What Are Service Dogs Used For

These smart talented dogs have jobs that are truly making a positive difference in.

What are service dogs used for.

Common service dog. German shepherds were likely among the first dogs to be used for service work and they can do it all. Terminology assistance dog is the internationally established term for a dog that provides assistance to a disabled person and is task trained to help mitigate the handler s disability. Many people are surprised to learn there are over a dozen different specializations for service dogs.

A service dog is a dog specifically trained to perform work for a person with a disability. A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Psychiatric service dog is a dog that has been trained to perform tasks that assist individuals with disabilities to detect the onset of psychiatric episodes and lessen their effects. Assistance dogs who lead visually impaired and blind people around obstacles are one of the most commonly known types of service dogs.

Generally title ii and title iii entities must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go. Paws service dogs are custom trained to assist people with physical disabilities affecting one or more limbs. Service dogs are valued working partners and companions to over 80 million americans. There are diabetic alert dogs severe allergy alert dogs visual assistance dogs hearing dogs for the deaf wheelchair assistance dogs psychiatric service dogs brace mobility support dogs medical alert dogs seizure assistance dogs and more.

Service dogs can enhance a person s independence by helping with tasks such as pulling a wheelchair opening doors turning light switches on off or picking up objects as small as a dime. Identifying service dogs for the public. Assistance dogs international an international network of assistance dog providers across the globe note that there is some variability of terminology in different states particularly within the usa. Otherwise their handlers will find themselves having to explain everywhere that they go that their dog is a service dog.

Tasks performed by psychiatric service animals may include reminding the handler to take medicine providing safety checks or room searches or turning on. Service dogs are often identified by wearing a service dog vest or tag letting the public know that it is a service dog.