Emotional Support Dogs-have I asked this before? - Page 3 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

antiquebuff · 11-18-2013, 11:03 PM

I take Tuck everywhere with me. He fits in my large purse and goes to Restaurants, Grocery , Wal Mart....etc. he has never been left alone. He is very quiet and good though. Good Luck!

Hopesmom · 11-24-2013, 07:16 PM

I have a letter from my Dr along with a copy of all immunizations with me at all times stating that my Yorkie is an Emotional Support Dog! I also have small ID Tags stating the same. By law they can not ask what your disability is. I too have high anxiety since the death of our daughter but Hope has been the best therapy! I have never been questioned & she's even been permitted to stay in a non pet hotel once I've shown them the paper work. Hope has also gone through 3 courses & will be taking her Canine Good Citizenship test along with the Therapy Dog test in the spring! Praying for you! Speak with your Dr about getting a letter in writing & YES, it does have to be updated every year with current dates. Hope this helps!

yorkiemini · 11-24-2013, 07:50 PM

ADA gives people with disability dogs access to public places. Emotional supports dogs utiilized by many with and without disabilities are not considered speially trained to perform specific tasks directly related to a psychiatric disability. Emotional support and CGC or therapy dogs are not deemed service dogs.

The distinction between a support dog and a psychiatric dog seems confusion to some, but the law ssays the distinction is that a psychiatric dog performs a psychiatric service related specifically to the psychiatric disorder/diagnosis. The dog must be trained to recognize and address specific needs of the handler.

In contrast an emtoional support dog is a pet who provides simply a sense of well-being, safety or calm from the dog's companionship or physical presence.

The psychiatric dog tasks are very specific - esample:
* providing safety checks or room searches for PTSD
*blocking persons in dissociative episodes from wondering into danger
*preventing or interrupting impulsive imipuslsive or destructive behaviors such as self mutilation.

These are just few examples.

The ACAA act allows emotional support dogs on commerical airlines and housing, however, unlike service dogs, those emotional support dogs must have a special letter from a license mental health professional documenting the individual's need for an emtional support dog. They are not allowed in restaurants or theaters.

If you need to know more just PM me. This may be more than anyone wanted to know. Finding a good trainer can be a challenge depending upon where you live and is quite expensive without a grant.

yorkiemini · 11-24-2013, 07:59 PM

Hopesmom,
A service dog handler cannot be asked their disability, as you said. A Support dog can be asked and you must have a statement from a llicensed professional regarding the specific task the dog performs for you.

Granted, some places may not ask, but they are allowed and see documents.

It is just a little tricky if you get in the thick of it. I had to drive to Chicago one time to pick up someone who had a support dog that was half way through her airline trip from California, who got checked for her support dog and did not have the appropriate paperwork and she could not continue her trip. We got it taken care of but with a 12 hour delay and a couple of missed flights. A statement from a psychiatrist and a trainer are the best things and then the dog must behave well, too, of course.

Hopesmom · 12-03-2013, 09:53 AM

Thanks yorkiemini! I do make sure I have my Drs letter with me at all times & her trainer has agreed to write a letter as well. Good idea! I'm sorry about the delay your friend had with the airlines. I haven't flown anywhere yet but will be sure to have all documentation when we do!

Pam Shaw · 02-24-2014, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenna AK

I am hoping to get Jenna registered as an emotional support dog so that she can go more places with me, as I have bad anxiety disorder and she helps calm me in public places. Does anyone have any tips on how to properly go about doing this? I've found some online places that say you don't even have to have a current mental health professional, either they will certify you online or your regular doctor can vouch for you. The dogs require no training, just the designation and papers stating the same.
Just looking for information on the procedure at present if anyone has any idea where to begin. Many thanks in advance.

Hope I haven't asked this question before, if I have, apologies.

Hi!
Go to: United States Dog Registry. They will certify your dog as an Emotional Support Dog!

Pam S.

Wylie's Mom · 03-02-2014, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pam Shaw

Hi!
Go to: United States Dog Registry. They will certify your dog as an Emotional Support Dog!

Pam S.

Are you the owner of this site as well as the other one? If so, please disclose this when you're promoting it.

The products on this site are asking you to pay up to $167 for UNNECESSARY certification documents - documents that anyone at all could replicate or create. These documents are NOT NEEDED by law, anywhere in the US.

Beware of sites/companies like this who are promoting a "registry" that doesn't actually exist in US law.

yorkietalkjilly · 03-02-2014, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Are you the owner of this site as well as the other one? If so, please disclose this when you're promoting it.

The products on this site are asking you to pay up to $167 for UNNECESSARY certification documents - documents that anyone at all could replicate or create. These documents are NOT NEEDED by law, anywhere in the US.

Beware of sites/companies like this who are promoting a "registry" that doesn't actually exist in US law.

Thanks, Ann. You are always looking out for us.

yorkiemini · 03-02-2014, 12:15 PM

Don't be fooled. There is no certification that is recognized.
The ADA sets the standard - no one else does.

Pam Shaw · 03-02-2014, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Are you the owner of this site as well as the other one? If so, please disclose this when you're promoting it.

The products on this site are asking you to pay up to $167 for UNNECESSARY certification documents - documents that anyone at all could replicate or create. These documents are NOT NEEDED by law, anywhere in the US.

Beware of sites/companies like this who are promoting a "registry" that doesn't actually exist in US law.

Hi, I am just a new member who joined a few days ago! I am not the owner of any websites or organizations. I just coincidentally had been looking at info on the web about training and certification for therapy dogs because I am getting another yorkie and am very interested in having her certified. I apologize if I mislead anyone! I also answered a question about grooming/topknot pillows, and they didn't post it until I took the link off. I guess I have a lot to learn about trying to be helpful on this site!

Pam Shaw · 03-02-2014, 12:58 PM

Since many places that would welcome a therapy dog seem to want or require assurance in the form of some kind of certification, don't you think it's a good idea to have the dog certified somewhere, regardless of where? You can't just say that your dog is a therapy dog! Even a CGC certificate doesn't make a dog a therapy dog, although some places may accept that as enough of a reassurance that the dog will at least behave. So, I guess what I'm saying is that by not having the dog certified somewhere, you're setting yourself up for rejection of services at some places you might otherwise be welcomed at. I just can't imagine any hospital, for example, taking a chance on an uncertified dog. Whether required by law or not, certification from any organization is better than none. And, I've never heard of any organization that would do so for at least a nominal fee. I'm not advocating any particular place or certificate.

yorkiemini · 03-02-2014, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yorkiemini

Don't be fooled. There is no certification that is recognized.
The ADA sets the standard - no one else does.

Oh so sorry - misspoke - thought we were talking about something else.
Avsolutelyntherapyndogs have to take a course and then a test to be certified. Some agencies even form teams to take the dogs to various places. Most places will not let you bring in a dog that is not certified. And....importantly you want the insurance that comes with the certification in case something happens.

yorkiemini · 03-02-2014, 01:39 PM

What I was saying was that there is no national certification for service dogs or emotional support dogs. There are some agencies that would like for you to think there is so they can charge you some $$$.

Most service dogs that come out of a organized program come with paper work document mending their training and their health. They are required to be identified with a cape or vest if they are a service animal.

Sharonmarlow · 03-04-2014, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boomerkiller

I have a yorkie as my emotional support dog. I am a veteran with ptsd and deppression. All I had to do is get a service dog vest and keep my doctors note with me. As far as I have seen there is no place that you have to register your dog with. All you need is a doctors note to fly with your service dog.

Boomerkiller - you might want to get your dog registered as a service dog instead of an emotional support dog. Since you have PTSD you have a condition that a doctor can "prescribe" a service dog for - and with a service dog you legally cannot be barred from taking your dog ANYWHERE you go. There are many limitations to travel with emotional support dogs and there's a definite difference between the two.

Here's a great chart that explains the differences: Please Don't Pet Me

yorkiemini · 03-04-2014, 08:29 PM

There is no service dog registry - only the ADA law.
To qualify for a service dog there has to be specific things the dog performs for the handler other than being a support.

11-18-2013, 11:03 PM	#31
antiquebuff Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Franklin, North Carolina Posts: 50	I take Tuck everywhere with me. He fits in my large purse and goes to Restaurants, Grocery , Wal Mart....etc. he has never been left alone. He is very quiet and good though. Good Luck! __________________ Jeanette Awtrey

11-24-2013, 07:50 PM	#33
yorkiemini Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: USA Posts: 4,285	ADA gives people with disability dogs access to public places. Emotional supports dogs utiilized by many with and without disabilities are not considered speially trained to perform specific tasks directly related to a psychiatric disability. Emotional support and CGC or therapy dogs are not deemed service dogs. The distinction between a support dog and a psychiatric dog seems confusion to some, but the law ssays the distinction is that a psychiatric dog performs a psychiatric service related specifically to the psychiatric disorder/diagnosis. The dog must be trained to recognize and address specific needs of the handler. In contrast an emtoional support dog is a pet who provides simply a sense of well-being, safety or calm from the dog's companionship or physical presence. The psychiatric dog tasks are very specific - esample: * providing safety checks or room searches for PTSD blocking persons in dissociative episodes from wondering into danger preventing or interrupting impulsive imipuslsive or destructive behaviors such as self mutilation. These are just few examples. The ACAA act allows emotional support dogs on commerical airlines and housing, however, unlike service dogs, those emotional support dogs must have a special letter from a license mental health professional documenting the individual's need for an emtional support dog. They are not allowed in restaurants or theaters. If you need to know more just PM me. This may be more than anyone wanted to know. Finding a good trainer can be a challenge depending upon where you live and is quite expensive without a grant. __________________ . Cali , and Cali's keeper and staff, Jay No, not a "mini" Yorkie - She loves to motor in her Mini Cooper car

11-24-2013, 07:59 PM	#34
yorkiemini Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: USA Posts: 4,285	Hopesmom, A service dog handler cannot be asked their disability, as you said. A Support dog can be asked and you must have a statement from a llicensed professional regarding the specific task the dog performs for you. Granted, some places may not ask, but they are allowed and see documents. It is just a little tricky if you get in the thick of it. I had to drive to Chicago one time to pick up someone who had a support dog that was half way through her airline trip from California, who got checked for her support dog and did not have the appropriate paperwork and she could not continue her trip. We got it taken care of but with a 12 hour delay and a couple of missed flights. A statement from a psychiatrist and a trainer are the best things and then the dog must behave well, too, of course. __________________ . Cali , and Cali's keeper and staff, Jay No, not a "mini" Yorkie - She loves to motor in her Mini Cooper car

03-02-2014, 12:15 PM	#39
yorkiemini Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: USA Posts: 4,285	Don't be fooled. There is no certification that is recognized. The ADA sets the standard - no one else does. __________________ . Cali , and Cali's keeper and staff, Jay No, not a "mini" Yorkie - She loves to motor in her Mini Cooper car

03-02-2014, 01:39 PM	#43
yorkiemini Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: USA Posts: 4,285	What I was saying was that there is no national certification for service dogs or emotional support dogs. There are some agencies that would like for you to think there is so they can charge you some $$$. Most service dogs that come out of a organized program come with paper work document mending their training and their health. They are required to be identified with a cape or vest if they are a service animal. __________________ . Cali , and Cali's keeper and staff, Jay No, not a "mini" Yorkie - She loves to motor in her Mini Cooper car

11-24-2013, 07:16 PM	#32
Hopesmom Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2012 Location: NY Posts: 247	I have a letter from my Dr along with a copy of all immunizations with me at all times stating that my Yorkie is an Emotional Support Dog! I also have small ID Tags stating the same. By law they can not ask what your disability is. I too have high anxiety since the death of our daughter but Hope has been the best therapy! I have never been questioned & she's even been permitted to stay in a non pet hotel once I've shown them the paper work. Hope has also gone through 3 courses & will be taking her Canine Good Citizenship test along with the Therapy Dog test in the spring! Praying for you! Speak with your Dr about getting a letter in writing & YES, it does have to be updated every year with current dates. Hope this helps!

12-03-2013, 09:53 AM	#35
Hopesmom Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2012 Location: NY Posts: 247	Thanks yorkiemini! I do make sure I have my Drs letter with me at all times & her trainer has agreed to write a letter as well. Good idea! I'm sorry about the delay your friend had with the airlines. I haven't flown anywhere yet but will be sure to have all documentation when we do!

03-02-2014, 12:58 PM	#41
Pam Shaw Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Crossville, Tennessee Posts: 228	Since many places that would welcome a therapy dog seem to want or require assurance in the form of some kind of certification, don't you think it's a good idea to have the dog certified somewhere, regardless of where? You can't just say that your dog is a therapy dog! Even a CGC certificate doesn't make a dog a therapy dog, although some places may accept that as enough of a reassurance that the dog will at least behave. So, I guess what I'm saying is that by not having the dog certified somewhere, you're setting yourself up for rejection of services at some places you might otherwise be welcomed at. I just can't imagine any hospital, for example, taking a chance on an uncertified dog. Whether required by law or not, certification from any organization is better than none. And, I've never heard of any organization that would do so for at least a nominal fee. I'm not advocating any particular place or certificate.

03-04-2014, 08:29 PM	#45
yorkiemini Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: USA Posts: 4,285	There is no service dog registry - only the ADA law. To qualify for a service dog there has to be specific things the dog performs for the handler other than being a support. __________________ . Cali , and Cali's keeper and staff, Jay No, not a "mini" Yorkie - She loves to motor in her Mini Cooper car