While the concept has been around for a long time, service dogs have only recently become more accessible. For a while, restaurants, businesses, and living places could reject individuals who had service dogs. Service dogs only gained exclusive rights and protections in 1990 under the ADA Act. Because of these protections, individuals who need them can bring their puppies into restaurants, businesses and live wherever they want. Many people still express confusion about service dogs. They wonder how they're different from pets and how individuals can get their dogs registered. If you're curious or want to know more, keep reading.
Why Do Service Dogs Exist?
Service dogs exist to help individuals with disabilities perform tasks and live a more enjoyable life. Accessibility is essential to ensure that everyone can live within society and benefit equally. Some individuals require them to make social and everyday things more accessible to them. Dogs are singled out as service animals because of their aptitude for training. These creatures are specifically trained to be a support for their owners.
Getting Your Dog Trained
If you are eligible to get a service dog, there are a couple of ways about it. Get a pre-trained dog. This is a viable option, however, they can be costly. Train a dog yourself. If you already have a dog in your household that you trust, you can see if you can get them trained. Otherwise, you can also get a younger dog and train it up yourself or via a trainer. If you decide to go with the latter, you can find a lot of information about training service dogs online.
Getting Your Dog Registered
Once you have your service dog, you want to make sure that you always have all the correct paperwork for it. You may choose to register your pet if you want to travel or simply have proof of its status. Now, you may be wondering how to register a service dog. The process, thankfully, isn't complicated. Some organizations can help you complete the paperwork for registration. You'll need proof of the completed training, medical records, and other verifying information. You'll have to pay a fee for the registration and get your canine a designated service dog vest. Employers, businesses, and restaurants can't legally ask to see your paperwork so long as your dog is wearing their uniform.
Benefits of Getting Them Registered
If you go through the process of getting your dog registered as a service animal, you'll reap a plethora of both physical and emotional benefits including:
- Life becomes more comfortable when you have a canine to assist you with every day or social tasks.
- Your dog will watch you for any signs of distress or physical pain. They can alert you before you have a seizure to help prevent injury.
- Dogs help with mobility assistance, opening doors, pressing elevator buttons, etc.
- The dog can seek additional help if it's necessary.
- They can help individuals regain their balance and prevent falling.
- They will be a loyal companion that you can rely on for their working life.
- You become more independent of other people when you have a service dog to help you.
- You'll be more comfortable and confident in social situations.
- The canine will motivate you to take on daily chores and better yourself.
Service Dogs in the World
With the information about service dogs at hand, you're ready to go out into the world and get the help you need. Don't hesitate to get a service animal if you need one. Organizations are out there to help you. If you don't need one, advocate for individuals who do. Accessibility is essential to creating a wonderful world for everyone to live in.
