Are you looking to adopt a dog or get a service dog but have no idea who can adopt a service animal?
Let’s start with what a service dog is and who needs one. Medical illness can be mental or physical. A service dog assists with their duties and makes their life easier. However, you must consider some rules before getting a service dog.
Are you wondering if you can get one? In this article, we’ll answer all those questions and more.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about getting a service dog.
Service dogs can be incredible companions and tools for people with disabilities. Here is a quick list of who can get a service dog.
Service Dogs for Children With Autism
Service dogs for children with autism must be individually trained to perform tasks that mitigate the child’s autism. The tasks must be directly related to the child’s autism and cannot be for the convenience of the handler.
An autism service dog can assist with behavioral issues, communication, and socialization.
A service dog can be a tremendous asset for a child with autism and their family. They can provide much-needed assistance and support and help the child lead a more independent and fulfilling life.
You can also learn more information online or through support groups on how to get a service dog.
Adults With Physical Disabilities
Service dogs are not just for kids with physical disabilities but adults too. To get a service dog, you must have a disability that significantly interferes with one or more major life activities.
This means that your disability must make it difficult for you to do things like walk, breathe, eat, sleep, or take care of yourself.
Service dogs can help people with disabilities by providing balance, picking up things, fetching objects, and providing physical support.
Adults With Mental Illness
Adult service dogs are carefully taught to carry out tasks that lessen the impairment of their owner.
These dogs can provide companionship, help with medication reminders, prevent self-harm, and provide stability during a panic attack or anxiety episode.
If you have a mental illness and are interested in getting a service dog, the best first step is to talk to your doctor or therapist about whether a service dog would be a good fit for you and your needs.
Veterans With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Many organizations train and provide service dogs for veterans with PTSD. Veterans with PTSD who cannot perform basic daily tasks or have severe anxiety or panic attacks may be eligible for a service dog.
The dog must be able to perform specific tasks that help the veteran with their disability, and the veteran must be able to care for the dog.
Service Dogs for Seniors
However, seniors may be particularly well suited for service dogs, as these animals can provide much-needed companionship, assistance with everyday tasks, and even help with certain medical conditions.
To qualify for a service dog, seniors must first undergo an evaluation to ensure that they are physically and mentally able to care for an animal. If approved, they will be matched with a suitable service dog based on their individual needs.
Get a Service Dog Now
Overall, service dogs are not just for people with physical disabilities, they can also provide invaluable assistance to people with mental disabilities such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety.
If you think you need to get a service dog, the best way to find out is to consult with a professional. With hard work and dedication, you and your service dog will be able to improve your quality of life.
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