(Editorial Note: Our “For Veterans” page some time ago added a link to information applicable to Veterans considering a service dog, specifically as an aid to those dealing with the complications of PTSD. The article below adds relevant information to that general topic–information that is universally applicable to anyone seeking guidance on the subject of service dogs to assist with a variety of needs. The material was made available to the AMAC Foundation by the folks at Your Dog Advisor for dissemination to the public, and has also been added to the repository included on our For Veterans page.)

If you’re a person living with a disability, you may have considered getting a service dog to assist you in some way. Service dogs are no longer only for the blind, after all. They can be trained to assist people who are hearing impaired or have mobility issues; to recognize low blood sugar in diabetics, or to alert people with epilepsy of an impending seizure. In fact, the abilities of these specially trained animals are almost boundless, provided they receive the right training and are paired with the right partner.

Still, finding a service dog to meet your needs isn’t always an easy task. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide to help you learn if you qualify for a service dog and how to get a service dog if you do.

A service dog can provide many different kinds of assistance to a person with a disability. He can also provide companionship, loyalty and unconditional companionship and love.

Contents (Click the links below for detailed content)

• Who Is Eligible for a Service Dog?
• What Are the Different Types of Service Dogs?
  • Guide Dogs
  • Mobility Assistance Dogs
  • Hearing Dogs
  • Diabetic Alert Dogs
  • Psychiatric Service Dogs
  • Autism Support Dogs
• What Breed of Dog Can be a Service Dog
• Where to Get a Service Dog
• How the Process Works
  • No. 1. Supply basic information about you and your needs
  • No. 2. Complete an Application
  • No. 3. Interview with Staff
  • No. 4. Receive an Approval Letter
  • No. 4. Attend In-person Training
  • No. 5. Follow-Up and Aftercare
• Getting Around With Your Service Dog
  • Does my service dog need to wear a vest?
  • Can my service dog be excluded from an area because of his breed?
  • Can an employee ask me what my disability is?
  • Can I take my service dog into the hospital to visit a friend?
  • Can a local municipality force me to register my service dog?
• The Bottom Line

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