As early as 1989, service dogs have been providing victims of crimes with a greater sense of security during highly stressful court cases. These courthouse facility dogs, as they’re commonly called, receive special training to work in organizations such as the judicial system to accompany child witnesses and other vulnerable people on the witness stand.

For the last three decades, the practice of using service dogs in courtrooms in the United States has been growing to help calm victims and witnesses throughout the legal process. The partnership of courthouse facility dogs and the judicial system has successfully helped support crime victims in actual court settings, inspiring the conception of the Courthouse Dogs Foundation and the development of other related programs in 26 states.

Important Characteristics of Service Dogs

Not all dogs that make good pets are qualified to be service dogs. Dogs that are easily distracted, don’t behave well in public or are aggressive don’t make good candidates. In addition to proper training, here are a few characteristics that will help in determining what makes a good service dog:

• Calm temperament
• Energetic
• Doesn’t react negatively when petted by strangers
• Enjoys being with people
• Can focus on a task and ignore distractions
• Can be trained easily

How Do Service Dogs Help Crime Victims in Courtrooms?

In most criminal case proceedings, child abuse victims or rape victims are often intimidated and afraid to testify about their experiences in a courtroom. A service dog sitting close to a victim or witness offers a supportive presence that helps them compose themselves and manage the inevitable stress of their difficult circumstances.

Supporters say that a service dog’s presence during difficult court cases can assist in boosting courtroom morale and influencing an individual’s courage or willingness to open up on the stand and tell the jury what happened.

Examples of Scenarios Where a Service Dog Has Helped in a Courtroom

The Courthouse Dogs Foundation shares a story about a young victim of sexual abuse in Texas that was brought to a child advocacy center to tell a stranger about what happened to her. By her side was a courthouse facility dog named Petra. When the forensic interviewer left the room for a moment to speak with the detectives, the child hugged Petra and said, “I love you, Petra. You really are a good dog. I’ve told you more than I’ve ever told anybody. I hope when you die, you go to heaven.”

Another example is when a service dog, Pella, of the Sungate Kids, a child advocacy center in Colorado, managed to help a teenage girl who refused to speak about the family member who had sexually abused her. Amber Urban, a criminal investigator, said that introducing Pella to the girl was instrumental for her opening up and providing evidence that was used to secure a conviction.

Conclusion

Service dogs provide unique benefits to crime victims during difficult court cases. While some courts do not allow the use of service dogs during trials, they can still help in increasing the sense of security of vulnerable individuals during depositions. Furthermore, some defense attorneys would argue that courthouse facility dogs should not be allowed because they can influence a jury’s decision by making witnesses look more sympathetic.

Nevertheless, it has been proven time and time again that the presence of service dogs are crucial in the investigation and trial of criminal cases, especially when children and sexually abused individuals are involved.

Learn more about service dogs by reading these articles:

• How Can Service Dogs Help Dementia Patients?
• Top Things You Should Know About Service Dogs
• Service Dogs for Anxiety: What You Need to Know

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.

Animals have been helping humans for a very long time now. Some have become the pets to give us emotional support, while others assist us with our day-to-day work. Farm animals, in particular, have been a source of income for many small farmers in developing countries.

Today, however, these animals are more than just livestock or helpers in agriculture. They now play a significant role in therapies, assisting people with mental health issues and improving their quality of life.

What is farm animal therapy? How does it work?

Farm animals are considered therapeutic help to those with emotional and mental health problems. These animals are classified under Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), where they assist individuals in their treatment. Patients create a bond with farm animals, and doctors communicate through them for individuals with emotional struggles to share their feelings.

A research paper on Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health discusses psychiatric patients’ involvement with farm animals. The result is that there is a significant increase in coping ability and self-awareness in psychiatric patients.

Examples of common therapeutic farm animals

Not all animals can be therapeutic but there are some you want to consider if you need one.

Horses

A horse is one of the farm animals used for therapy. It is common for those children diagnosed with depression and anxiety. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) uses horses as part of its treatment. They describe that having a farm animal like a horse helps children calm down and relax. Moreover, horses help boost focus since children are encouraged to feed and brush them.

Related: Why Do Miniature Horses Make Great Service Animals? 5 Reasons Why

Goats

Aside from horses, goats are also good therapy farm animals. They provide a sense of calmness to the person holding them. Snuggling with goats can help release oxytocin — commonly known as the love hormone. Taking care of goats increases a person’s carefulness.

Cows

A cow is another animal that can comfort you. Someone with anxiety and depression can cuddle cows and help in cow milking. People can snuggle up with cows after they eat (when they start to lie down quietly). Fun fact: cows have a slower heart rate than humans, and when a person with anxieties snuggles up with a cow, their heart rate slows down.

How can farm animal therapy benefit people?

Farm animals benefit people’s overall emotional well-being. This kind of therapy allows persons with mental health issues to unload their stress and relax for a while. There are a lot of fun activities used in therapeutic sessions, such as feeding and grooming the horses, riding a horse, snuggling goats, and cuddling cows.

Conclusion

Aside from dogs and cats, farm animals can also be great companions that provide emotional support for struggling individuals. People living in the city can appreciate these kinds of animals even more because they don’t see them very often. If you need some mood boosters, you can go to the farm and spend a wonderful time with horses, goats, or cows. These animals can significantly help in improving your mental well-being.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet. 

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.

It’s natural to feel sad, anxious, and afraid as a result of a traumatic experience. People have various reactions to stressful situations, yet many recover from initial symptoms over time. However, those who continue to experience problems may be dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people following any event that makes them fear their safety. And even when they’re no longer in danger, people with PTSD may still feel frightened or stressed.

In the United States, nearly 70% of adults experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime; and among them, 20% will develop PTSD. It’s an alarming condition that may interfere with your day-to-day functioning. To help you move on with your life, here are five ways to cope with PTSD.

1. Get a specifically trained PTSD service dog

Treatment plans may include getting a service dog for individuals with PTSD. These dogs undergo training to assist someone with PTSD in their daily living. Walking with their handlers in public places, ensuring that no strangers approach them, and reminding them to take their medications are few tasks these dogs perform. They help individuals gain confidence, calm down, and feel a sense of security. Moreover, service dogs can help their PTSD handler to maintain positive relationships with their family and friends.

Related: What Are the Ways Service Animals Help People with PTSD?

2. Engage in physical activity

People with PTSD tend to recall past experiences from time to time, resulting in anxiety, heart palpitation, depression, and lack of motivation. For this reason, they should engage in physical exercise to release endorphins and eliminate toxins (including stress) outside the body.

Avoid staying in bed the whole day. Rise and move your body by doing exercises like yoga, cycling, or mountain trekking. Go on a short trip like camping and do something that will help you relax and forget stressful events in your life.

3. Have a healthy lifestyle

Reliving traumatic events over and over again in your mind is not healthy. All the stressful flashbacks can result in a lack of sleep and loss of appetite. That said, having a healthy lifestyle is essential in coping with PTSD. Make sure to get 7-9 hours of sleep each day to calm your thoughts and eat nutritious foods to give your body more energy. A proper diet and adequate sleep can help ease your mind and reduce stress.

4. Join organizational activities

PTSD individuals feel that they are helpless with their condition. Their traumatic experiences cause them to be vulnerable. To boost their confidence and help them realize that they too can be of help to others, encourage them to join organizational activities. Many people organize such events to help those with PTSD. Give your free time to join charitable events, visit an orphanage, and do community work to keep yourself busy.

5. Have a support system

Someone with PTSD tends to shy away from people. They avoid any social gathering and prefer staying at home. However, knowing that someone is there to support you can significantly boost your morale. Try reaching out to trusted friends and family members and let them know what you’re going through. Having a support system is vital for your recovery.

Conclusion

Experiencing a traumatic event may cause severe emotional and mental stress, making you unable to stop thinking about what’s happened. It can also cause a wide range of emotions from fear and anger to anxiety and depression to guilt — all of which are normal reactions to trauma.

However, if you don’t know how to cope the right way, these common stress reactions can worsen and lead to PTSD.

Seeking timely professional help, getting a PTSD service dog, reaching out to friends and family for support, and living a healthier and more active lifestyle will help you manage your stress, reduce painful memories, and thrive in life.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet. 

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.

Therapy dogs help improve a person’s mental health. These dogs provide affection, comfort, and support to people in various institutions such as hospitals, nursing homes, and even schools, among others. While therapy dogs are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they are often used for therapy to provide emotional support to people.

In educational settings, many students can feel anxious, worried, and stressed with school matters, making them emotionally fragile. To help them cope, schools are now increasingly utilizing the services of therapy dogs. They’ve been helping students from primary school to university settings cope with stress and anxiety, and even facilitate learning.

In this article, you’ll learn how therapy dogs can promote the well-being of students. Read on.

1. Help Kids Reduce Stress

Some children have relationship attachment issues, which are called insecure-avoidant attachments. It’s when a student (mostly males) experiences extreme stress when interacting socially with others. Trier Social Stress Test for Children (TSST-C) checks the social stress of a student. The result of the study shows that interacting with a friendly dog can significantly reduce stress. With every physical contact, such as stroking the dog, students feel better and more relaxed.

The presence of a therapy dog can help students perform well in class by reducing stress from their social environment.

2. Encourage Students to Read

Another role of a therapy dog is to help students with Emotional Behavioral Disabilities (EBD) to read better. A 2013 study suggests that dog reading programs help address the struggles of students with EBD during reading activities in school. It’s a program where students are tasked to read out loud to the therapy dog and teachers evaluate their reading skills and attitudes toward reading.

Therapy dogs have a positive impact on students because not only can they have more fun, but they also show significant improvements in reading.

3. Increase Socio-Emotional Skills in the Classroom

Therapy dogs can help improve the socio-emotional aspect of students. Generally, dogs are friendly and easy companions. Through constant interaction with a dog inside the room, they build confidence and improve their social communication. Aside from that, therapy dogs help reduce signs of aggressiveness towards co-students.

What is better about having therapy dogs in school is that trust among students is developed and enriched. They also become good listeners to the teachers since they observe it from therapy dogs.

4. Develop Social Communication Skills

Some children have Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD). It’s a disorder that affects the communication and social skills of a student. Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) for children helps with this kind of disorder. Research on PDD uses a therapy dog along with a non-living dog (toy) to see the child’s interaction. Findings conclude that the social communication skills of children are better with a therapy dog.

5. Decreases Anxiety

Research on Animal-Assisted Literacy (AAL) assists those with a learning disability.  It means an oral reading is happening in front of a therapy dog. Such practice enables a student to decrease anxiety, and develop reading interest. Students with learning disabilities have anxiety when it comes to literacy lessons, affecting their comprehension.

For this reason, therapy dogs can be helpful in the school setting. Oral reading with a dog increases a student’s reading efficiency better than that of a human.

Conclusion

Therapy dogs should be well-trained, focused, friendly, calm, and sociable. These dogs play an important role in reducing depression and anxiety among students. Therapy dogs also help them develop better social skills to thrive in school. Some of the breeds that make great therapy dogs include the Labrador, Golden Retriever, Poodle, and French Bulldog.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals. Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below. 

Dementia is a general term that describes the loss of memory, thinking ability, attention, and other mental abilities that interfere with a person’s daily life and activities. You may notice dementia patients wandering and getting lost on their way home, acting impulsively, losing balance, or having problems with movement, which are only some of the many signs and symptoms that affect their quality of life.

Although dementia is common in older people, it’s not part of normal aging. People with dementia need the help and support of others to accomplish their daily tasks. This is where dementia dogs can come in handy. They can serve as an alternative to caregivers, allowing patients to have some autonomy and make the most out of life.

Keep reading to know more about dementia dogs and what they can do for patients suffering from dementia.

What are Certain Characteristics of Dementia Dogs?

Dementia dogs undergo protective mentality training that activates their common sense and initiative skills. Since most dementia patients have impaired mental capabilities, these dogs are taught multiple small tasks necessary to overcome their handler’s physical limitations.

To be an effective service animal, these dementia dogs should possess the following characteristics: a calm disposition, good attention to tasks, excellent concentration, friendly (can go along both with humans and other animals), and the ability to ignore distractions. In contrast, dogs who respond violently to accidental pain are not effective service dogs.

The best dog breeds that are highly capable of being used as dementia dogs include Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Collies, and German Shepherds. These dogs are usually calm, dependable, and easy to train.

What Do Dementia Dogs Do?

Dementia dogs are taught to do specific tasks such as getting medicines, waking their handlers, opening a door for the handlers, and more. They assist a person with dementia to live a quality life despite the disease.

Dementia dogs also undergo scent training. Familiarity with the handler’s scents is very crucial in their future companionship. It usually takes about 6 months of training (or more) for the dog and its handler to get used to each other’s company.

Meanwhile, the mere presence of an animal can help reduce anxiety, depression, and irritability. Dementia dogs are often friendly, making them good companions and helpful advocates for dementia patients to socialize.

Furthermore, these service dogs follow commands and respond to visual and auditory cues. For example, the ringing of an alarm may signal the dog to get their handler’s medication and assist them in taking it.

Related:7 Commands to Teach a Service Dog

Conclusion

Dementia dogs are trustworthy and dependable companions that help make the lives of their handlers easier and more comfortable. However, it’s important to note that service dogs alone cannot fully protect a patient with dementia and vice versa. While service dogs can help and guide their handlers in doing day-to-day activities, they cannot make decisions for them.

Similarly, someone with Alzheimer’s (the most common type of dementia) may not be capable of taking care of a dog on their own. For this reason, including a caretaker that ensures the dog’s safety and well-being is a more holistic approach.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals. Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below. 

A service animal is a trained dog that performs certain tasks for persons with disabilities (PWD). According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), these dogs undergo individual training to help meet their handler’s needs.

For instance, a person with a hearing impairment can benefit from the assistance of a Hearing or Signal dog. Primarily, these dogs give signals when hearing a sound like the banging of a door, an approaching car, or someone talking to the handler. Hearing dogs tap or touch their handler and guide them towards the sound.

Hearing dogs (like other service animals) are not required to wear any special vest or display identification, but you using a leash can keep them safe. In addition, there are no specific certifications and registration for these hearing dogs. Although there are organizations selling certifications online, they’re not known as part of ADA.

If you require a hearing dog, here are some important things you should know about them. Read on.

What are Certain Characteristics of Hearing Dogs?

Think of hearing dogs as an alternative ear for deaf individuals. But for them to be effective, they need to possess certain characteristics that are crucial for a hearing dog. For example, they should be alert and mindful of the sounds around them. This way, they could guide their handler accordingly.

They should also be able to focus on their tasks and not get easily distracted by the environment. When in public places, they should be able to remain calm and friendly. Handlers should be at ease bringing their hearing dogs to the grocery store, restaurants, and hotels.

That said, not all dog breeds can be hearing dogs. They should be trainable and have naturally good temperaments. Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels are some of the best breed choices for hearing dogs.

What Do Hearing Dogs Do?

Service animals like hearing dogs assist those with hearing loss or impairment. Their training enables them to be familiar with the usual sounds and alert the handlers. They become the ears of these persons with disabilities. They know different kinds of sounds like doorbells, alarms, people’s voices, and the sound of microwaves and other appliances.

Moreover, hearing dogs can give a warning signal when their handlers are at risk. For instance, they give physical contact through pawing, helping the handler be aware of what’s happening around them.

A person with hearing impairment gets a hearing dog to assist in her daily routine. They will know when someone knocks on the door, an item falls on the floor, or a bus approaches when they’re about to cross the street. This is because the hearing dogs alert them upon hearing the sound.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Hearing Dog?

Training service animals to be signal dogs can be quite expensive. It’s somewhere in the range of $20,000 or more. However, the additional cost may vary from one organization to another. Some require application fees, while others offer them for free and shoulder the expenses through donations. Regardless, clients are still expected to share in the cost — either through fundraising or paying with their own money.

Conclusion

Hearing dogs are a helpful companion to individuals with hearing loss or a hearing impairment. These dogs undergo a series of training on common sounds and audio-response activities. After that, a hearing dog will be matched with a PWD and go into training on how to effectively work as a team.

Additionally, keep in mind that a hearing dog should not replace hearing devices. Instead, they serve as a form of support. So, if you need a hearing aid, get one.

When working with a hearing dog, learn to trust and respect their company. After all, a hearing dog won’t just be your “ears,” but they can also be your happy companion.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals. Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below. 

Maintaining one’s mental health is crucial to the overall well-being of a person. It involves not just feelings but also your state of mind and how you perceive things. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) can be your daily companion to help you cope with life’s many challenges.

While service animals are covered under the American Disabilities Act (ADA), ESAs are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which prohibits discrimination against disabled tenants. As the term implies, emotional support animals provide emotional support to help you relax during stressful events and decrease symptoms of your disability.

Birds like Parakeets, Dove, and Cockatiels make good emotional support animals because they can sense when you’re not okay and offer empathy. If you need more convincing, here are six reasons why birds make wonderful ESAs.

1. Birds are Convenient to Care for

Convenience-wise, birds make a good ESA. Unlike dogs and some cats, they don’t require much attention and care. You don’t need to take them out for a walk and you don’t have to worry too much about cleaning up after their mess. In addition, these animals don’t eat a large amount of food, making them low-maintenance emotional support animals.

2. A Lot of Birds are Small

Birds are easy to accommodate and can live with you anywhere. They’re small and stay in their cage most of the time. Also, birdcages can be hung and won’t take too much space in your house or apartment.

3. Birds are Intelligent

Birds are clever animals and can have short conversations with a person. They are teachable with comforting words, making them beneficial to someone with mental health problems. They can sense when you’re panicking, angry, or depressed. They love interacting through talking and physical touch. Aside from that, they can also comfort you by singing their voice out.

4. Birds aren’t Aggressive

Birds don’t show signs of aggression, which is fitting for a good emotional support animal. Mostly, they can stay in one spot and comfort you with their presence. Moreover, they’re harmless and are less likely to wander around and damage your property.

5. Birds are Perfect Travel Buddies

Birds are one of the best travel companions. There’s minimal concern about carrying a bird because it’s small and light—plus, its cage is easily transportable. If you’re traveling in a car, you can comfortably place them in the passenger seat or at the back. Traveling with a bird on a motorcycle is also possible. Due to their size and non-aggressive nature, you can bring them with you anywhere.

6. Overproduction is Not a Concern

Female dogs can be in heat or in season, which increases their risk of getting pregnant. The same goes for cats. Overproduction could be a problem, especially if you don’t want any more additional animals in your house. Meanwhile, you can easily avoid the overpopulation of birds by taking out their eggs and allowing them to rest early at night.

Conclusion

Having an emotional support animal to help you with your mental health problems is reassuring. With a recommendation from a mental health professional, birds can be good options for an ESA. You can find comfort in their cooing, squeaking, singing, or just their mere presence on your shoulder. They are very warmhearted and will know when you need comforting.

Like any other emotional support animal, birds need love and care from their handlers. You should reciprocate the same amount of affection they give you for a more harmonious relationship. Birds may be small in size but are never short with love.

Related articles: 

• 7 Qualities That Would Make Your Pet a Good Emotional Support Animal
• How to Ask a Doctor for an Emotional Support Animal Letter
• 7 Qualities That Would Make Your Pet a Good Emotional Support Animal

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals. Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below. 

Over the years, dogs have been considered loyal and trustworthy companions to people. They’re not just helpful in providing emotional support, but they can also be a reliable working assistant. While some dogs act as loving pets at home, other dogs learn to perform tasks that aid disabled individuals.

You may have seen dogs assisting their owners in public places — they’re called service dogs. These dogs have been serving Americans since the 1920s. Moreover, there’s a law that protects this kind of animal. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has its definition of what service animals are. Keep reading to discover more facts about service dogs.

1. They Are Not Pets

According to the ADA’s definition, service dogs are not pets. Rather, they are animals that work on someone’s behalf, particularly a person with disabilities (PWD). These dogs are trained to help disabled individuals to function normally in their day-to-day lives. They can perform specific tasks that pet dogs normally can’t, such as guiding or reminding their owners to take their prescribed medications.

2. They Come In Different Types

Generally, they’re all called service dogs but come in different types depending on their training. Here’s to name a few:

• Guiding dog: assists a person with visual impairment or a blind individual.
• Hearing dog: assists people with hearing disorders and alerts them when there’s a sound.
• Mobility service dog: assists with movement, including carrying their handler’s items and pulling or pushing a wheelchair.
• Medical alert dog: reminds a person with diabetes or seizure to take their pills on time.

3. Not all Service Dogs Wear Vests

A service dog doesn’t necessarily wear a vest. Under the ADA’s provision, service animals must wear a harness, collar, or leash to ensure the protection of both the animal and the PWD. While the law requires these devices, some owners prefer not to use them — and they are allowed to, as long as they can control their dogs.

4. Dogs Are Identified as Service Animals

According to the ADA, dogs are the only animal they identify as service animals.

And while a supplementary provision in the ADA states that miniature horses can also be considered service animals, this comes with some additional considerations like the specific height and weight of horses.

5. They Are Allowed In Public Areas

The ADA states that service animals like dogs are allowed to be in public places to accompany disabled individuals. These working dogs are trained to behave well in public. They assist disabled people when going to the supermarket, getting inside an elevator, and commuting in public transportations.

Conclusion

There’s a wide range of dog breed options you can choose from depending on your individual needs. That said, get a service dog that’s specifically trained to do a task that you require.

Overall, service dogs are great life companions to people with disabilities. They can make their owner’s life easier while also providing them with love and comfort. However, keep in mind that you also have a responsibility as an owner. You should treat them with respect and avoid abusing them since they have rights too.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals. Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below. 

Emotional support animals (ESA) serve as pets rather than working animals. However, unlike regular pets, they provide emotional support and comfort to people with emotional and mental conditions, helping them to function normally in their daily lives. Having an ESA has a lot of benefits. They can accompany you, help elevate your mood, and reciprocate your love and care.

While dogs are commonly used as ESAs, cats are also highly capable of providing emotional support and bond to their owners. This is because they have a naturally calming presence that helps reduce feelings of anxiety and depression and alleviate other mental problems. Furthermore, they’re clean, quiet, and non-invasive.

Are you interested in having a cat as an emotional support pet? We’ve listed the best cat breeds that can be good options below.

1. Persian

Persian cats are a classic favorite emotional support animal. This kind of breed is quiet, sweet, and relaxed. They’re into giving love and affection to their owners and are content with sharing cuddles all day as these cats don’t need a lot of activities.

2. Ragdoll

If you’re looking for a large type of cat that’s very affectionate and can be of help for your emotional disability, the Ragdoll is the one for you. They’re loving, mild-mannered, and are known to be “puppy cats” because of their dog-like personalities. They love being petted, snuggled, and cuddled all the time. Fun fact: Ragdolls are gentle, can learn tricks and are good around kids, making them a great ESA.

3. American Bobtail

This cat breed is playful, active, and wants to cuddle — perfect for those who need spirit-lifting. Although they have soft voices and are not vocal, they’re very expressive cats. If you’re looking for an ESA, American Bobtails can be an option.

4. Manx

Manx are smart, gentle, and playful cats. They’re easy to please, love playing fetch, and can converse with their owners. These cats choose their favorite human. In other words, you can have their full attention, love, and loyalty all in one — which is perfect for an ESA.

5. Russian Blue

The Russian blue is a generally quiet, intelligent, and empathetic cat. For introverts, this is a suitable ESA since it’s less demanding. They’re well-mannered and attentive breeds. As owners, you can count on them to be affectionate. While the Russian Blue prefers owners to offer its company, this cat tends to be distant to visitors.

6. Siamese

A cat who’s full of personality — loving, loyal, curious, energetic, and playful — can be great for an ESA. The Siamese is sometimes called “the dog of the cat world” because of its dog-like characteristics. Siamese cats don’t mind playing and going for walks as your companion. And while this cat can be very vocal and demanding at times, overall, it’s perfect for emotional support and comfort.

Conclusion

Like any other domesticated animal, cats are also a good option for an ESA. They can be loyal, affectionate, and playful at the same time. However, keep in mind that cats can sometimes be selective. Thus, earning their love through your petting, healthy treats, and other forms of care will go a long way.

Moreover, cats form the same bond similar to the one you experience with dogs. Whenever you need support, comfort, and companionship for your emotional struggles, these six cat breeds will greatly help.

Now, picture yourself snuggling with one of these adorable cats who love you, and feel your anxiety slowly go away.

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals. Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below. 

Life can be hard sometimes. There are days when you wake up feeling sad, tired, lonely, alone, and stressed out. These feelings are normal and valid unless they affect your overall mental health and daily life.

In such situations, you may approach a doctor to discuss the need for an emotional support animal as part of your treatment.

While we all need emotional support, some might need them more than others. Here are five signs that indicate having an ESA may be beneficial for you:

1.   A Mental Health Issue

Some of the factors that lead to mental health issues are excessive stress and depression. When you’re diagnosed with a mental disability, it can affect your life—especially your personal and work life. To balance your mental health, you may need a dog, cat, rabbit, or bird as an emotional support animal.

An ESA letter will be given to you telling your animal is an emotional support animal and is allowed to be with you in all public places and that they are part of the treatment plan.

2.   Depression or PTSD Symptoms

Depression can be difficult to catch, while Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) manifests as mood swings, headaches, constant flashbacks of traumatic events, nightmares, and periods of absent-mindedness. An emotional support animal helps relieve stress, renews the mind, and gives off positive energy.

3.   Anxiety

Anxiety is a fear of being surrounded by people at any event. This is because of the life-changing situations you are experiencing over time. Through emotional animal support, you’ll learn to socialize with a pet and the people around you.

4.   Intense Loneliness

Someone with mental health issues needs a support system to help them carry through. But, even though you have family and friends, there may be times when you just can’t control your loneliness. When no one seems to comfort and console you, consider having an emotional support animal with you.

Even when animals cannot talk, they can still listen to you. Sometimes simply being beside you while going through the hardest phases of your life is good enough. Their company is comforting, and they can be very reliable too.

5.   Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

A person with OCD has an obsession with making everything clean, organized, and neat. Some are obsessed with constantly checking their loved ones because of worry. Others are into padlocks and switches that may secure their safety. Although medical treatment is needed for this type of disorder to ensure that obsession is controlled, having an ESA by your side proves to be just as helpful.

Conclusion

Experiencing any kind of mental health issue can be challenging. It can lead to various physical problems that may be detrimental to a person’s health. If the medical treatment plan does not suffice, doctors may propose an emotional support animal as an alternative. There’s so much more to human-animal relationships. They give us a sense of companionship that sometimes humans can’t provide. Their loyalty and presence are enough to give us the emotional support we need.

Read more: 7 Qualities That Would Make Your Pet a Good Emotional Support Animal

Do you own an assistance animal? Register your pet today.

The Service Animal Registry of California invites you to have your assistance animal registered in order to designate its status. We also encourage you to take our online classes so you can be fully aware of your rights and gain more knowledge about your support animal.

Finally, we present to you our book entitled, “ASSISTANCE ANIMAL LAWS: LEARN YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SERVICE ANIMALS, EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS, THERAPY PETS, AND OTHER DOGS, CATS, AND ASSISTANCE ANIMALS” to provide you with a complete education on assistance animals.

Purchase your copy of the book by clicking the image below.