WHAT WE OFFER
Psychiatric Service Dogs
Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) are specially trained service dogs that assist individuals with psychiatric disabilities. These dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that help their handlers manage and alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and other psychiatric disorders.
Psychiatric Service Dogs can provide a wide range of services tailored to the individual's needs, including:
1. Alerting their handler to the onset of a psychiatric episode or crisis.
2. Providing grounding and interrupting behaviors during anxiety or panic attacks.
3. Guiding their handler safely out of stressful situations.
4. Retrieving medication or comforting items during times of distress.
5. Creating a physical barrier between their handler and others in crowded or anxiety-inducing environments.
6. Offering emotional support and providing a sense of security and companionship.
These highly trained dogs play a crucial role in supporting individuals with psychiatric disabilities, helping them navigate daily challenges and improve their overall quality of life.
Medical Alert Service Dogs
Medical Alert Service Dogs are specially trained service dogs that assist individuals with medical conditions by alerting them to specific health-related issues or changes in their body. These dogs are trained to detect subtle changes in their handler's body chemistry or behavior and provide a timely alert to indicate a potential medical crisis or the need for intervention. Medical Alert Service Dogs can be trained to assist individuals with various medical conditions, such as diabetes, seizures, allergies, and other health concerns.
Here are some examples of the roles and tasks performed by Medical Alert Service Dogs:
1. **Diabetes Alert Dogs:** These dogs are trained to detect changes in blood sugar levels through scent and alert their handlers to high or low blood sugar levels, helping them take appropriate action.
2. **Seizure Alert Dogs:** These dogs are trained to predict and alert their handlers to an oncoming seizure, providing them with valuable time to prepare or seek assistance.
3. **Allergy Alert Dogs:** These dogs are trained to detect allergens, such as peanuts or gluten, and alert their handlers to potential exposure, helping them avoid allergic reactions.
4. **Migraine Alert Dogs:** These dogs can alert their handlers to the onset of a migraine headache, allowing them to take medication or find a quiet space to manage the symptoms.
5. **Psychological Alert Dogs:** These dogs can alert individuals with psychiatric conditions, such as PTSD, to signs of anxiety or panic attacks, providing support and comfort during challenging times.
Medical Alert Service Dogs play a vital role in monitoring their handler's health and well-being, providing assistance, and potentially saving lives by alerting to medical emergencies or conditions.
Therapy Dogs
Therapy Dogs are specially trained dogs that provide comfort, affection, and support to individuals in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, disaster areas, and other facilities. Unlike service dogs, which are trained to assist individuals with disabilities, therapy dogs are trained to interact with people and offer emotional support and companionship.
Therapy dogs undergo obedience training and temperament testing to ensure they are well-behaved, friendly, and comfortable in various environments and around different people. They work with their handlers, who are often volunteers, to visit and engage with individuals to provide emotional support and bring joy and comfort to those in need.
Some common roles and benefits of therapy dogs include:
1. **Providing Companionship:** Therapy dogs offer companionship and social interaction to individuals who may be feeling lonely or isolated.
2. **Reducing Stress and Anxiety:** Interacting with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness, promoting relaxation and well-being.
3. **Boosting Mood and Emotional Well-being:** The presence of a therapy dog can help uplift spirits, increase feelings of happiness, and provide emotional support to individuals going through challenging situations.
4. **Improving Communication and Social Skills:** Therapy dogs can help facilitate communication and social interaction, particularly in individuals with communication difficulties or those who may benefit from non-verbal interactions.
5. **Enhancing Physical and Mental Health:** The positive interactions with therapy dogs have been linked to various health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, improved mood, and increased overall well-being.
Therapy dogs play a valuable role in providing comfort, joy, and support to individuals in need, making a positive impact on their emotional and mental health.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines the rights and regulations regarding Service Dogs in the United States. According to the ADA:
1. **Definition of a Service Animal:** A service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. In some cases, miniature horses can also be considered service animals.
2. **Rights of Individuals with Disabilities:** Individuals with disabilities are entitled to be accompanied by their service dogs in all areas where the public is allowed to go, including businesses, restaurants, hotels, and public transportation.
3. **No Pet Policies:** Service dogs are not considered pets under the ADA. Therefore, individuals with disabilities cannot be denied entry to a public place or accommodation based on a "no pets" policy.
4. **Tasks and Work of Service Dogs:** Service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that directly assist individuals with disabilities. These tasks can include guiding individuals who are blind, alerting individuals who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting to seizures, or providing emotional support during times of distress.
5. **Documentation and Identification:** Service dogs are not required to wear special vests or have documentation to be considered legitimate. Businesses and establishments are only allowed to ask two questions to determine if a dog is a service animal: (1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
6. **Behavioral Expectations:** Service dogs are expected to be well-behaved and under the control of their handlers at all times. If a service dog displays disruptive behavior, such as aggression or excessive barking, the handler may be asked to remove the dog from the premises.
The ADA protects the rights of individuals with disabilities who rely on service dogs for assistance, ensuring equal access to public places and accommodations.