Category: Service Dogs

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Portland, OR: A Great Place to Visit with Your Service Dog

Portland, Oregon is a pet friendly location that loves seeing your companion animal. Whether your dog is a pet, an emotional support dog, or a service dog, you’ll find plenty of places you can go with your animal. Your service dog will love a little off duty time as part of your trip, and even if your dog is just a pet, he’ll still find lots of reasons to keep that tail wagging at these great places.

Hotel Monaco

If your just visiting, finding pet-friendly lodging can be a challenge in many different cities. A hotel cannot refuse your service dog, but if it is an emotional support dog the same rules don’t apply. Hotel Monaco is the perfect solution, as they accept any breed of dog regardless of size. Located on Southwest Washington Street, it’s just a 12 minute walk from the Portland Art Museum, and a couple of miles from the Japanese Garden.

Mt Tabor Dog Park

If your service dog is craving some off duty time, the Mt Tabor Dog Park has a little bit of everything. While you enjoy the exquisite views of a dormant volcano and old growth forest, your dog can meet with others in an off-leash park, as well as accompany you on on-leash adventures elsewhere in the park.

The rules are strict on where a dog may or may not be off leash, so pay close attention before releasing your dog. The dog park is located at 6336 SE Lincoln St and is open 5AM-Midnight.

Dog Friendly Eateries

While your service dog won’t have any problems getting into the restaurant of your choice, if you have an emotional support dog or just a pet, you’ll need to stick to dog friendly dining. Luckily, Portland has an abundance of dog friendly places you can eat.

A favorite among tourists and regulars alike is the Lucky Labrador Brewing Company. They have an outdoor patio that all dogs are welcome on, and regularly hold dog friendly events such as “Dogtoberfest” and “Barks and Brews.” If you’re interested in giving it a try, it is located on 7675 SW Capitol Hwy.

If you’re in the mood to spoil your service dog, the “Tin Shed Garden Cafe” not only has a dog patio, but a doggie menu! Located at 1438 NE Alberta St, Portland, your pet will delight in the treats they have in store.

Hip Hound

Regardless of whether you have a service dog, an emotional support dog, or a favorite friend, you’ll need to resupply your dog’s basic needs at some point. The Hip Hound is a trendy place you can get everything from natural dog food and grooming supplies to toys and treats. It is well liked due to how friendly the staff is, so if you have any questions you won’t have a problem getting help. Located at 610 NW 23rd Ave, Portland, they are our top recommended store.

Top rated medical care

Keeping your dog healthy is always important, but when you own a service dog or an emotional support dog, top tier health care becomes even more important.

Mt. Tabor Veterinary Care has it all when it comes down to good quality veterinary care for your dog. Each exam room is comfortably decorated to look like a living room, so your dog can feel more comfortable during his stay. On top of this, they offer top tier veterinary service, and a fear free clinic. Located at 4246 SE Belmont St., Suite 1, Portland, 97215 they are happy to give your service dog the loving care it needs.

Explore Washington Park

Washington Park is a huge 420 acre park that encompasses several different gardens, an arboretum, a children’s museum, and a zoo. It also has a number of hiking trails criss-crossing it, and much of the park is dog friendly.

If you love hiking and touring beautiful gardens, this is the perfect spot for you and your canine. Your emotional support dog or pet is welcome in the gardens and the arboretum on leash, but service dogs only for the zoo and museum.

If you are planning a visit to Oregon Zoo with your service dog, ask for a copy of their service dog map. Due to the strong reaction the animals may have, certain areas of the zoo are restricted even to service dogs, and other areas require you and your service dog to move through as quickly as possible for the safety of everyone. No kennels are available for service dogs should you want to visit these areas, so you may need to plan ahead.

A service dog vest may also be helpful here, in order for the zoo staff to help get you the map you need and other important information regarding the zoo right away.

You can visit all these wonderful things and more at 4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221.

Portland Saturday Market

There are few ways to make shopping more fun than visiting an open air market. The Portland Saturday Market features an abundance of vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to homemade candles.

This market is special because it is nationally recognized as the largest continuous open air market in the United States. It’s also pet friendly, so feel free to take your emotional support dog along for the trip. You’ll also find lots of pet related booths, so if you were hoping to get something special for your service dog or emotional support dog, you may find it at one of the many booths available.

Despite the name, they are open both Saturday and Sunday, all year round. Visit at 108 West Burnside any weekend.

Portland, Oregon is a wonderful place for dog lovers to visit and live. If you’re planning a visit or a move to Portland, Oregon you’ll love these wonderful opportunities for you and your beloved animal to enjoy.

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The Best Service Dog Breeds

When you hear or read the words “service dog,” what picture pops into your mind? Is it a Labrador retriever, golden retriever, or German shepherd? There’s a reason most of us picture these breeds when think of disability service dogs. These breeds appear most on a service animal registry because they possess certain qualities that are essential to a good service dog. Keep reading to learn more about these breeds, the traits these breeds possess, and a few other breeds that make great service animals.

Labrador Retrievers

Labs are some of the friendliest and most good-natured members of the canine world, develop strong bonds to their families, and love having a job to do. Another factor that makes them great service dogs is that they have “soft mouths.” This means that they are gentle when retrieving items, so they’re great for helping mobility-impaired individuals that need help reaching items or performing tasks such as opening doors.

Golden retrievers

Goldens are quite similar to labs in their temperament. They’re intelligent and easy to train, and they have a naturally calming presence. This makes them excellent PTSD and emotional support dogs too.

German Shepherds

Though more commonly seen as police dogs, this breed is also an excellent service dog. They’re large enough to help mobility-impaired individuals move around and are incredibly attuned to their handlers’ moods; a German shepherd will be quick to notice when you’re feeling anxious.

Essential Traits for Service Dogs

Though behavioral traits and mannerisms can vary from one dog to another, some dog breeds tend to possess specific traits more frequently than other breeds. This is why you will see so many service animals from the three breeds mentioned above; those breeds simply have the necessary traits that make a great service animal. What are those traits? Here’s a quick list:

  1. Intelligence – Service dogs are required to perform complex tasks and must be able to learn new tasks fairly quickly. For this reason, the most common breeds for service dogs are incredibly smart.
  2. Friendliness – Your service dog needs to go everywhere with you, so they need to be comfortable around people and animals and never display aggression towards others.
  3. Calm presence – A service dog can’t create a disturbance when they go to public places with you. They must be able to lay calmly at your feet at a restaurant or walk quietly beside you in a store. Additionally, they can’t be easily startled, as they’ll be in constantly changing environments when they’re with you.
  4. Drive to work – Certain breeds are much happier when they have a job to do. We call this a strong work drive. This is an important trait in a service animal, as they are much more driven to learn new tasks and are actually happier when they’re able to help you.
  5. Loyalty – Finally, service dogs should bond strongly to their owners. Most service dog breeds are once that are incredibly loyal and develop strong attachments to their handlers.

Other Great Breeds

Of course, these three aren’t the only options when choosing a service dog. A few others that often possess the five essential traits are poodles, boxers, Great Danes, border collies, Pomeranians, Bernese mountain dogs, and pit bulls.

Of course, there’s no hard-and-fast rule of what breeds can be service dogs. It all depends on your needs and the tasks you need your service dog to perform. If you have a dog you want to register as a service animal, contact National Animal Service Registry to learn more about service dog certification.

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How a Service Dog Should Behave in Public Situations

Service dogs serve a variety of purposes for individuals with disabilities. If you or your loved one has a disability, contact the best service dog registry to see how a service dog can help. A picture of Sully, President George H.W. Bush’s service dog, sitting beside the former president’s casket in the U.S. Capitol, illustrates the loyalty and obedience of these special dogs. If you have a service dog, you need to know how your dog should behave in public places.

Discipline

A service dog is allowed to go to places where dogs aren’t normally allowed. The dog must be disciplined at all times. Being certified as a service dog requires that a dog be partnered with someone with a disability and be trained to perform specific tasks. The dog must ignore distractions, whether it’s other dogs, people, sounds, or smells.

The dog should not sniff other people, animals, or objects unless it’s part of his or her duties-for example, when the dog is trained to detect allergens. The dog should never sniff just to explore the territory. An object or food on the ground shouldn’t even pique the dog’s interest. The dog should display an even temperament and never appear anxious or aggressive.

Focus

A service dog is trained to perform a task that will benefit an individual with a specific disability, such as muscular dystrophy, paraplegia, or diabetes. The service dog must remain focused on his or her trainer and the trainer’s needs.

Obedience

The service dog must be obedient. The dog should respond to the commands and cues of the handler quickly and appropriately. The dog must be alert for any emergency. In a restaurant or other public place, the dog will sit under a table or by the trainer’s side. The dog may change positions but otherwise is still.

Noise

The service dog should not make any noise. The dog should not bark, growl, or whine unless it’s necessary to get the attention of the trainer or perform a task for the trainer.

Leash

The service dog must walk well on a leash. The dog doesn’t pull or circle the handler unless it’s necessary to perform a task or is a form of communication with the handler. If the handler is performing a task, the dog will sit or lie still until the handler is ready to move.

Appearance

The service dog should be clean and well-groomed. You want the dog to make a good impression on others. Business owners must allow you and your dog to enter their businesses. Your dog’s appearance will go a long way in getting warmer welcomes from business owners.

Manners

The dog must be housebroken. The dog should not urinate or defecate in undesignated areas. The dog should never display aggressive tendencies. A business owner can exclude a service dog in 2 circumstances-if the dog is out of control and the handler isn’t able to correct the dog’s conduct, or if the dog isn’t housebroken and urinates or defecates in an inappropriate manner. Only the service dog can be excluded. The trainer can’t be forced to leave and must be allowed to make a purchase or obtain a service.

Contact the National Service Animal Registry at (866) 737-3930 about making your pet a service dog to assist you with a disability. We’ll explain how service dog registration works. Learn how a service dog can help you perform tasks to make your life easier.

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Denver, CO: A Great Place to Visit with Your Service Dog

Known as the mile-high city due to its extreme elevation, Denver is a popular city for those who enjoy the great outdoors. This beautiful city is very dog-friendly and is a safe place to bring your service dog or ESA as you take in the sights and sounds of the city. If you’re hoping to spoil your service dog, or just want to see all the great places you can take your four-footed friend, here are our favorite picks.

Visiting Denver? This is the best hotel to stay at

The Kimpton Hotel Monaco located in Denver is part of a boutique collection of hotels that specifically cater to keeping your furry friend. If you have an emotional support animal (ESA) that you want to keep with you, it’s not always as easy to find an understanding place to stay. The Kimtpon Hotel Monaco is that place. They accept multiple dogs of any size in their pet friendly rooms, and even have canine amenities to go with the hotel room. They are located on 1717 Champa Street At 17th Street. If you want your service dog or ESA to feel just as welcome as yourself, this hotel is a great option.

Grab some eats with your pup

Service dogs are always welcome in restaurants, but your emotional support animal (ESA) often has to wait at home for you to return. If you’d prefer to bring your pup with you, Denver has a large number of dog-friendly places to eat. Here are our two favorites.

Forest Room 5

This restaurant has brought a little of the great outdoors inside. The beautiful outdoorsy d&eactute;cor will make your dog feel right at home, and your dog whether it is an emotional support animal (ESA) or just a furry friend will be welcome right at home on the patio. There are lots of different beverages available from craft beer to mixers, so this is a great spot for your happy hour as well as a meal. Their address is 2532 15th St Denver, Colorado 80211 if you want to check them out.

Bonnie Brae Ice Cream

Has your service dog been good and is ready for a little off duty treat? Take him to Bonnie Brae Icecream where dogs are always welcome. You can get your dog his own personal ice cream sandwich, made out of two dog biscuits and a little ice cream between them. Service dogs can come inside, but your ESA or furry friend is on the patio only. Find them at 799 S University Blvd, Denver 80209.

Go to a dog park

Denver has 10 dog parks to its name, and all of them are fun places to take your service dog for a little off duty romp. If you’re looking for someplace fun to take your beloved service dog or ESA, try the Railyard Dog Park. It has separate areas for different sized dogs, and is extremely large for a downtown dog park.

Your service dog will love a game of fetch or a walk along the wheelchair friendly paths. There is very little shade in the park however, so if it is a hot day you may wish to come in the early morning or late evening to stay cool while your pup plays. The park is located at 2005 19th St Denver, CO 80202.

Emergency? Take your service dog here

When your well-being depends on a service dog or ESA to help you get through the day, knowing the location of a quality vet is essential. We recommend Bear Valley Vet if you need medical care for your service dog or ESA while in Denver, Colorado.

Bear Valley Vet features a state of the art medical facility, and also handles emergency visits as well as the usual wellness exams and preventative care. If your service dog runs into a problem large or small, they are prepared to handle it.

Hit the trails with your dog on the Bear Canyon Loop

One of the best parts of Colorado is the many outdoor activities available. There are dozens of dog-friendly trails you can take your pet on, and they are among the most beautiful hiking trails in the nation. A good one is just 30 minutes outside of Denver for a pleasant, two-hour long hike.

If you are hoping for an easy hike that includes wide open spaces, wildflowers in season, and native wildlife, this trail is a good choice. Use caution when hiking alone or with just your service dog, as mountain lions and black bears do frequent the area. You can find the trailhead at NCAR Trail Head, 1850 Table Mesa Dr, Boulder, CO 80305.

Enjoy the Cherry Creek Fresh Market

Sometimes called the “Cadillac of farmers’ markets,” this Saturday market is open May through November, and features both fresh produce and gourmet foods from local vendors. Held at Cherry Creek Shopping Center located on 1st Ave. & University Blvd, parking is free during the market.

Dogs on leash are welcome, so you can bring your furry friend even if he is not a service dog to this busy and beautiful outdoor market.

Grab essential supplies at Dog Savvy

Dog Savvy has your dog’s grooming, food, and pet supply needs handled. This cute and trendy shop is beautifully set up, and the staff is friendly and welcoming. If you want the best possible shopping experience for yourself and your service dog, Dog Savvy is an amazing shopping experience in Denver. See for yourself at 1402 Larimer St Denver, Colorado.

Denver is full of exciting places to see and things to do. If you’re hoping to move here or visit with your dog, you’ll have no end to dog-friendly opportunities in Denver.

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Train a Hearing Alert Dog

Training your own Alert Service Dog might seem like a difficult task at first, but this article will show you that it is easier than you think.

Dogs love spending time with their people and enjoy learning new things. Once you begin an intelligent and planned training program and are armed with a few tricks to help, you’ll discover training your Service Dog is not only easier than you originally thought, it’s a great way for the two of you to bond have fun!

One key task for all hearing alert service dogs is to bark at specific events, like when someone knocks on the front door. Believe it or not, not all dogs are inclined to bark when you knock on the door. As such, some dogs may need to be taught, if they are going to be an effective alert mechanism for you.

Why do you need to train your Service Dog to bark?

Part of the job of a Hearing Alert Service Dog is to alert you to the presence of strangers. Most, but not all dogs will bark if a stranger comes to their home. It is often an innate, protective instinct.

In addition, training your Service Dog to bark on command is one way to teach him to think critically and communicate effectively. This can enhance his/her quality of life, as well as making yours safer and better.

Teaching a dog to “speak” is straightforward. It will give you confidence and experience to embark on additional training paths with your Hearing Alert Service Dog; a benefit to you both.

Make your Service Dog feel at home

Before you begin the training, think about what you want your service dog to do.

If your dog doesn’t instinctively bark when someone comes to the door, ask yourself why? Maybe your dog is naturally a mellow and quiet animal. That’s ok; it isn’t a problem. With encouragement and training you’ll be able to teach him to bark when you need him to.

Sometimes, though dogs don’t bark instinctively because they aren’t confident enough yet in their home to feel the need to protect it and/or they may have a level of anxiety.

If your dog is new to you, training him as a hearing alert service dog is a great way to start bonding with him or her. Just remember to be patient while he settles into his new home and gets to know you.

If he suffers from anxiety, make sure he has the opportunity to socialize with other dogs and people outside the home. Socialization is the key to lessening anxiety and will make him feel protective both of you and your home. And once he feels protective, he is more likely to bark in the presence of strangers.

How to train your Hearing Alert Service Dog to bark

Step 1: Decide on your reward system

If you’ve already trained your dog for some behaviors, you may already have a reward system in place. If so, use this reward system when teaching your Service Dog to bark and they will no doubt respond to “speak” training very quickly.

If you haven’t yet established a reward system, read on to find out about using a clicker, treats, and other positive reinforcement to make training easier.

Use a clicker. Using a clicker to train your Service Dog is an effective method to teach the dog to identify what it is you want him to do. Every time he demonstrates good behavior CLICK – REWARD – PRAISE. He will learn to love hearing the sound of the click as he will associate it with a treat and your praise, and will be quick to do what you want him to.

Choose great treats. Dogs (and humans!) respond best to rewards they like, so make sure you use tasty rewards when training your Service Dog. Tiny pieces of cheese, bits of sausage or broken up dog treats are great rewards. You can also find a great variety of training treats in your local pet store. It’s good to vary the treats to keep your dog interested. The key is to make sure the treat is something your Service Dog really enjoys. Start your training session with a taste of the treat to get him excited!

Positive affirmation. Rewarding good behavior works with dogs, just like it does with children and adults! When your Service Dog does what you want it to during training, reward it with a click, treat, and praise. Making a fuss for learned good behaviors will show the dog that this is what you want him to do and enable him to associate the behavior with a positive outcome. This will make learning quicker, more effective, and fun for both of you.

Step 2: Reward your Service Dog when they bark naturally

In order to teach your Service Dog to bark on command, start out by waiting for him to bark and rewarding the bark with a treat.

First, give him a tiny taste of the treat (or a sniff of the toy) to get him excited. Then hold the treat in your hand and move it around playfully to encourage his interest. When he makes even the tiniest of sounds, reward him with a click, treat, and praise.

You might have to wait a while at first until he makes the first bark and it might be such a small sound you miss it. Keeping your closed hand (containing the treat) near his mouth, to help you feel his breath when he makes the tiniest of barks. Be playful to keep him interested. Reward these early sounds and they will get more distinct as he gets more confident.

If you’ve already trained your Service Dog to do other things (sit, down etc) he might start working his way through his repertoire to see exactly what it is you want him to do. This is good because he shows he is thinking critically. Ignore all the other behaviors until he makes a sound. See him have an “Aha!” moment when you reward him and he realizes what it is you want him to do!

Once he has made a sound and been rewarded a few times, keep the momentum going but only reward the barks as they sound more distinct. The first time he makes a proper bark give him a few pieces of the treat in quick succession (or a big old tug of war on the toy if that is his reward of choice) to show you are really pleased with his behavior.

Remember to make a fuss of your dog when he does well and to be playful during training. This is a sure-fire way to make sure he loves your training sessions and will respond well to what you are trying to teach him.

Step 3: Teach him a command

Once your Service Dog has started to associate barking with a click and treat, choose a command to associate with the behavior such as “speak” or “talk”.

Now, every time he barks, say the command at the same time immediately followed by click – reward – praise.

It doesn’t matter which command you choose, if you are consistent. Your Service Dog doesn’t know what the words “speak” or “talk” mean. Whichever command you choose will mean “bark” to him.

Step 4: Teach him a hand signal

Once he has responded to the command a few times by barking, add a hand signal (should as a pointed finger) to the command.

Now every time he barks on command combined with the hand signal, click – reward – praise. At first, even a small sound should be rewarded but as he gets more confident only reward the distinct barks as before.

If you do this consistently, he will soon learn that the command and hand signal are associated with barking and that he will be rewarded. Eventually, you may choose to drop the command and have him respond only to the hand signal.

Step 5: Teach him to bark when you want him to

Once you have him barking on command you can train him to bark in certain situations, such as when someone comes to the door or the phone rings.

Rather than training him only when someone really comes to the door or calls you, ask a neighbor or friend to help you practice.

Ask someone to knock on the door, give your Service Dog the command. If he barks, reward him.

Your Service dog will be more interested if you show interest, so make sure to make a bit of a fuss when checking out who it is at the door.

Similarly, ask someone to phone you. Give your Service Dog the command, and reward him if he barks.

Step 6: Teach your Hearing Alert Service Dog to be quiet

Just as soon as you’ve taught your Service Dog to bark, you’ll probably need to teach him to be quiet as you want him to alert you, but not become a nuisance for your or your neighbors.

Now he knows what the command means, only reward barking when you give the command. You don’t want him to think barking will always get a reward.

The best way to train your Service Dog to be quiet is to catch the point where he stops barking, use a command (for example, “ssh” or “quiet”), and reward him. If you do this consistently, he will learn to associate the command with quiet and do it on command.

Practice “speak” and “quiet” together to reinforce the training.

Top tips for training your Service Dog

Little and often is the best way to train a Service Dog. So, practice every day for short bursts. That way your dog will enjoy your attention and learn without getting bored. If your Service Dog loses interest, stop the training for a while and pick it up later. Let him see you put the treats away. When they come out again, he might be more enthusiastic!

Motivation is key. It’s hard to train a dog to “speak” unless he wants to, so motivation is the key to success. Make sure you are playful and enthusiastic during training sessions, use rewards consistently and praise him when he does what you want him to do. This is the way to ensure he loves learning new things, which will make him easier and quicker to train.

Keep treats on hand. Positive reinforcement (rewarding the behavior you want him to demonstrate) is the best way to train a dog. Make sure you always have treats on hand, in your pocket or in strategic places around the house, so you can reward good behavior immediately.

Training isn’t limited to training sessions. Consistency is key when training a Service Dog so don’t limit it to training sessions. When he demonstrates good behavior in real life, take the opportunity to reward him.

All dogs are different. Some dogs are easier to train than others depending on their breed, age, and background. With regard to certain behaviors, such as barking, some dogs and breeds are naturals, whereas others are not so much. Be patient and consistent and your Service Dog will get there in the end.

How to Train Your Hearing Alert Service Dog to Bark

Training your Service Dog doesn’t have to be difficult. Once you get started you’ll realize how well dogs respond to learning new things and how much they enjoy it.

Teaching your Service Dog to bark not only enables him to perform an essential job for you, it also gives him the opportunity to please you and get rewarded, exercise his brain and to bond with you.

As well as helping him to become an effective watchdog you’re also making him happy. Now, there’s something to bark about!

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Las Vegas, NV: A Great Place to Visit with Your Service Dog

Las Vegas, the city of shining light and big casinos, isn’t just a fun place for people. It’s also a surprisingly dog-friendly city that welcomes service dogs, emotional support dogs, and even dogs whose only job is being cute. If you’re planning to visit or move to Las Vegas with your service dog, here are a few key places you need to know about.

Just visiting? Try this hotel.

The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa is a pet-friendly hotel just a few steps away from all the action of the Las Vegas strip. It’s accessible, with elevators, staff available to read literature for the visually impaired, and meeting rooms with assisted listening. It’s pet-friendly for your emotional support dog, and of course, service dogs are always welcome.

Moving permanently? This apartment loves dogs.

The Elysian Flamingo apartments aren’t just pet-friendly, they even have their own dog area specifically for your furry friends. While your service dog is welcome anywhere, it’s always nice to have amenities catering to owning a dog, so that you don’t have to make hunting for a green space part of your daily activities.

These apartments also don’t have weight limits, so even if you have a large ESA, they will still accept your pet. While size is not a problem, there may be breed restrictions, so call ahead about your pet.

Take your pet to Barkin’ Basin Park

This fun little park has everything your off duty service dog or emotional support dog needs for a tail wagging good time. It features separate enclosures for different sized dogs, shaded seating for owners, and water fountains for both dogs and people.

The park is always kept clean and there is plenty of room to throw a ball, so if you’re looking for a spacious place to let your pet run free or to stretch your service dog’s legs, this is a great place to do it. Located at 7351 W. Alexander Road, 89129.

Treat your dog to a baseball game

Your service dog works hard for you on many occasions, including helping you when you go to the baseball park to watch a game. On Wednesdays in Las Vegas, you can reward your service dog, emotional support dog, or favorite friend with his own personal day to enjoy the big game at Wag Your Tail Wednesdays.

Dogs are allowed to watch every Wednesday home game from May until September at the Las Vegas ballpark. If you feel like your service dog deserves a little off duty fun, or you can’t normally enjoy these games without the help of your emotional support dog, this is the event for you.

Join the Las Vegas Aviators with your very own dog as your copilot at 1650 S Pavilion Center Drive.

Places to eat with your pet

All restaurants are required to allow your service dog to join you for dinner, but if you have an emotional support dog, it’s not as easy to sit down with your dog for a bite. Luckily Las Vegas has a number of pet friendly venues you can bring your ESA to. Here are two of them.

Big Dog Brewery

As you might expect, Big Dog Brewery is a dog-friendly place to catch the latest sports game or just hang out with your friends for some ice cold beer. They have over 35 local brews on tap, as well as midwestern style foods such as cheese curds, steak and eggs, and pulled pork sandwiches. Your emotional support dog or other pet is welcome on the patio, your service dog is as always welcome anywhere. Visit at 4543 N. Rancho Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89130

Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar

This restaurant not only allows your emotional support dog or other pet on the patio, they even have their own menu for your dog! The doggie menu includes things like a hamburger patties or grilled chicken and brown rice. Whether you’re giving your service dog a little off duty treat or taking the opportunity to bring your ESA with you, this restaurant provides a great treat for you both.

Go hiking in the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

While the Las Vegas strip gets most of the attention, it’s not the only part of the city. Just half an hour from the strip itself is some of the most beautiful terrain in Nevada. The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area features dazzling red rocks and a fun canyon to explore. Dogs must be leashed in all buildings and at the overlook.

It’s a great place to take your dog whether you own a service dog or an ESA, and makes for great photos as well as a great hiking experience. Drive to 1000 Scenic Dr, Las Vegas, NV, US, 89124 in order to enjoy this hike with your pet.

Outdoor (Saturday) market

The middle of a desert probably doesn’t seem like a likely place for an Outdoor Market, but there are actually many of them in and around Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Farmer’s Market is particularly fun because they embrace a festival like setting, with music as well as food and of course local produce. Pets are welcomed, so don’t be afraid to bring along your ESA. There is no parking fee as long as you let the attendant know you are visiting the farmer’s market.

Bring your service dog, your ESA, or just your pet and get a bounty of fresh produce at this wonderful outdoor market located at 9100 Tule Springs Rd . Las Vegas NV 89131.

Las Vegas has many wonderful opportunities for your dog, whether you own a hard-working service dog or a pet whose only work is snuggling. If you’re planning a visit or a move to Las Vegas, you can rest assured there are plenty of places to take your furry friend.

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Major Benefits of Service Dog Registration

Service dogs provide life-saving benefits, companionship, safety, and security for many people with emotional and physical disabilities. While it’s technically not required to register your service dog if you own one, it does come with several benefits worth mentioning. Continue reading to learn why using a service dog registry is beneficial to you and your dog.

Offers Supporting Documentation

Have you ever had your service dog with you at a restaurant, hotel, or another public place and been harassed or felt you had to explain why you needed your dog by your side? If so, you know how frustrating, humiliating, and infuriating this can be. When you have documentation ready to show people who are questioning your right to have your dog with you, it eases tension and creates a more welcoming atmosphere.

Avoid Housing Discrimination

Many landlords aren’t aware that ADA protection for service dogs and their human companions also applies to housing. If you’re interested in a rental property but are being told that pets aren’t allowed, having documentation that your dog is more than a pet helps you argue your case. It’s definitive proof that you need your service dog and if the landlord doesn’t allow the dog then they are in violation of the HUD Fair Housing Act and ADA protection.

Keep Your Pet Focused

When you register a service dog, it makes his or her job noticeable to strangers. Why is this important for your dog? Well, it’s no surprise that there are plenty of animal-loving strangers who want to pet and give your dog a little love. While this is fine, if it’s something you allow, it’s also something that can be very distracting for your service dog. By registering your dog, you’ll get a vest that identifies your dog as a service animal. Most people recognize the meaning behind these vests and know that proper etiquette is to not approach the dog unless given permission. As well trained as service dogs are, they still love attention and having them registered keeps them focused on their responsibility to you.

Keep Your Pet Safe

If you’re ever in an emergency situation that requires evacuation, it’s possible that you and your dog could become separated. Should this happen, it’s important that rescue personnel know who a dog belongs to so you can be reunited quickly. Having your pet registered is one way to make the reuniting process faster.

How to Register Your Dog

Whether you’re flying, staying in a hotel, or wanting to eat at the newest restaurant, these are things you may need to do with your service dog or emotional support animal by your side. To register your animal, it’s recommended you find a good service dog registry. These services have amazing customer service and give you the respect, courtesy, and patience you deserve. The process to register your dog can feel overwhelming to some people. That’s why great customer service is so important. You also want to work with a registry agency that has a long history of doing this work and a reputation for organization and professionalism.

Are you ready to register your ESA or service dog? If so, contact the National Service Animal Registry today!

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Top 10 Cities to Visit with Your Service Dog

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.

Join the NSAR Community

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!

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Help Your Service Dog Live Longer

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.

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Dognapping: Protect Your Service Dog or ESA

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.