Is a Service Dog Right for You?

A service dog is legally considered a medical device. If you are considering applying for a service dog, give a lot of thought to the following items. Be honest with yourself- yes, a service dog can be a wonderful aid to the right person, but it requires a lot in return.

You must have a disability to have a service dog.
The American Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a disability as “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.” The dog’s tasks must help mitigate the handler’s disability. A service dog is not a pet!

The service dog will be with you almost all the time.
In order for the service dog to do its job, it will be with you when you are in public as well as at home. At times, you may need to leave the dog at home for safety or other reasons, but 90% of the time, the dog will be at your side. A dog will commonly follow its handler throughout the home even when “off duty.” The dog forms a strong bond with its handler, making them a functional team.

A service dog is still a dog.
Service dogs are not robots! They make mistakes and require daily care. You will need to brush your dog’s coat and teeth, clean its ears, bathe it, and trim its nails regularly (or pay a groomer). The dog will need daily mental and physical exercise, a healthy diet, and routine veterinary care. You will also need to allow for time for your dog to rest - whether to recover from a health condition or from a long day. It is the handler’s responsibility to make sure the dog’s needs are met.

The need for service dogs is greater than the availability.
The training of a service dog is extensive and demanding. About half the dogs that enter any given program may not be suitable for service work and are released from the program. Other limitations include: funds, volunteers, availability of suitable puppies, etc. This is why most programs are very selective. IOWA Service Dogs will perform extensive research to ensure the dog’s safety and suitability for each applicant. This research may include background checks, contacting an employer, asking a health care provider and family to complete questionnaires or other forms, and home visits. Other inquiries may be required or requested as needed.

The public can be challenging.
Dog’s aren’t common in places like a grocery store or restaurant. People will be curious and want to talk. A quick trip to a grocery store for milk can easily turn into a 15-minute trip. Remember, you are never required to disclose your disability.

Your service dog will require follow-up training.
Although the service dog has gone through extensive training, you will need to keep it up. If trained tasks and behaviors are not maintained, the dog will revert to “normal” dog behaviors. Because we are indebted to our volunteer Guardians and our donors, we will make sure that the dogs’ skills and behavior remain up to standard. This will entail visits and inquiries from IOWA Service Dogs representatives and a yearly re-certification. The dog cannot become “just a pet.”

Dogs can have emergencies, too.
Just like humans, dogs can become sick or injured. Keep a fund for dog-related emergencies, in addition to the costs of basic care (feeding, grooming, toys, routine veterinary visits).

Have a sense of humor.
Dogs may do embarrassing things. Keep your cool. Service dogs work extremely hard, and abnormal behaviors are how they communicate sometimes. Listen to your dog! Communicate with IOWA Service Dogs about any issues you experience. We can work with your dog to prevent a small problem from becoming a big problem.

You will need to be an advocate for yourself and your dog.
At some point, you will run into an access issue with a business or employee unfamiliar with the ADA. Familiarize yourself with federal and state laws that protect your rights as a service dog handler. Be clear with your family, friends, and coworkers that your dog is a working animal. Your dog should not learn to solicit attention from anyone- its focus should be on you!

Don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Knowledge is power. Asking questions will be vital to understanding your needs and learning to communicate with your service dog.  If you are still not sure a service dog is right for you, please reach out to us!