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California is one of the states in which a dog can be trained to perform tasks that will benefit a person with a psychiatric disability. This canine is considered a “
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Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.
I suffer from anxiety and depression, I have been researching if I qualify for a service dig, but I can’t find a solid answer, it says I do but I don’t at the same time? I just need a solid answer, if someone can give it to me please leave a reply.
You might qualify for a Psychiatric Service Dog. But you may find this article on service dogs for anxiety interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-for-anxiety/ .
Hello. JG. My son has issues of anger management, and self-harm also. Where did you have your dog trained?? Also what techniques does your dog use to alert you, and what do you do when alerted (time out, take meds, etc.?) My son needs a service dog but how to describe the service he can’t do for himself (to qualify as a “service dog?”
LF
Anger management is not considered a disability under the ADA nor is self harm considered a disability under the ADA. So your son doesn’t qualify for a service dog. Unless your son gets a specific diagnosis from a licensed doctor and that diagnosis must is considered a diagnosis under the ADA your son will not qualify until he gets a valid diagnosis and until the diagnosis is actually considered a disability.
Hello. 1st time to this site. I’ve trained my dog to help me. —In San Francisco (even an “Emotional Service Animal ) can come into restaurants, anywhere, no problem. But the California rules regarding Service dogs, notes an exception for all dogs in San Francisco. I didn’t know that. This morning I got a quick lesson that I wasn’t in “kansas” anymore—rules strictly enforced here in Davis, CA. I was stopped in local food co-op & questioned: “what is your disability?” “What service does she provide?” (The 1st question I felt was way too personal. So I answered, “A certified medical condition”. The young woman wasn’t content. She wanted to know precisely what was my disability. Grrrr. I’ve had my dog, for more than 3 years and never, ever was asked anything. She is polite. She’s earned her ” Good Canine Citizenship ” Certificate. — My feeling is that here in Davis, at least, people who have an untrained dog won’t be getting any privileges.
i have been told o er and over again that people are not allowed to ask what your disability is or ask your animal to perform that task. they can ask if she is registered. can ask if you have a need. i believe that’s it… in california. i don’t see why davis would be different… ?? just a thought. 🙂
That is against the law !
Emotional support animals are not service animals. Your dog does not have public access rights. Your dog is only allowed in long term housing and a plane.
Thanks for that! I’m doing some research on this, mainly because we hope to soon open a short term rental, and am appalled by the people who abuse & take advantage of designations for Service Animals just to get their PETS allowed… well, just about any place that people might be afraid to question them.
It IS allowed to ask if an animal is required due to a disability, and to ask what work or tasks the animal has been trained to do. That is even for Service Animals, which should be no problem for people with genuine disabilities to provide.
I would never have even considered questioning a person who said they required a Service Animal, and certainly didn’t realize there could be so many out there prepared to abuse or lie about that status! Now I’m not sure what to do. If someone is willing to stoop that low, it’s probable they’d be negligent in other ways, too. However, I’m planning to just give all the benefit of the doubt unless or until they prove themselves untrustworthy. I’d imagine those with disabilities who have Service Animals are the ones most disgusted by the fakers.
And then I see how just about anyone can “qualify” to have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) by paying for a letter online. But for them, there is much less compliance required. Not only that, many states have enacted “fake Service Dog/Animal” laws, so beware if you’re one of the fakers out there.
So, you seem irritated because you’ve previously had “no problem” before, and I notice that you call your dog an “Emotional SERVICE Animal”. That’s your own label. Emotional Support Animals are NOT Service Animals, by definition. And just because you’ve gotten away with getting your pet wherever you’ve wanted before, no matter how “polite” she is, or how “Good” of a canine, doesn’t mean you can continue. Frankly, it’s an abuse and a lie to refer to her as a “Service” Animal at all. Those are specifically defined, and it certainly doesn’t sound like yours fits. Also, California is one of the states with a law making it a criminal offense to pretend to be the owner of a Service Dog, so be glad you weren’t cited.
Hi my son has multiple learning disabilities he is 7 and he gets really frustrated and angry at things i want to get him a service dog or emotional support dog . im not sure which one to get i would like to train the dog to help comfort him before he gets to angry or be there when he cries out from frustration.
If the main purpose of the dog is to comfort your son and the dog doesn’t need to be present at all times, an ESA would be sufficient. An ESA also requires less training but your son’s lmhp needs to approve the decision and write an ESA letter. You may find the chart on the different service animals in this article helpful https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/the-difference-between-a-psychiatric-service-dog-and-an-emotional-support-animal/
So who do I call to train my do in central California? Hes already an ESA but some housing places dont want to deal with that because ESAs aren’t covered through ADA. ONLY Service animals are.
Be CAREFUL in Finding A Traine
Do Research Ask Questions
I Trained Mine Myself
But I Had Plenty of Time !
Then I Found A Trainer Just To Give Me Advice
If You Want To Get Ahold Of Me On FB
Tammymaynelson From Sutter Ca
I’ve Been Trainning Dogs For Years Will Mentor if You Want
Some Places Want 5000 -30000 Dollars Even If Its A Non Profit Organation
Start with superb obedience training and get “Canine Good Citizen” from the AKC for starters.
Del Monte Kennel Club in Monterey area or other Kennel clubs if you are further away.
With the murder of my only son, I was given a small dog that helps me through each day without my son.. Will she qualify as an emotional support…
I’m very sorry to hear about your loss. In order to make your dog an ESA you need to connect with a licensed healthcare professional who is licensed in your state of residence. They will evaluate your mental health and decide if an ESA could be beneficial to the treatment of your condition. They will then issue an ESA letter which allows you to call your dog an emotional support dog. You may find this article on how to qualify for an ESA https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-qualify-for-an-emotional-support-animal/
Our Will highly recommended your center for dog training and boarding. So, whatever your problem, whatever your dog training needs, there are suitable options.Read on for more information on California Service Dog requirements and regulations.
I own a short term vacation rental. Am I required by law to allow service animals at my property
YES.
Based on what law? Short Term Rentals are a different animal than hotels and long term rentals, so you can’t definitively tell someone “YES” without knowing all the facts.
It depends. If you share space with guests, you are NOT required to allow them. But as someone preparing to open a short term rental, I would never deny a legitimate Service Animal for anyone. But then, I’m not allergic, so I suppose that might be a qualifying factor. I’m becoming a bit leery after reading about the high number of abusers, however, especially those who pay for letters & “certificates” online just to be able to bring their pets wherever they want. And I’m not even sure they can require you to accept animals if you’re not a public facility. I know some of the S.T. rental platforms have extra rules on the matter.
My daughter has speech delay and a learning disability (diagnosed) but we think she might need an emotional support dog since she has meltdowns quite often. I’ve been working with her doctor on getting information and a proper diagnosis so we can get her help (she’s 3 1/2 mind you) since a lot of people have suggested she get tested for autism (from mom’s who have kids with a form of autism) because she shows some signs of it. What do I need to do to get a dog/puppy trained and/or certified as an emotional support animal?
If your daughter does have autism she may qualify for a service dog. You may find this article on service dogs for autism interesting – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dogs-for-autism/
My question is, can someone deny a dog into a taxi or uber if the dog is not properly identified as a service dog? I understand it is not mandatory in CA to identify a service dog however, I have seen service dogs properly identified at restaurants and malls where you obvious know that it is a working dog. My concern is if the person is not stating that it is a service dog or properly identifying the animal can the driver of the uber or taxi deny access for the dog?
I was told by a Urber driver himself..that when they start working there they have to sign a paper agreeing to let animals in there vehicles of they refuse then you just make sure to post that on the comment area..my daughter has a service dog n i have a card n paper now and this homeless shelter is giving me BS on having her dog here at the house with my daughter we are new to California so all her dogs info is on a ADA site where i can keep address and info up too date..but so far i have had no trouble with any Urber drivers n thats not even showing her card..butt as he said they are to sign a paper when theu start..so leave a comment or contact Urber and tell them who denied you..
An ACTUAL Service Dog is required full access. Which means yes, he is required to allow an ACTUAL service dog. An ACTUAL service dog is not required to have identifying vest, nor documentation. You cannot be asked for it either. Only TWO questions can be asked. Is that a service dog? and What tasks has the Service dog been trained to perform?
One thing I ask of you or ANYONE reading this feed. PLEASE do not say your animal is a Service animal if it is not. If it barks, whines, cries… or goes crazy when another animal or human gets near you, etc. that is NOT a trained service dog, and you mess it up for people like myself who have a legitimate trained serviced dog that has good manners and knows what is expected of them in public.
Also, if you have an ACTUAL service dog, then you would already know the ADA law. Its part of your training.
Our child has a diagnosed anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. They are 16 and have trouble regulating their emotions. I am thinking a service dog would be very helpful. We already have 2 smaller dogs. (Terrier chihuahua mixes) Can you have a service dog when you have other dogs and where can I get one and how do I make sure they are reputable and truly training them in a humane and legitimate way?
Hello,
I just was wondering if any of you guys have had or trained a CAH service dog?
I have a border collie lab has any of you guys trained one?
I am thinking about training her my self so any recommendations?
I’m training a border collie right now they’re extremely intelligent need a lot of exercise yours is probably better being a mixed breed it will be calm and listen to what you’re saying. They are supposed to be about the best assistance there are. Border Collie’s are almost intelligent as a human. They can identify 2000 different toys and different colors of hundreds of bars there’s a special on YouTube about a A famous border collie interviewed on 60 minutes. He pretty much can do anything. Congratulations I wish you the best of luck it takes a lot of patience but it’s really worth it in the long term you have a loyal, non-judge mental , best friend that will do anything for you. There’s really nothing better than that🐕🦺
My daughter struggles with mental health issues. diagnosed with MDD and GAD, has had 2 hospitalizations due to self-harm and suicidal ideation. She misses more school than she attends because she has panic attacks. How can I help her with a limited income to benefit with a dog- especially taking it to school.
You can get an esa. And emotional support animal. You do have to get a prescription from your doctor or therapist. But you can train it ypurself to reduce costs. The down side is that as an esa and not a service dog they wont be welvome in most businesses. However landlord cannot turn away a prescribed pet.
I’ve been working as a Supervisory Correctional Officer since 1994. In 2014 & 2016 I was brutally attacked by inmates that resulted in a mountain of physical damage and what appears to be never ending mental and emotional trauma as well. If that weren’t enough, my 32 year old son suffered a fatal heart attack last week. My only means of coping with life at this point is with the assistance of my German Shepherd. When I am required to travel and spend any time whatsoever away from him, those moments/days are brutal. He is obedient and is in tune with my emotions unlike anyone I know and he makes all the difference how I cope with my day to day obligations. Can I register Maxx as a service dog?
First of all, I am sorry for all you have had to go through. I am a female Combat Veteran, and I have a Service that helps me with my PTSD. You can get on any website and pay for a certificate and a vest that says your dog is a service dog.
I request that you do NOT do that.
There are WAY too many people currently doing that, and then their dogs attack someone that got to close to them, start barking inside a business, whining, crying, growling etc. These are NOT service dogs. An actual service dog has specific training for public access. They have good manners and know how to act. The people who buy a certificate online and a service dog vest and slap it on their dog are the ones who ruin it for everyone out there that have legitimate service dogs.
From your description of your dog, it sounds like he does have a lot of the good qualities needed. Contact a local organization that training service dogs. Ask them to test your dog, and then assist you with any further training he may need. It might be just a few things and nothing more.
I wish you luck Sir. God Bless.
AFTERTHOUGHT!
Also, from what you wrote it sounds like your dog is very bonded to you. I strongly suggest reading the books by Jennifer Arnold about Bond based Training.
My dog is bond based trained, knows his colors, numbers, shapes, etc. He knows only TWO emergency commands and no more. He doesn’t need to be commanded. He takes care of me because he loves me, and I reward him because I love him and not for doing a good thing.
Pretty amazing training technique, and MANY service dog trainers are starting to go towards it. I think its perfect for ANY dog, and if all our dogs were bond based trained, there would be a bunch of almost perfect dogs out there. 🙂
I’m a T5 paraplegic confined to either my hospital bed or my power chair. Would like to know from anyone out there if getting a service dog would help. I want to do this but at the same time I don’t want to make it difficult for the dog.
My dog Archer is a medium Cockapoo about 20 pounds. I am 100% disabled, I live alone. I have history of heart attacks and now diabetic. Archer in his collar pouch carries nitro, aspirin, candy and cell phone for 911 in the event I go down and cant get to my meds or my cell phone. Does this qualify Archer as a service animal?
The dog is doing a service for u that u cannot do for yourself. I think that is the criteria for a genuine service animal
I have social anxiety and depression and I have a chawawa docshon mix and I have issues with jitters and weakness when I am nervous and my dog is very laid back and calm when I holding and massage him it calms would that consider him as a service dog or emotional support dog.
If your dog gives you comfort in times of need, you should talk to your therapist about getting an emotional support animal letter. If your dog fulfills a task that you yourself cannot do when you need it (for example, fetches medication or alerts you of upcoming anxiety attacks), then your dog could become a service dog.
You may find this article on the difference between service dogs and emotional support dogs interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/the-difference-between-a-psychiatric-service-dog-and-an-emotional-support-animal/
Hi I’m in a very unsafe area I have a 2 month old son. I have been followed 3 times to my apartment complex and my maintenance man has walked in my house while I was in the shower with out a work order. I feel very unsafe. I need a dog to let me know if a person walks into my apartment and to keep me safe on the streets. I do not have money to get it trained but is it possible to just get the certification and my landlord not evict me?
All service animals MUST be trained to perform a service or task to assist a disabled person. Any dog that does not fit that description but is called a service dog is a violation of federal law. Please refer to the ADA laws on service animals
That really is not a reason for a service animal. That would be a pet you would train to protect you and your home.
I have epilepsy and seizures, and I have a service dog. I am going to visit my married son and daughter-in-law in California for a week. They’re renting a home, and their lease agreement says “no pets allowed.” My son says I can’t bring my service dog because his landlord is also one of his bosses. She says no dogs allowed. He’s afraid to do anything to affect that relationship with his boss. Is there anything I can do?
its the law. The landlord already knows she cant deny access to a service animal. The rest is between you and your family, but a service animal cannot be denied access.
What are the protocols of service dogs and emotional support animals in restaurants, can identification be asked, how do you know if they are legitimately a service dog or emotional support animal since anyone can buy a fake vest online or lie about their credibility.
emotional support animals are not allowed inside of any business unless the owner of that business specifically states that it is ok. An actual service dog has FULL access. You can always tell an actual service dog, they have manners. They don’t bark, growl, whine, cry or do anything but pay attention to their handler and lay down and be patient while their handler is eating or talking while in the restaurant. An emotional support dog is not trained to be that polite in public.
There is NO requirement to have identification, or documentation for a service dog. Like I said it is up to the honor of the handler. Unfortunately there are MANY people out there who are selfish, and could care less, as long as they get to take their “baby” with them everywhere, and those are the ones who ruin it for people who have actual service dogs.
only TWO questions can be asked by law.
1. Is that a service dog?
2. What tasks has the Service dog been trained to perform?
I have worked in restaurants and in my opinion it’s all about the dogs behavior. If it acts like a service dog then it probably is a service dog.
A trained service dog can quietly lay under a restaurant table for at least an hour or the duration of the meal. They would NEVER go
after any spilled food which would be dangerous and they would never bark. Usually the other guests wouldn’t even know it’s there while at the table.
I have chronic migraines and I’m looking to get a migraine alert dog. Is it best to adopt a dog which has already been trained? Or should I train my own dog?
I end up in ER far too often, and there are even times where my migraines are so debilitating that I don’t have the common sense to get to ER… I think having a dog to assist me with the warning signs that my quality of life could improve quite a bit.
Hello, my neighbor has a therapy dog but man oh man, that dog barks at everything that moves.
I thought therapy dogs were supposed to be well behaved.
What can I do if my landlord shrugs their shoulders and says, “it’s a therapy dog”.
You are right. A therapy dog is well behaved. They are laid back and almost never bark.
Therapy dogs aren’t allowed anywhere, like service dogs are.
My guess is it Ian’t really a therapy dog and is just an excuse for them to get away with having the dog where most people can’t.
Call code compliance. They’ll come out and demand proof that it is a therapy dog, if not, even if so, they will demand the owner to get training for the dog, to stop the excessive barking and site them for noise violations. If it continues, they’ll order they get rid of the dog or animal control will seize it.
You do have rights.
Please note that a therapy dog is a different category than an emotional support animal.
A therapy dog and its handler provide therapy to people other than its owner handler. You can see them bringing comfort to many people in hospitals, schools, Alzheimer’s units and even airports. They are required to be well behaved, and must pass temperment evaluations and obedience tests to become certified by various organizations. Yet, they have no more rights than an average pet.
Emotional support animals are not required to have any training or behavior and temperment evaluations.
Their only job is to provide emotional support to their owner/handler. But they have some special privileges including housing, access to some public areas and airplanes. But not as much as a service animal.
thank you, its scary the knowledge people THINK they have.
Actually you are incorrect.
Only an actual service dog is required to be trained on being well behaved in public places.
Therapy dogs are not required to be trained for behavior.
You’re correct however in your assumption that it is most likely not a therapy dog. There are a lot of selfish people out there.
Unfortunately, that’s between the neighbor with the fake therapy dog and the landlord.
There aren’t even laws governing therapy dogs. Only service dogs. The only thing is that a landlord cannot deny access to a service Dog or ESD.
People know this…….so they take advantage…like your neighbors.
I had a licensed therapy dog in California. There was a test to make sure they showed no fear related disruption with loud noises and tested “leave it” command around food. Think about a Therapy dog working in a hospital and you’d see why
Good training is necessary.
Can I register my pitbull as a emotional support dog in Los Angeles California?
I was diagnosed with ptsd yesterday and I’m thinking about getting a dog as well but I don’t know where to start bc this is all new to me
I am a Disabled Veteran, 100% P & T, but I wasn’t aware they do a “Shelter to Soldier” program. They train up and paid a service dog for your needs. However, I believe that you have to have served in a combat zone to qualify. Check the VA website for that info.
However, I purchased my Rottweiler from a professional breeder and have paid out of my own pocket to train him alongside a licensed Service Dog trainer. I am in San Diego, California and I used Golden State Service Dogs. Check on the web for certified trainers near you.
I have aspergers and real bad anger problems to the point where I bite my fingers and hit myself I was thinking about getting a dog but I might have problems with the management but if I can get a service dog I believe I should have no problems to owning one and my dream dog would be a cheagle but any dog would do.
Hi Alen. I recommend rescuing and training your own dog with a dog trainer if you have the time and commitment. Think about what would interrupt that self harming behavior you have. There are so many examples and videos on YouTube and include pawing arms to move them away from touching different parts of the body. This could solve both your self harming acts.
Putting a dog into a home where the person has anger issues? Doesn’t sound humane to me. Maybe a different solution is required. Please.
Suzanne, I have anger issues and self harm, my dog is trained to keep me from doing so. Don’t speak just to be negative when you don’t actually have a clue.
Need help my son has severe panic disorder diagnosed with severe anxiety and scizoaffective disorder bipolar type he fears death from intrusive thoughts He has periods of extremes worry and depression he needs a service dog that can help him stay collected and calm during these frequent episodes. He’s an adult but his condition requires frequent monitoring and has affected my quality of life a dog will ensure he is safe he loves dogs