Have an emotional support dog? How do you go about getting one?

[Itspuppyluv]

"If you are disabled as defined by the ADA, that is, if you have a condition that substantually limits a life function, and your dog does one thing for you, like picking up dropped items, or helping you walk by supporting you, or responding to a medical condition in a manner that you trained, then your dog IS a service dog. Certification is not required. If you are unsure if your dog is a service dog, please call me, and I'll give you my expert opinion on the matter."

http://sdog.danawheels.net/ot-adog.shtml

[drawlins27]

You can get ID tags for your dog identifying her as a service dog here
http://www.doggydmv.com/service_dog_tags.htm

You can get a certification and Photo ID Tag for therapy and service dogs here.
http://affluent.net/sara/sara4.htm

Neither one of these require any type of proof but the second site has this disclaimer:
Certification or registration through SARA does not imply, infer, suggest or guarantee that an individual animal or a disabled individual is qualified under any law or legality or is entitled to special considerations based upon any law or legality.

Not saying this is right or wrong, just letting you know this is out there.

[BabyFidgette]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Service dogs can be trained to alert to an on-coming seizure, medication reminders, anxiety management - I've even heard they can now recognize high blood pressure. I would think that if your Aunt is practically home-bound without her dog, that the dog's service then goes beyond ESD and heads into Service territory. Depression CAN be a disability and I wouldn't let anyone tell you differently. But that's just me .

WOW! Thanks! I'll have to tell my aunt about that b/c that would be GREAT if Zoie could alert her of a possible hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic attack! She also has high BP, takes meds, and suffers from depression.

[BabyFidgette]

Originally Posted by Itspuppyluv

I think she just needs to be trained to help your Aunt in some way if you want her to legally be a service dog.
There are many things a service dog can be trained to do. Bringing keys, medication, a phone. Some alert their owners to sounds. Some open and close doors, turn lights off and on.

That sounds great too! Now I just have to see if she's willing to have Zoie trained and then find out places here in Jersey that'll do it.

[BabyFidgette]

Originally Posted by drawlins27

You can get ID tags for your dog identifying her as a service dog here
http://www.doggydmv.com/service_dog_tags.htm

You can get a certification and Photo ID Tag for therapy and service dogs here.
http://affluent.net/sara/sara4.htm

Neither one of these require any type of proof but the second site has this disclaimer:
Certification or registration through SARA does not imply, infer, suggest or guarantee that an individual animal or a disabled individual is qualified under any law or legality or is entitled to special considerations based upon any law or legality.

Not saying this is right or wrong, just letting you know this is out there.

Thanks for those links as well. I'll let you all know what she decides.

[Chrissy0277]

Here is some service dog training schools in NJ

NEW JERSEY
K-9 Service Dogs of New Jersey <k9chieftrainer@juno.com>
Oradell, NJ 07649
(201) 200-4368
(201) 244-1117 FAX
Types of dogs trained: Service
Areas served: Northern NJ & NY Area

Alpha Affiliates, Inc. (Referral Service Only)
103 Washington St. #362
Morristown, NJ 07960-6813
(201) 539-2770
(201) 644-0610 FAX

%Canine Hearing Companions, Inc. <CHCHearDog@aol.com>
Debra Schaser
247 E. Forest Grove Rd.
Vineland, NJ 08360
(856) 696-0969 V/TDD
(856) 696-5405 FAX
Types of dogs trained: Hearing, Social/Therapy
Areas served: NJ, PA, DE

[BabyFidgette]

Originally Posted by Chrissy0277

Here is some service dog training schools in NJ

NEW JERSEY
K-9 Service Dogs of New Jersey <k9chieftrainer@juno.com>
Oradell, NJ 07649
(201) 200-4368
(201) 244-1117 FAX
Types of dogs trained: Service
Areas served: Northern NJ & NY Area

Alpha Affiliates, Inc. (Referral Service Only)
103 Washington St. #362
Morristown, NJ 07960-6813
(201) 539-2770
(201) 644-0610 FAX

%Canine Hearing Companions, Inc. <CHCHearDog@aol.com>
Debra Schaser
247 E. Forest Grove Rd.
Vineland, NJ 08360
(856) 696-0969 V/TDD
(856) 696-5405 FAX
Types of dogs trained: Hearing, Social/Therapy
Areas served: NJ, PA, DE

Thank you! You all are great! I'm going to see my aunt today and tell her about her options!

[kalina82]

that would be so great if your aunt could get zoie to become an ESD.

[BabyFidgette]

Well, she's decided that she's going to ask her doctor about Zoie becoming an Emotional Support Dog. I also explained that she could get her trained to be a support dog to help her remember meds, etc. and she said she doesn't need help with those things right now. So, ESD it is....hopefully!

[s13silviagirl]

Oh wow! The info in this thread is so great! I have anxiety disorders and all of this info is so helpfull to me as well! You are all great! Thanks BabyFidgette for asking the question and thanks to everyone for all of the replies!