PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE DOG TRAINING

What is a Psychiatric Service Dog?

This is a dog that has been specifically trained to perform a task that helps someone with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder. These can include depression, anxiety and PTSD. These dogs are protected under the ADA and have public access rights.

Some of the tasks they can be taught include:

  • anxiety/panic/self harm interruption

  • Deep Pressure Therapy

  • Creating space

  • Bringing Medication

  • Medication Reminder

  • Get Help/Bring phone to call for help

IS A PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE DOG RIGHT FOR ME?

  • According to the American with Disabilities Act, a person must have a disability in order for a service dog to to have public access rights.

    An individual with a disability is defined by the ADA as a person who has 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.

  • A PSD can greatly enhance the life of someone with a mental illness. Especially if that illness has prevented them from going out in public and fully participating in life.

  • It is illegal and unethical to pass a dog off as a service dog who has not been trained to perform a task, or for public access.