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Have an emotional support dog? How do you go about getting one? My Aunt has been suffering from severe depression for years. Thankfully she has Zoie now. She lost her husband a few years ago, and Zoie has seriously been her savior. She never wants to leave the house without her. She even turns down trips and/or excursions or will come home early from fun activities if she thinks Zoie will be home alone too long. When she's not in Zoie's presence she thinks about her constantly and looks sad. Having Zoie has changed her life, and she can finally say she's happy! So, knowing my Aunt's past, I feel she could and should qualify for an emotional support dog. I don't know if this matters, but she's 65, is disabled, and has a hard time walking. If you have one, what are the qualifications? How do you go about getting the certification? Do you have to file with the state? Any input will be appreciated. Thanks! :thumbup: PS. I know threads like this can be heated, so please, if you don't think a member "deserves" one, please keep your comments to yourself. Thanks. |
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I saved something someone sent me long time ago on the certification, I will go look and see if I still have it and if I do, I will copy and paste it in pm to you. So sorry about the loss of your Uncle, am glad your Aunt has Zoie, they are such a comfort. I hope the information that I have saved will be of some help but then again it may be different from State to State. Patti and Jack Baby Blessing and DollieDae |
1st thing is to get her to an M.D. to get her a letter and a prescription. Next, I would find out if there is a trainer or program, she could go through with the dog so she can learn about licensing, accessibility to buildings, etc. I would work with her and a therapist to get her to feel good about herself while she learns to work with the dog. |
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Dee those are great suggestions! This was something I was wanting to look into myself. I appreciate your help (and any one else that has input on this subject!). OP, thanks for creating this thread!! Lisa |
My Dr. is going to give me a letter to carry with me so I can bring a dog with me into stores and stuff. I haven't got the letter yet, so I don't know how businesses will respond to it. If that doesn't work, we'll try something else. :) I would always have the dog in a carrier - discreetly, anyways. </IMG>:cool: |
I think that all she needs is the letter and prescription from the doctor. I don't think any training is required for that. When questioned she just has to tell them she is a service dog and show the letter if necessary, but legally they can't even ask what the problem is that the dog is for. At least that is what I remember from another discussion when this came up. You can google service dog and see what you come up with. Also with service dogs you don't even have to pay extra to have them fly with you. |
I just went on a cruise and saw the most adorable maltese on the ship...I got all excited that I might be able to bring my dog (although I had never seen one before) then when we were getting off the ship someone asked one of the workers if you can bring dogs on ships and he said they were some kind of support dog so it was allowed. She was with a family (mom, dad and 2 kids) so I'm assuming she was an emotional support dog. She was cute and dressed up every day on the ship. |
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TUVM! I got your PM! :D |
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And here is an important piece of it: "Businesses may ask if an animal is a service animal or ask what tasks the animal has been trained to perform, but cannot require special ID cards for the animal or ask about the person’s disability" |
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If she wants to be able to take her everywhere she must be a service dog. Emotional support dogs don't have any more right to go places than any other dog. Here's a few links that might help... http://www.petsandpeople.org/difference.htm http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/qasrvc.htm http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/svcanimb.htm |
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Thanks for the links. But can a service dog be an ESD too? And other than a seeing eye dog, what other tasks do service dogs do? |
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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. |
"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 |
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. |
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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 |
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that would be so great if your aunt could get zoie to become an ESD. |
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! :p |
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! |
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