In the United States, up to 27% of adults have a disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Service dogs provide essential assistance for people with disabilities, but there are approximately 500,000 service dogs in the U.S. due to the rigorous training standards required.
A service animal, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is a dog trained to perform tasks directly related to a person’s disability. Unlike emotional support animals, which are not trained for specific tasks, service dogs perform critical functions that can be life-saving. Service dogs have access to places where pets are typically prohibited, including restaurants, stores, and hospitals.
To qualify for a service dog, an individual must have a disability as defined by the ADA. Disabilities include physical or mental impairments that substantially limit major life activities such as breathing, learning, or walking. Conditions that may warrant a service dog include arthritis, asthma, cancer, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and seizures.
Service dogs offer a range of benefits:
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Mobility Assistance: They help with tasks such as opening doors, pressing buttons, turning light switches, retrieving items, and providing support for balance.
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Allergy Detection: Trained to detect allergens, these dogs can alert owners to the presence of substances that may trigger severe allergic reactions.
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Vision and Hearing Support: Guide dogs assist blind or low-vision individuals with navigation. Hearing dogs alert those who are deaf or hard of hearing to important sounds, such as alarms and doorbells.
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Mental Health Support: Mental health service dogs help individuals with conditions like PTSD, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder by performing specific tasks related to their condition, such as reminding them to take medication or providing safety during overwhelming situations.
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Diabetic Alert: These dogs can detect changes in blood sugar levels and alert their owners to prevent dangerous hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episodes.
To obtain a service dog, individuals must meet ADA disability requirements and provide documentation from a healthcare provider. Service dogs can be acquired through reputable organizations, independent trainers, or trained by the individuals themselves, though the latter can be time-consuming and costly. Reputable organizations may offer financial assistance to help cover expenses.
Find information about mental health resources from our larger health network, HCA Healthcare.
