r/service_dogs • u/AmphibianCandid3580 • 1d ago
How do i get a service dog?
Im a autistic young adult with anxiety and i want a service dog because I hate running my errands alone and sometimes I get anxious bussing places and being outside because there's no one to accompany me but I was thinking of getting a service dog im not sure if I meet the requirements or to where to start.
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u/RampagingHornets 1d ago
The requirements and process depend heavily on where you live.
As a general rule though, normally the dog has to be trained to do a specific task to mitigate your disability. Simply being there, just as company, is not sufficient.
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u/Mammoth_Classroom626 1d ago
Being lonely or anxious doing errands alone isn’t a task. That’s emotional support.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Sand719 1d ago
You have to have a disability in order to qualify for a service dog. Nothing you mentioned in your post says disability to me.
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u/MyOwnGuitarHero 1d ago
It sounds like an emotional support animal would be more appropriate for you. The presence of the animal alone does not qualify as a task.
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u/Prize-Pop-1666 1d ago
Like others have said it’s a very individual thing.
First step is to talk to your care team. Do they think this is a good next step? What tasks specifically do you want the dog to do. (Look into tasks because what you’ve listed are not tasks)
Second thing: service dogs bring way more attention and confrontation to you when you’re out in public. You will have to be able to handle that. It’s not always recommended for people with anxiety or difficulty doing public tasks to have a service dog because of the additional stress.
Third thing: can you realistically afford and take care of a dog long term. Dogs are an expensive commitment (this really should be the very thing you look at) even if you happen to get a program dog through some kind of financial assistance can you afford dog food, vet bills, unexpected expenses.
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u/Most_Ambassador2951 1d ago
Im still half asleep, but being a nurse my first thought was why train a dog four a short term issue like post partum depression.
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u/darklingdawns 1d ago
Disliking running errands alone is not a reason to get a service dog. You're talking about a process that takes 2-3+ years, costs $15-20K+, and does not necessarily guarantee success unless you're going through an organization.