a cat or other pet can also qualify for ESA registration, they are quick to find a pet that offers them the support that they need.
Benefits of a Support Cat
While any animal can be an ESA, dogs and cats are the two most common options that people choose. In addition to being an excellent option for individuals who may not be entirely comfortable with dogs, having an emotional support cat offers a number of other benefits over their more energetic counterparts.
While dogs are excellent companions, they do require quite a bit more work to care for than cats do. Dogs need to be walked daily, and even lower-energy breeds need regular play and exercise. Cats, on the other hand, are masters at caring for themselves. While they can be loving and playful members of the family, their lower maintenance needs make them a better option for those who simply don’t have the energy to give a dog the care they require.
How Can an ESA Help You?
Emotional support animals can be a great source of relief for many individuals and even be included as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for a number of conditions. ESAs-including dogs, cats, and many other types of animals-help to provide the following benefits to their owners:
Relief from anxiety
Reduced feelings of depression
Coping with PTSD
Helping with ADD
Anxiety and depression are the two most common uses for ESAs, and the animal does not have to be a dog to provide relief for those conditions. The presence of a warm, purring, loving cat can be equally relaxing to those who suffer from anxiety or depression.
Registering an ESA
Registering an ESA is a quick and effortless process. However, it’s important to remember that certifying your animal as an ESA is intended only for those who genuinely suffer from mental or emotional health issues. You can register your cat or another animal online on our website in a matter of minutes. Reach out to us if you have any questions about the registration process.
Every year, around 2 million dogs are stolen in the US, and according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), cases of dognapping (dogs thefts) are on the rise.
You might think that your service dog isn’t at risk because he rarely leaves your side, but that does not mean he/she is safe. Dog thieves are typically quite adept, and there have been many cases of dogs being stolen quickly and efficiently while the owner was distracted – even if only for a few seconds.
This article discusses the issues around dognapping. We will outline the most effective ways to prevent your service dog or emotional support animal (ESA) from being stolen and provide information about what to do if the unthinkable happens and your dog disappears.
Why do people steal dogs?
Purebreds are often stolen so they can be sold, sometimes to order, sometimes opportunistically. Designer dogs (carefully mixed breeds) have gained great popularity, as well, and are increasingly becoming targets.
Small breeds such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Maltese and Chihuahuas are most at risk.
Dogs who haven’t been spayed or neutered are at risk from being stolen in order to be sold to puppy mills for breeding.
As horrific as it sounds, some breeds are stolen for use in fighting rings. Pit Bulls, Boston Terriers, German Shepherds, and Boxers are most commonly stolen for this purpose.
It isn’t only purebreds that are at risk, though. Sometimes pets are stolen by family members or neighbors for personal reasons.
Yet other dogs are stolen by scammers hoping to collect a reward when they are returned. Disabled people with service animals might be particularly at risk from this, as a thief might target someone with a special bond and dependence on their pet and are most likely to pay a reward.
Where is my service dog most at risk?
You might think your dog isn’t at risk because you are always with him/her, but dog thieves are clever. Some are opportunistic and are more likely to take dogs that are easy targets, but some steal when a client asks for a specific breed. If you have a dog they want, they might keep you under surveillance or distract you in order to take your dog. They might also have identified you as someone who is likely to pay a reward for your dog’s return.
Your dog could be at risk anywhere. Dogs are stolen from parking lots, dog shelters, pet shops, beaches, and even backyards. Remember, it only takes a minute to steal a dog. So, think before you leave them unattended.
How can I protect my Service Dog from theft?
While it is good practice to make sure your service animal wears a service dog ID tag to make it easy for him to be reunited with you if he gets lost, service dog ID tags can get lost or damaged, and if he is stolen a collar ID is easily removed. Microchipping is the best way to ensure your dog can be returned to you if stolen.
All about the microchip
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 52.2 % of lost dogs with microchips were returned to their owners, whereas only 21.9 % of dogs without microchips were reunited. 38.5 % of cats with chips were taken back to their owners, whereas only 1.8 % of cats without.
How is the microchip implanted?
Microchipping a simple procedure in which your dog or cat has a tiny computer chip encased in a glass cylinder implanted between his shoulder blades. The cylinder is tiny – the size of a grain of rice.
The procedure is carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian. The chip is inserted using a hypodermic needle, just like a vaccination. No anesthetic is required.
Microchipping is a very common procedure, and your service animal or ESA will hardly feel it. The chance that he will suffer from side effects is nearly non-existent. In a UK study, less than 400 (0.0001%) of the 4 million animals studied suffered from any adverse effects, and this was generally because the chip migrated from the place it was originally inserted.
If you have any concerns about the procedure or any specific questions about how it will affect your service dog or ESA, check with your veterinarian; he or she will be able to answer all your questions.
What information does the chip contain?
The chip contains a unique ID number that links to details of ownership held on an international database. The chip will only contain the contact information you provide; it will not contain information about the dog’s health or any other personal details.
How does the microchip work?
A microchip is not a tracking device, the information can only be accessed when it is scanned by a Veterinarian or at a shelter.
If your ESA or service dog goes missing, the chip will be scanned and the staff at the animal hospital or shelter will retrieve the ID number. Each ID is linked to a contact information database which can be used to find you and reunite you with your service dog or emotional support animal.
The AAHA has a Universal Microchip Lookup Tool which contains a listing of every registry service that a Unique ID is registered with. Veterinary or shelter staff can use the tool to contact the correct registry to find out the owner’s information. As there are many different microchip companies and registries, this has simplified the process by which owners can be contacted.
Do I need to maintain the microchip?
There is no need to maintain or replace the microchip as it does not contain a battery or any moving parts. Once it is inserted you and your service dog or emotional support animal will not be aware it’s there. Your veterinarian will check the microchip is working correctly every year at your dog’s annual check-up.
How much does microchipping cost?
Like all veterinary procedures, the cost will vary depending on your animal hospital and region, but it is generally around $25-40. There is often also a one-off fee (approximately $20) to register the ID number with the Contact Information Database. Ask your vet if there are likely to be any future costs, such as, if you need to change your contact information.
Keep your contact information up-to-date
This chip is only as good as the information you provide, so if you move or change your phone number, make sure you update the microchip company with your new contact details. In the AVMA study, the main reason why animals with microchips couldn’t be reunited with their owners was because the contact information was not up-to-date.
Register as many contact methods as possible, so if the unthinkable happens and your service dog or ESA is lost or stolen, you can be contacted easily.
Other ways to prevent your Service Animal or ESA from being stolen
Don’t leave your dog unattended in a backyard for too long. Dogs left outside are often targeted.
Don’t leave your service dog alone in a car. Animals left in parked cars are often the target of dognapping. Even if you are running into a shop for a moment, take your service dog with you. Don’t think it’s not easy for someone to quickly break into your car.
Don’t leave your service dog or ESA tied up outside a store. Dog thieves are clever and always on the look-out for easy targets. If you aren’t planning to take your dog inside the store or cafe, leave him at home.
Only use reputable dog-sitters. If you must leave your service dog in the care of a dog-sitter or kennel, seek recommendations, choose reputable companies, and check references. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and find someone you trust to look after your ESA pet or service animal before you need to use their services. Don’t wait to address it until you have an emergency and need to find someone in a hurry.
Be wary of strangers asking questions about your dog. By all means, have a conversation; they might just be friendly, after all, but be suspicious about giving away information about the cost of your dog, your address or information about whether they have been spayed/neutered.
What to do if your Service Dog gets stolen
f the worst happens and your dog is stolen, this is what you need to do.
Contact the police immediately and file a police report. This information can be invaluable for identification and may be used in court if the case ever goes to trial.
Report the theft to your local animal control department
If your dog is microchipped, contact the company, make sure your contact details are always up-to-date and remain available.
Talk to people in the area from which your pet was stolen, in case someone saw something suspicious.
Find an up-to-date photo of your dog and distribute it in the area from which he/she disappeared. Post it on local pet owner and lost and found Facebook groups. Ask your vet if they know of any local groups that might help.
Make fliers and post at local animal hospitals and shelters. Include a description of your dog but try to leave out a detail that will help you distinguish him if someone calls to collect a reward. Visit local shelters as often as possible to see if he turns up. Contact local newspapers, TV and radio.
Search and post on craigslist.com. If an opportunistic thief has stolen your dog this is a common place where they may try to sell him on. Search other local classifieds.
Check the Pet FBI website and file a report. This a free resource that maintains a database of lost and found pet reports.
Download the free ASPCA Pet Safety App which will provide further information about searching for a lost pet. The App also contains a facility to make a lost-animal flyer quickly and easily
Creating fliers
If your dog is lost or stolen, posting fliers in the area he was last seen is a very good idea. Remember, if he was stolen he might have got away from his captors or they might have released him.
Unfortunately, many people make fliers in haste that are not very effective. The best way to make a flier that contains all the relevant information is to use the template on the Pet FBI website, or the ASPCA Pet Safety App.
When posting fliers, bear these tips in mind:
Print on colored paper, or tape to a colored poster board – yellow is thought to be the most visible
Protect the flier by laminating, or placing in a plastic envelope
If you’re using a marker, make sure it’s indelible ink
Attach the flier to utility poles in the area where your Service Dog went missing using duct tape and nails
Distribute also to Animal Hospitals, Pet Supply Stores, anywhere in the area with a bulletin board
Let’s wrap things up
Protect yourself against scammers
If you receive any calls asking for money in return for getting your pet back, however plausible they sound, be on your guard. For example, someone might say they have found your pet in another state and need money to return him to you. This is a common scam. If you are suspicious, contact the police.
If someone asks to meet with you to return your dog, ask to meet in a public place and never go alone. If you have offered a reward, only hand the money over when you have the dog back.
Beware of dog theft
One in three dogs goes missing in their lifetime. It is not only dogs that are left alone for long periods that are at risk. Dog thieves are clever and sometimes steal to order so even if your service dog rarely leaves your side, you need to be on your guard.
If the unthinkable happens and your service animal gets lost or is stolen, you stand a good chance of getting him back if he is microchipped. Once your service dog has been microchipped, remember to keep the contact details updated if ever you move or change your phone number or email address.
Prevention is always better than cure, so think before you leave your dog unattended. Never leave them in a parked car or tied up outside a shop or cafe. Avoid leaving your Service Animal unattended in the backyard, especially if it is in view from the street.
If you take sensible precautions, register your service dog or ESA, should be safe and enjoy and long and happy partnership with you.
Going through life with an emotional or mental disability can be difficult enough. But when you are trying to find a place to live with your ESA, things can get even trickier. Some landlords are not welcoming to pets, even when they play such a vital role in their owner’s lives. Thankfully, people with emotional support animals have legal rights to fair housing. Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about the Fair Housing Act, and how it can impact you and your ESA during your home search.
Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
There are two types of service pets that are impacted by the Fair Housing Act: certified service animals, and emotional support animals. Certified service animals are dogs that are trained to perform a particular task for someone with a disability, like helping them navigate a public area or notifying them of an approaching seizure. Emotional support animals do not require specialized training; their only job is to provide comfort and emotional support to their owners. ESAs can be dogs, cats, birds, horses, lizards, or any other type of animal.
The Fair Housing Act
Also known as the FHA, the Fair Housing Act is a federal law. According to this law, anyone with a mental or physical disability cannot be turned away from housing because of their emotional support animal or certified service dog. This law applies to most apartments and buildings, even those that have a “no pets” policy. Apartment managers and landlords must make “reasonable accommodations” for ESAs and service dogs.
Though the FHA does guarantee your rights, there are a few situations when it does not apply. Landlords are not required to comply with the law if the animal is too large for the apartment, like with a horse or llama. The same is true if the unit is in a building with four or fewer apartments and the landlord lives in one of them. Additionally, there are no guarantees to housing if you are trying to rent a single-family home without a real estate agent.
Required Documents
According to the Fair Housing Act, landlords have the right to ask you for certain documentation to prove that you need your ESA dog. This is simply a letter from a mental health professional, like a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist. The ESA letter must be printed on official letterhead and signed by the mental health professional. The apartment manager may also request an additional form that must be completed by your therapist.
What Landlords Cannot Ask For
The FHA lays out very clear guidelines about what a landlord cannot ask of you. This is designed to protect your rights during your home search. According to the FHA, landlords cannot:
Ask about your disability
Require you to pay additional rent or a deposit for your ESA
Force you to register your support animal
Require the ESA to have special training
Refuse to provide housing because their insurance doesn’t cover support animals
Keep in mind, however, that a landlord can ask you to pay for any damages that your support animal may cause. They also have the right to evict you if your ESA displays wild and uncontrollable behavior. If the landlord does not comply with the FHA, you have the right to sue them for discrimination.
Reach out to us at the National Service Animal Registry to learn more about the Fair Housing Act, service animals, and registering your pet as an emotional support animal.
Service dogs are an essential part of many individuals’ lives. These dogs are specially trained to provide support and assistance with particular tasks that a disabled individual may be unable to accomplish themselves. Most people acquire a dog that has already been trained to provide the assistance they require. However, some individuals who already have a dog may choose to have that dog trained as a service dog. If you’re in this situation, you’re likely wondering what such training can cost. Keep reading to learn more.
The Cost of Training
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to put a specific sticker price on what it will cost you to take your dog from a pet to a service animal. There are so many different factors that will influence your dog’s training and impact the total cost. A professional dog trainer may charge $150 or even $250 per hour for a private training session, so it will largely depend on how much time it takes for your dog to be fully trained. You may also be able to find service dog training for free in some places to help offset these costs. However, you can expect to spend several thousand dollars on properly training your dog to provide the service you need.
What Tasks Do You Need Done?
One of the major factors that will impact the total cost of your dog’s training is the exact task or tasks your dog needs to perform to assist you with your disability. For example, it will take a dog a lot more time to learn how to properly guide a blind person on the street than it will take them to learn to alert a hearing-impaired owner to someone at the door. The more complex the task, the longer it will take for the dog to learn, and the higher the cost of training will be.
How Obedient Is Your Dog?
Another major factor impacting how long it will take to train your dog-and therefore, how much it will cost to train them-is how obedient your dog is. If your dog is largely untrained in any way, they’ll need to learn basic obedience before they even begin their service training. On the other hand, a dog that is well trained and very obedient already is going to be able to learn the tasks they need to perform much more quickly.
Additionally, some dogs will simply pick up on training much more quickly than others. On average, a dog with previous obedience training can take between four and six months to be trained for just one service task. However, it can take up to two years for your dog to be fully trained to perform their necessary tasks in public, where there are bound to be things to distract them from their job.
How Much Training Can You Provide?
The final major factor impacting the cost of training your dog will be your ability to spend time working with your dog on their training. If you’re unable to help your dog work on learning their task on a daily basis, the entirety of your dog’s training will fall on the trainer and it will take much longer for your dog to learn the task. However, if you or someone else in your household can devote some time every day to practice and work with your dog, they will be able to learn their service task much more quickly.
Training your current canine companion to be a service dog allows you to receive the assistance you need from a service animal without needing to purchase another dog. If you’re hoping to train your dog as a service dog, look for service dog training in your area and begin your dog’s training as soon as possible. Once your dog is trained, National Service Animal Registry can help you register them and purchase a service dog vest for them.
Understanding the Difference Between Service Animals and ESAs
Imagine walking into a crowded airport with your companion animal by your side. You’re calm and collected because you know your furry friend offers you the support you need. But as questions from strangers start pouring in—“Is that a service dog?” or “What’s the difference between an ESA and a service animal?”—you realize the world isn’t as informed about these distinctions as it should be.
This guide aims to provide a comprehensive breakdown of the differences between Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) and Service Animals. By the end of this article, you’ll not only understand their distinct roles but also their legal protections, training requirements, and how they serve individuals with disabilities.
What Are Service Animals?
Service animals are specially trained animals—usually dogs—that assist individuals with disabilities by performing specific tasks. These tasks are directly related to the person’s disability, such as guiding the visually impaired, alerting those who are deaf, or providing stability to those with mobility challenges.
Key Characteristics of Service Animals:
Training: Rigorous, task-specific training is essential. Can be completed by the handler. No “official” training is required by a “certified” trainer.
Legal Protections: Covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to go out in public with their handler. Covered under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to live with you in your home with NO pet fees. Covered under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to travel with you with NO pet fees.
Behavior: Must exhibit impeccable behavior in public settings.
Species: Limited to dogs and, in some cases, miniature horses.
Examples of Tasks Service Animals Perform:
Guiding a person with visual impairments.
Detecting blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.
Interrupting self-harming behaviors in individuals with PTSD.
Legal Framework:
Under the ADA, service animals are not considered pets. Businesses can only ask two questions:
Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
What Are Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)?
Emotional Support Animals provide comfort and emotional relief to individuals with mental health conditions or emotional disorders. Unlike service animals, they do not require specialized training to perform specific tasks.
Key Characteristics of ESAs:
Purpose: Offer emotional support to alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions.
Legal Protections: Covered under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) by the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to live with you in your home with NO pet fees).
Training: No specialized training is required.
Species: Can be any animal that provides comfort.
Benefits of ESAs:
Alleviate anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Provide a sense of purpose and routine.
Legal Framework:
The FHA allows individuals with ESAs to live in housing that may otherwise prohibit pets. However, ESAs are not granted public access rights like service animals.
ESA dog snuggled in handlers lap
Key Differences Between Service Animals and ESAs
Feature
Service Animals
Emotional Support Animals
Training
Task-specific training required
No training required
Legal Protections
ADA, FHA, ACAA
FHA
Public Access Rights
Full access under the ADA
No public access rights
Species
Dogs and miniature horses
Any animal
Practical Tips for Acquiring a Service Animal or ESA
Steps to Obtain a Service Animal:
Assess Your Needs: Determine if a service animal is necessary for your specific disability.
Find a Reputable Organization/Breeder: You can purchase almost any dog and train them yourself. You can purchase a dog and have them trained by a service dog trainer. Or, you can seek a reputable non-profit service dog training organization that may be able to pair you with a dog.
Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with ADA protections (going out in public), the FHA (your housing rights), and the ACAA (your air travel rights).
1. Can my dog be both an ESA and a service animal? Yes, a dog may be both; however, a service animal has more rights than an ESA so if your dog is qualified as a service dog, it doesn’t make much sense to also identify them as an ESA as they have more rights than the ESA designation.
2. Do I need to register my ESA? No, it’s not required by law; however, it can often increase the chances that your ESA will be accommodated while out in public with helpful identification.
3. Can service animals be denied entry anywhere? Service animals are allowed in most public spaces, but exceptions include areas where their presence would compromise safety or hygiene, such as certain hospital zones.
4. Are ESAs allowed on airplanes? As of 2021, airlines are no longer required to accommodate ESAs under the ACAA for free. A handler may still be accommodated with their ESA provided they follow the airlines’ pet policies. However, service animals are still permitted for free.
5. How can I spot a fake service animal? It’s almost impossible to spot a fake service dog because as long as the handler has a disability and the animal has been trained to perform a task related to the individual’s disability, it is a service dog. However, while working the dog should be well-behaved and focused while working. This doesn’t mean they cannot be happy while out in public, but they should not be distracted by sounds and activities around them, they should not excessively bark (unless it’s their assigned task to alert others and/or their handler), and should not poop or pee in an establishment.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between service animals and emotional support animals is the first step in making informed decisions. If you’re ready to take the next step, explore our comprehensive guide to obtaining an ESA letter or connect with a licensed therapist today. Share this article with others who may benefit from learning more about this critical topic.
Service dogs offer a lot of support to their owners. These special pups are there to provide guidance and emotional assistance to those who suffer from physical disabilities or severe psychiatric challenges. You’ve probably noticed service dogs wearing a vest when they’re out in public with their owners. While some believe that these vests are required by law, they’re actually not mandatory. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), states that service animals aren’t required by law to wear them in order to avoid acts of discrimination. Any discrimination towards disabled individuals should never be tolerated. It’s clear why these service animals aren’t required to wear these vests at all times. However, there are certain benefits to displaying the service dog vest when out in public settings. Here are a few reasons why it’s important for service dogs to wear their vests when they’re out hitting the town.
Shows They Have a Right to Be There
The public is becoming more aware of the benefits of service animals. Many business owners have become more “dog-friendly” or show their support for service dogs through signs on windows or entrances. However, others aren’t as thrilled to have animals entering their store, restaurant, or bank. Service animals wearing a noticeable vest aren’t normally hassled by business owners or other patrons. When the general public sees your service dog wearing a vest, they know that they have a right to be there. Even though it’s not required by law, it’s nice to show the public that this is a dog with a purpose. Both the service dog and their owner have the same rights as any person.
A Visible Form of Trust
Most people are quite surprised when they realize all of the different ways a service dog can help their owners. They can predict and prevent anxiety attacks, assist with seizures, and even keep track of a diabetic’s blood sugar. When a dog acts as a form of protection and assistance at this level, it’s important for the public to trust the animal. In the case of an emergency, if a service dog is not wearing a vest, the public may not be able to recognize that the animal is trying to help in certain circumstances. The service dog vest can act as a visible form of trust between the dog, the owner, and the community.
Avoid Dangerous Distractions
A service dog wearing a vest lets the community know they are trained and prepared to act in the event of an emergency. A service dog wearing a vest also signals to the public that they aren’t there to play. Dogs are loveable and engaging animals. It’s very common for people passing by to want to pet or play with your dog. It’s socially acceptable in most situations. However, a service dog shouldn’t be distracted or played with when they’re out with their owners. When they’re wearing their service dog vest, the public knows that this dog is working and needs to stay focused. If you have a service dog that could benefit from having a vest on in public, you should contact the National Service Animal Registry for more information on purchasing the right vest for your dog. Check out their service dog vest selection online today!
WHICH SERVICE "TYPE" SHOULD I SELECT?
Guide: This type is regarded as a "working service dog". Choose this type if you experience vision problems and your dog is trained to guide you in public settings.
Hearing Alert: This type is regarded as a "working service dog". Choose this type if your dog is trained to alert you to sounds that you are unable to hear or identify, such as alarm clocks, doorbells, telephones, automobile sounds, and other important sounds you have trouble identifying.
In Training: If your dog is being trained to become a service dog, but isn't quite ready to qualify for registration, "In Training" is the service type you should select. Although service dogs that are in training have no federally protected rights, many public places allow you access with your service dog in training.
Medical Assist: This type is regarded as a "working service dog". Choose this type if your dog is trained to assist you when experiencing a physical situation in which you can't perform a major life task for yourself (retrieve items, open doors, turn on lights, etc.).
Mobility: This type is regarded as a "working service dog". Choose this type if your dog is trained or able to provide stability and support for substantial balance or walking problems because of a physical disability.
PSA (Psychiatric Service Animal): This type is regarded as a "working service dog". Choose this type if your psychiatric or emotional disability substantially limits your ability to perform a major life task and your dog is trained to perform or help perform the task for you. A letter from a licensed therapist or psychiatrist that clearly indicates this is required.
Seizure Alert: This type is regarded as a "working service dog". Choose this type if your dog is trained or able to either predict a seizure or to get assistance from another person at the onset of a seizure.
SERVICE DOG VS. EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMAL
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) is an animal that, by its very presence, mitigates the emotional or psychological symptoms associated with a handler's condition or disorder. The animal does NOT need to be trained to perform a disability-specific task. All domesticated animals (dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, hedgehogs, rodents, mini-pigs, etc.) may serve as an ESA. The only legal protections an Emotional Support Animal has are 1) to fly with their emotionally or psychologically disabled handler in the cabin of an aircraft and 2) to qualify for no-pet housing. No other public or private entity (motels, restaurants, stores, etc.) is required to allow your ESA to accompany you and in all other instances, your ESA has no more rights than a pet.
You'll also need to be prepared to present a letter to airlines and property managers from a licensed mental health professional stating that you are emotionally disabled and that he/she prescribes for you an emotional support animal.
If you do not have a letter of prescription and are unable to get one, we recommend that you consider Chilhowee Psychological Services. This agency offers legitimate psychometric testing, assessment, diagnosis, AND a letter of prescription from a licensed mental health professional. Click here to view their website.
A final note: Some animals are innately able to predict the onset of a physical or psychiatric event or crisis, effectively enabling the handler to prevent or minimize the event. This is an ability that usually cannot be trained - some animals are simply born with the ability to sense the onset of the event. These types of animals, although not otherwise task-trained, are considered "working" service animals.
VIP Pass
Normally, emailed PDF copies are processed and sent the afternoon an order is shipped. It usually takes 2 - 4 business days to process and complete an order once we've received the image of your animal, although that can fluctuate, depending on the number of registrations we've received.
VIP Pass is an optional service that places your order ahead of all other orders in front of you (we usually have between 80 - 140 orders to process each weekday). So, your registration kit will ship either the day you order it (if the order is placed before 10:00 AM mountain time) or the very next business day GUARANTEED! Of course, you'll need to make sure you upload or email us an image of your animal immediately!
VIP Pass is not overnight or next day delivery. To have your order delivered "overnight", please contact our office to order and pay for Next Day Delivery. (1-866-737-3930 or info@nsarco.com).
