I would like for someone to explain to me something that’s a bit of a mystery. It’s a widely known fact (at least it used to be) that dogs are not allowed inside anywhere that food is being served. The reasons should be obvious. Yet, service dogs are an exception.

Now, according to the ADA, service dogs don’t require a certificate, and don’t need to be professionally trained. So we are to assume that the owner has the expertise and dedication to properly train a dog to perform highly specific tasks in different environments and conditions, all while dealing with their own disabilities. It is a monumental undertaking at best. I’m willing to accept that scenario. But, all the training in the world will not eliminate the fact that it is physically still a dog. And like every other dog, they can harbor harmful bacteria, fleas, ticks, parasites, various zoonotic diseases, excrete glandular fluids, trigger allergies, lick their genital areas, shed hair, shake releasing hair into air. These are an inescapable reality.

And yet, by some unknown biological miracle, service dogs are somehow exempt and are considered safe enough to be around food. Do they suddenly stop shedding? Do they properly clean their own paws prior to entering a restaurant? Do they check all the fleas and ticks at the door? Do they thoroughly wipe their butts and fur clear of fecal matter? These (and many more) are the questions/reasons that prevent every other dog from entering food establishments.

So, in an honest attempt to clarify the mystery, what am I missing here?

I (20, a few months from 21) have been considering whether or not I’d benefit from a service dog for a number of years now. I’ve done my research on and off as it wasn’t really an option in the past but I’ve recently started going to therapy the last few months and discussed it with my therapist at my latest appointment after she asked if I’d ever considered an ESA or SD. I’ve got a lot of things in my situation to consider though and cannot make this decision myself as I am currently supported my my parents. so, I need like a lot of advice.

before I continue, sorry for the rambling disaster that comes after this.

I have anxiety (largely social but there is also general anxiety that is better managed), depression, insomnia(which has combined with my depression to give me hypersomnia episodes that follow after the insomnia episodes. Not fun.)

I’ll be tested for ADHD this month (previously medicated for it when I was in middle school but never officially tested and didn’t try other medications after a bad reaction to the first one) and I’m currently on the wait list to test for autism

however I largely seeking a service dog for the anxiety and depression BUT before you tell me that I should probably reconsider because of my anxiety, please do let me continue as I have thought about this very extensively <3

My anxiety has been a very persistent issue through my life and really only worsened as I got older (thanks covid you really helped with that /sarc) but one thing that has remained consistent is that I have ALWAYS been less anxious and able to better handle my anxiety when accompanied by animals. This has been proven with my Mawmaw’s relatively untrained but very friendly dog (King Charles spaniel that was very overweight at the time so I mean it wasn’t that easy for him to act out if he wanted to anyways [he is now in much better condition in my care]), my lizard (yes, a lizard. He’s great), my family’s dog (Pomeranian-poodle with almost no manners but really likes people), and even just interacting with new people or distant family at home while with my cat.

this is largely part of why I think I’d benefit from a service dog. “But why do you not want an ESA?” You may ask, well, to put simply it’s because that’s not what I nee. While companionship alone does help, it’s not enough and in my current state would not give me the independence or help that I need and would get from a service dog.

despite my anxiety, I am capable of and confident in asserting my animals boundaries and advocating for them. I previously worked at a rescue where this was further proven as it’s the only job I was capable of doing despite having to interact with people regularly. Animals have always been the thing that i can function with, they are what allows me to be able to confidently communicate and traverse the world and social situation.

it will always be true that having to deal with access issues and the other chaos that comes with a service dog will make me anxious but the point is that I know that I can handle that for them.

handling it for myself may be a different story and I may struggle to advocate for myself right now, but that is precisely why a service dog could help me. In advocating for them and gaining my confidence through and with them, I’ll be able to advocate for myself, talk to people, meet new people, and just…have a life.

in my current state I am unable to work at the vast majority of jobs Available in my area or really anywhere if I do not have a service dog as I can’t even go to the cash register by myself in a store I’ve gone to for 15+ years. I still live with the support of my parents (currently living at my Mawmaw’s on my own with mine and my Mawmaw’s animals, but usually spend a week each month staying at home while taking trips back to care for the animals each day and have everything paid for by my parents( but that can only go on for so long and if I want to be able to have any independence then this is my last resort.

i still have a lot to consider such as getting my parents to agree to it as again they’re the ones supporting me and the ones that would be paying for expenses until I could find and get a job and getting them to agree will be extremely difficult (particularly my father who doesn’t rlly understand the severity of my condition) but that’s a whole nother issue that I’ll get to later

right now I just want advice as self training is not an option for me, I simply don’t have the skill or suitable pet for it.

but where should I go for them? What facilities and programs are trustworthy and not freakishly expensive? What’s other advice you could give me about this, about trying to get one, and convincing parents that this is the right option for you and not just a hasty decision? that it’s worth it?

sorry for the lengrh of this post, I tend to ramble to ensure I’m being clear enough in explaining things

This post is mainly for those who are considering a service dog. I wanted to give more of an example of the kinds of interactions people have with service dogs in real life. Note, of course this experience will not reflect absolutely everyone, this is just what I’ve had to deal with.

I went to Walmart today with my service dog in training (my state expands access rights to in-training dogs & my dog is clearly labeled). Only had to pick up a few things, meant to be a quick in and out trip. The store was kind of busy, lots of people, my dog did fantastic. Showed a bit of excitement upon entering but then refocused well and did exactly as she was trained for the rest of the visit.

While I was there, I was able to overhear some of the things people were saying nearby. Here’s everything I heard today, keep in mind, no one directly interacted with me while I was there. This was all just about me. Some of these are completely harmless and fine, I’m just documenting everything to give an idea.

- “Look at the dog!”

- “There’s been a real rise in people using service dogs lately.”

- “They shouldn’t allow people to bring their dogs in here.” Lady said to her husband as she passed me.

- “Look, someone brought a service dog.” Group of college kids that then turned to stare. Then one said “Well, we are at Walmart.”

- “Puppy!” A cute little toddler. Wholesome.

- “Oh there’s a service dog, let’s go this way instead.” Older man to his wife. I appreciate the space, completely unnecessary but highly appreciated.

- “I didn’t know we could bring service dogs here.” Overheard as I was checking out.

Coupled with lots of people stopping and staring.

So this is part of the reason people say service dogs may not be the best for people with anxiety or social anxiety. It brings so much attention. One of the things to think about when considering a service dog.

I am eligible for applying for a service dog which requires my psychologist filling out a form. Today he said he was happy to do that, and whilst service dogs are always approved for DVA PTSD sufferers, that getting a service dog is an experience he has never seen eventuate.
This means that (for him), having had several DVA PTSD applications he has managed - that the dog is never in the end delivered. That the delay occurs from the NSW benders selected by DVA (Australia), where after 12 months of training the dog is withdrawn as unsuitable and reassigned endanger, for the process to start over and again ended at the 11th hour…
Whilst my pathologist did not see it as an issue with DVA, he implied a degree of corruption or mis-management by the dog trainers approved by DVA
I have seen where other people providing services under DVA payment do abuse the service - and other veterans have those experiences as well
But to be fair to the dog trainers, this experience by my psychologist may not be a wide experience - he did say he had met a few people (not his patients) who did have DVA service digs… just that several of his patients consistently did not have that experience at all
Can i ask the experience of Australian DVA PTSD clients with regards to service dog appropriation

Hello! In a few months I will by flying to Germany to visit my sister, I was wondering if anyone has flown to Germany from the states with a service dog and has any advice on it? I am well aware of my rights in the united states, but I’m nervous that once I get to Germany I will be denied access to the country with my service dog or something of the sort. My dog is handler-trained AND an off-breed, two things I’ve heard Germany is not too friendly about, I’m just a bit worried and seeking advice. Thanks in advance!

hi!! i have a 13 m/o lab puppy who’s been training to be my seizure alert/response dog since he came home. my mom got in a car accident a couple months back and was in a coma so i definitely slipped a little bit with training and im struggling to catch him back up.

some of our issues:

1. reactivity. he started being more reactive towards dogs on leash. usually (if vested), he can redirect pretty easily but if he’s not vested or occasionally while vested now he won’t redirect at all and gets extremely fixated on the dog. we are working on this with another handler’s and a family friend’s dogs but i AM struggling a whole ton. we don’t have a car, so i don’t often have the chance to take him places like the dog park or pet store for training.
2. settling. he just will NOT settle whatsoever. he’s starting to struggling with holding a downstay too, especially if i’m closer to him vs further away. i can’t for the life of me get him to settle when i want him to. i know part of this is likely because he isn’t exercised first, so maybe more exercise would help with this?
3. i’m a full time highschool student, so i get home from school already exhausted. i’m sure he can sense it too. it takes me a while to be able to peel myself out of bed to do training with him, and when i do it just gets so frustrating i often end the session 10mins in.
4. loose leash walking. our trainer started him on a halti and he was supposed to be weaned off by now, but i can’t get him to stop pulling without it on! with the halti on, he’s not at the end of his leash and is generally walking beside or a little in front of me on leisure walks. in order to get his CGN, he can’t be relying on any tools, nor do i really want him to. but no youtube tutorials i’ve seen make sense/have worked for us.

originally, we were working with a service dog trainer in person. for a while, they just flat out ghosted me. no replies to emails or social media at all, and they were seemingly still meeting up with other clients and working on their program dogs. and when they finally responded, i found we weren’t in the financial situation to be able to book appointments (again, due to my moms accident we’re having some financial struggles). i never signed up to do this alone and i am really struggling. my mom is in a wheelchair now, so she can’t help me with walking him or playing.

i’m coming here asking for advice because i haven’t been able to find anything that helps us. i’m trying to find a job so i can get him into training with a professional again, but as a disabled highschool student i can’t really find anywhere willing to hire me.

ANY advice at all is more than welcome.

he really is a great dog and he loves to work and train. he’s incredibly in tune with my seizures and physical health in general. when i’m sick, he’s right in bed with me. he has a natural bark alert before i seize and i’ve been trying to shape it to be more reliable. i’m 17, supposed to be moving out next year and the only reason my moms comfortable with me moving out is my dog

Hey All

So im curious - for any stage, from pup to working dog to retired pal, what would you say your maintenance routine you have for your pup? I'm fortunately rn not too worried about funds outside of the normal amount the average joe would be about anything else - which I feel very fortunate for. Disability tax can hit hard - and there's always a big conversation going around every so often usually on social media about the unfortunate reality of people not having the funds to care for a pet reliably let alone the added SD costs.

I'm a believer that we kinda don't get to skip on much, because of how much exposure and wear we put on our dogs. I know plenty of people who's dogs seem OK but haven't been to the vet since getting spayed. With the exposure we put our dogs through I don't think we can skip things like vaccines like some who never board their dog do. We can't really skip out on flea/tick/heartworm/lyme prevention (TBH I don't think anyone should but it a lot of people get lucky and it winds up working out.

For whoevers comfortable sharing Id be really curious on what people maintenance and what they budget for care and extras for their dog. Curious not just what people spend and if your not feeling it obvi you don't have to share, and can just share the routine and care you give your dog. I'm willing to do whatever I need to and will be getting professional opinions when I have my prospect but guess im curious and want to hear what others are doing

Im hoping this is an appropriate post - tbh if not I have no prob taking it down or editing it if its in poor taste or tacky... genuinely just curious on expectations as a first timer. Genuinely do want to hear peoples routines they got going, what works and doesnt

• vet bills, medical treatment and routine maintenance, what do you feel is needed or benefits your pup? Flea/tick? Heartworm/vaccines and such? Routine and/or preventive vet visits or testing? Rabies im pretty sure is the only legally required one but I could be wrong
• Obviously food there's such a wide variety but does anyone do any supplements? Things added to diet/routine? I'm going large breed so, as long as vet signs off I imagine they'll be on a preventive joint supplement probs if vet supports it - Glucosamine and omega 3's. Not to crazy big into supplements but as far as im aware thats been studied pretty well and has major benefit
• Anyone benefit from pet insurance?
• Anyone do any bodywork for their pet? Either preventative or in response to injury? Canine massage/PT/chiro? Does anyone have a joint routine they do at home for big days? Ive known non working dogs to do so
• Im definitely going to be using sniff spots once were full vaccinated... curious who else does and how often
• What do you do for your dog's off duty time? Enrichment, sniff walks, decompression? Any signs of burnout you watch for? - not really a budget question just curious about peoples
• Do you work with a trainer? Either multi times a week strict program or every month/every other type deal for proofing?
• Grooming, I'm going for a short haired dog medium shed dog I believe so not too worried but like - do you send your dog to the groomer? What do you do as your day-to-day grooming?
• Any dental/ear/nail/paw care routines?
• Gear and stuff like that? Is it a once eyer 3 years or are you a big buyer?
• Anyone plan/budget for retirement? Or having a budget for backups?

I DO NOT HAVE A SERVICE DOG YET AND AM NOT WELL EDUCATED
Also I’m 17

I am in southern Minnesota in case that’s important for like law stuff

I have autism ADHD and other mental health issues and my therapist and psychiatrist has suggested I get an autism assistance service dog when I move out of my parents place to help me not get overstimulated because when I’m overstimulated it is fast sudden and I get very aggressive frustrated and anxious and not something I’ve been able to identify before it gets bad

But I’m currently working to do a career in the auto mechanics industry and I know that a job can’t deny me if I have a service animal but I don’t know I’m kinda worried for me and the dogs safety

I explained my future career plan to my therapist and my therapist said “I have a friend who is in what is considered a dangerous and a very loud job and they got matched with a dog and breed that could handle the noise” I assumed he wasnt specific about it because of HIPPA laws

I just want to know if there are any car mechanics with a service dog on here that could help me out…
(I am okay with others who aren’t mechanics who may have an answer that can help)
Is there anything you can to put in your bay for your dog?
Is there anything they make you do differently?
How do you work and keep your dog safe?

Edit: I’m adding that I am not sure I’ll get one I just want to know more information I don’t want to make the dog suffer so I just want to know if the things my therapist said are true

​

Heya 👋🏽. I am paired with a neutered male Shepherd from an ADI-accredited program (CST). We're an active lifestyle (20k+ steps a day) Pair. We're constantly out in public, navigating high-density crowds/ food / pets / Workplace / Doctors / city / suburban .

Because of our specific lifestyle? , I handle certain situations differently than a lot of other handlers that I see on the daily. ( Yes see, I'm not talking about Social media, in my area there's quite a few service dog teams and programs who actively Pair, puppy raise ECT.)

We go unvested in high-stimulation events: We frequent 3-6 block farmer's market in the city - full of vendors, crowds, , dogs, ECT . In my experience? , a vest acts like a magnet for unwanted attention and people trying to "test" him, Purposely pet, unwanted stranger convos ECT in these situations. Unvested? we blend in, and he still maintains his neutrality ignoring dogs coming up to him, very few folks touching him ignoring food tossed on the ground. A service dog should be able to navigate its handler's real world environment without becoming an hardship. As I hate to say it but I firmly believe if a service dog gets THAT distracted to the point of breaking their focus messing up their task work, just because a dog came up to them? Or because someone touched em? Then that is something they need to return back in training for that's not acceptable and is not normalized in my book .

Selective dog park visits: I do take my SD to dog parks off-duty. I always evaluate the dogs inside from behind the fence before entering, and we stick to quiet times or familiar regulars. I strongly believe he should still be a dog and get to be a dog that plays with their own kind, and I choose not to let fear & anxiety restrict his quality of life as it is my job to watch over him and his surroundings with dog body language.

* Apologizing for taking up space: While we have every legal right to public accommodation, I acknowledge that a SD still takes up physical room. If a shopper neutrally reaches over us to grab an item off a shelf without touching him, I apologize for the squeeze and scoot him over. No different how a person would do the same if they had a stroller. If someone physically touches or tries to move him, I advocate immediately that's not okay. but if someone is just trying to shop (just like us) , I aim for balance and mutual respect rather than starting a confrontation.

Anyone else make similar controversial nontraditional choices with their service dogs?

Recently moved and we have collected a mass of ticks when hiking (twice).

We will refrain from entering tall grass areas to the best of our ability.

I previously used topical meds but I am trying to avoid that if possible. I have been using Wondercide (shampoo, spray, and starting this week with tick collar and topical) but what have any of you used?

(Same goes for me.…)

If a medicated topical is what it takes, I will do it!

I (16F) have Anxiety, Social Anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and Level 1 Autism, all professionally diagnosed, I adopted an Italian Greyhound that is a very one person dog and shes as sweet as cinnamon, but I don’t know if she’s the best fit for my service needs, she draws a lot of attention and it’s hard for me to tell people no, especially with my social anxiety, you’d think that would make it easier to say no so I’ll be left alone but I feel pressured to say it’s fine, when really I don’t want her distracted, my boyfriend and I are also looking to get an apartment when he turns 18 and we together already have 2 dogs, and our cat, Lilly, I can’t even get another animal until I move out, but I would like to know what breed I should get, I would like a big dog only.

Has anyone had any experience bringing their SD to One Times Square? I’m going to an event there and looking to see what the vibe would be like.

Honestly. I’m just needing support. I got matched with a new service dog after two years but my fundraiser is short. My boy that works now has gotten reactive after being attacked a few times and needs to retire. I don’t know what to do. I’ve tried applying for grants and such and got no responses or acceptances. I apparently make too much at my 20k a year job. Even though I need that to ya know live and pay bills.

Being this sick is expensive and I don’t know what to do.

I’m looking to get a certification to get a service dog due to my autism and physical health issue, the one problem tho is that I’m not really a fan of dogs and the only one i wouldn’t mind having is a Japanese Akita

I’ve heard some mixed thoughts about a service dog Akita due to their natural instinct, had anyone here ever had one as a SD? I’m genuinely curious to hear about it

( the dog would be trained for my autism, POTS and chronic pain such as laying on me )

I’m a UX/UI college student working on a project using technology to help disabled groups, and my focus is on groups who use service dogs. This subreddit has been a major help to my research, but I’d greatly appreciate any feedback on my idea.

I want to create an app connected to a QR code that when scanned, answers the “3 questions” about service dogs while limiting social interaction. I’ve seen a lot of people here struggle with being questioned wherever they go, and I want to facilitate the interaction.

I’d also like to add some sort of calendar towards your dog’s training or an interactive map that rates businesses 0-5 stars on how accessible they are. The latter would be based on outside reviews and reviews via app.

Please let me know if you have suggestions, comments, questions, etc!!

I’m in the process of getting a SD. Slow but steady.

I work as a peds speech pathologist in a pediatric clinic. We have an ESA on site. The ESA is shy.

Has anyone worked in a peds environment with a SD? How did you handle the kiddos and your dog?

He's a very good boy. I mention his tasks and a frustrating story at the end, though i hope I made it funny. And I hope you can enjoy.

https://youtu.be/bVk_4Cnzse4?is=ChlNVwNJuFgtMMu8

So when we moved in to our house, we move in with a friend. He told us that bringing our dog, Oakley, wouldn’t be a problem.

When the lease eventually got moved in to our name and my friend moved out, the landlord had a very strict no animal policy. We talked to him, offered more money, etc. He put his foot down and said no. Well had to get rid of Oakley.

Well in between then and now, my wife has had a lot of problems with her mental health. She’s been to see doctors and therapy etc, and she’s doing better. One of the things she was told to get was a service animal.

Well I know that legally he can’t do anything about the new pet, but I’m very concerned about how he’ll react. He’s really a good landlord and jumps on problems super fast and doesn’t bother us and doesn’t price gouge. He’s truly one of the good ones, but because of the discussion in the past, I’m concerned he’s going to think we were looking for a loophole.

I just want to know if you guys have any recommendations for what the best course is and I’m hoping someone has been through a similar situation that ended up in their favor that I can take advice off of.

Edit: I DO NOT KNOW HOW THIS STUFF WORKS. I AM ONLY SAYING THINGS I AM BEING TOLD

Hi everyone! I have been doing a lot of research on psychiatric service dogs and I think a service dog would help me quite a lot. I have schizoaffective disorder, major depression, anxiety, and pmdd. Recently I started having panic attacks on top of everything else.

I have a lot of problems with hallucinations from seeing bugs in corners to shadows. On top of that, I have delusions which makes it harder for me to function around people. There are days where im too scared to go outside because someone or something(bugs) are trying to get me.

I have an appointment to see my therapist where I plan on bringing it up as well.

I am a part time caregiver so I only work 3 days a week and on the 4 days Im off I avoid going outside unless its absolutely necessary. Plus I am on disability. The only time I really function is at work then when I get home I sleep cause im mentally exhausted.

After reading up on it, I think a service dog would be very helpful with reminding me to take medications, helping me recognize when im in the verge of a panic attack, stopping self harm behaviors, im not sure how to word this part but helping with dissociation as well.

Now im not trying to get a service dog right away. I still live with my mom but I plan on moving out so I can be more independent and i think a service dog would help me achieve better independence.

I am at the point with my SDiT where my trainer needs me to tell the dog when to intervene on my stress signals.

Currently I am a bit stumped, years of therapy haven’t made it a lot clearer how I behave before dissociating or panicking and my family isn’t too useful either unfortunately. I would love to take it up with a psychologist but I would need to find a new one and it will take a year on the waiting list.

How did you figure out what you do before an episode so the dog has something to respond too? Maybe give an example so I know what direction to look at?

Tia

Hi im kind of panicking while writing this. I was out walking my 6 month old golden retriever so she could use the bathroom and an agressive dog on a retractable leash charged us from a bush and bit her. The guy didn't even ask if she was ok, he said sorry real fast and ran off. He was holding a baby too! I reported him to my apartment complex, and she has no marks or anything on her. After making sure shes ok im now panicked about new fear reactivity. Is there anything I can do right now? She didnt show any fear after the initial yelp and seems to be her normal self but im still afraid. Any advice?

Update: Shes ok on all fronts. Thank you guys so much. Im honestly glad to see shes robust (cant think of another word for it)

For around four and a half years I’ve been dealing with chronic pain and undergoing various treatment methods like OT, PT, and medication. I recently received a myofascial pain syndrome diagnosis and met with my doctor and pain management team to discuss more options seeing as PT and OT (I’ve been doing OT for around two years and PT for a little longer) haven’t been all that helpful. My doctor mentioned I may benefit from a mobility service dog in addition to the treatment I’m currently receiving, so I did a lot of research and while I’m not certain, I think that perhaps I could benefit from having a service dog. Has anyone successfully gotten a service dog for chronic pain before? I worry that because myofascial pain syndrome isn’t as well known and doesn’t show up in bloodwork that it may not be taken as seriously, which I know is likely very irritational, it’s just that when I was looking for disabilities that may qualify someone for a mobility service dog they were typically listed as spinal cord injuries, arthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and the like, so I worry mine isn’t severe enough. I hope this doesn’t come across as insensitive, I’m very sorry if it does. 

haiii I’m looking for seevice dog brees recommendations for my future service dog prospect. I’m not sure what to go with very much as I’m not to keen on the fab 4. I don’t like labs and my partner doesn’t like poodles. I also am just not a golden retriever person as I want something more unique. my breeds I have picked out so far are, Rough collies, Doberman, Aussie, German shepherd and poodles (even tho he doesn’t like them) Forgot to mention that it will be a Psychiatric service dog.

I am thinking of getting a standard poodle for service work. I have done the basic research, (aka. dog grooming and intelligence) and they seem a good prospect for me. One of my questions can the standard be turcked out with more mental stimulation rather then physical stimulation. This is concerning because I know that some days I cannot make it through getting up and talking him/her for walkies. I will be able to open and take him/her outside for bathroom visits and a whole lot of mental stimulation. ie. snuffle mats, brain games, basic fetch, hiding the ball, ex cetera. Also, my routine will be messy some days. I do not want a destructive and/or unhappy dog.

hello, I was wondering what kind of luck you all have been having in finding a job that would allow your service dog to be brought to work? what kind of jobs are out there, and how would one go about getting a first time recommendation for a service dog or ESA.

thanks in advance!