We all yearn for the affection and attention of dogs, just as they yearn for ours. Sometimes, this desire goes beyond mere longing—it becomes a necessity for therapeutic purposes, especially in managing anxiety. Service dogs can offer relief from anxiety and assist with daily tasks that individuals with certain conditions struggle to perform independently. In this article, we will delve into the fundamentals of service dogs and explore some of the best breeds that aid with anxiety.

Understanding Service Dogs

A service dog is a meticulously trained canine companion that assists individuals with significant life tasks they cannot accomplish alone due to physical or psychiatric disabilities. These tasks include navigating stairs, opening doors, operating elevators, and retrieving dropped items.

Many people with disabilities heavily rely on service dogs to perform a wide range of tasks, from basic daily activities to even life-saving interventions. Service dogs undergo specialized training to fulfill the specific needs of the individual they serve.

You might wonder why humans don’t fulfill these roles instead of dogs. The answer is often straightforward. Individuals with disabilities may not wish to burden family members, lack the resources for continuous human assistance, or aspire to lead more independent lives.

While service dogs are essential in aiding individuals with disabilities, they also serve as companions, fostering a mutually beneficial bond with their owners.

Qualifying for a Service Dog

To qualify for a service dog, you must have an official diagnosis of a physical or psychiatric disorder that significantly impairs your ability to perform at least one primary life task without assistance. Your healthcare provider must provide written documentation confirming your disability, its treatment, and the necessity of a service dog to carry out everyday tasks.

Trained service dogs can perform various tasks, including guiding the visually impaired, alerting people who are deaf or hard of hearing to sounds, assisting wheelchair users with doors, notifying owners of seizures, and aiding in managing PTSD.

It’s crucial to recognize that service dogs are not exclusively for physical disabilities. There’s a specific category of service dogs known as psychiatric service dogs.

Psychiatric service dogs can be trained to perform deep pressure therapy, medication reminders, tactile stimulation, and assistance in open areas.

You can obtain a service dog through a professional organization or by training your dog to perform the necessary tasks. However, the latter can be challenging due to the rigorous training requirements. Most people acquire their service dogs from professional organizations, often free of charge, thanks to donations. Obtaining a service dog can take several years due to the extensive training. Additionally, successful service dogs are typically bred by organizations to increase the likelihood of having a friendly and resilient temperament. Unfortunately, not all dogs are suited for this demanding role.

It’s crucial to distinguish between a service dog and an emotional support dog. Service dogs must meet specific standards set by reputable organizations like the American Psychiatric Service Dogs Organization. They are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and have legal access to any location where their handler is permitted. This differs from emotional support dogs, which have fewer requirements and regulations. Dogs can be considered emotional support animals; they provide companionship without performing specific tasks, and the ADA does not cover them.

Emotional support dogs are included in the Fair Housing Act and Air Carrier Access Act, ensuring some accommodations regarding housing and air travel. However, major airlines are reviewing the standards for this category following incidents involving passenger injuries caused by emotional support animals.

Can You Get a Service Dog for Anxiety?

Absolutely! Service dogs that assist with anxiety are classified as psychiatric service dogs. Like all service dogs, psychiatric service dogs undergo specialized training to assist their owners with tasks related to their anxiety disorder.

Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mood disorders worldwide, and if left untreated, it can significantly impact various aspects of an individual’s life. It often leads to excessive worry, stress, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, and, in severe cases, panic attacks characterized by heart palpitations, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, and impending doom.

People with anxiety disorders frequently fear the onset of panic attacks, which can impede their ability to carry out daily tasks. Psychiatric service dogs can help individuals with anxiety by:

  • Providing deep pressure therapy and tactile stimulation to induce a calming effect.
  • Bringing a phone during an anxiety attack.
  • Guiding someone to their owner if help is needed.
  • Delivering medication to their owner during an anxiety attack.

Service Dog Costs for Anxiety

The cost of a service dog can vary based on the breed and the training the dog receives. Typically, acquiring a service dog may range from $15,000 to $30,000. This cost reflects extensive training and expenses for food, grooming, veterinary care, vaccinations, and toys, which the organization covers.

Owning a service dog comes with responsibilities similar to those of any pet. Dog owners typically spend between $500 and $5,000 annually on their pets. Assuming you care for the dog throughout its lifetime, you can anticipate these yearly expenses for around ten to twelve years. While many organizations cover all service dog costs, thanks to generous donations, these dogs are in high demand and may have limited availability for everyone.

If you’re concerned about your anxiety affecting your dog’s well-being, natural calming treats are available to help manage your dog’s stress without compromising their alertness or task performance.

Best Service Dog Breeds for Anxiety

Service and therapy dogs excel in providing comfort and relief, as interacting with dogs releases oxytocin, often called the “love hormone.” Oxytocin levels rise when we hug, kiss, or cuddle with someone, and dogs experience similar feelings of attachment and comfort when shown affection. When choosing a service dog for anxiety, consider the dog’s temperament and compatibility with your needs.

Best Small Service Dogs for Anxiety

Pug:

Pugs are not typically associated with service dogs, but they excel in providing emotional support. Their love for human company and adaptability make them comforting companions.

Yorkshire Terrier:

Yorkshire Terriers are loyal and friendly, small in size but big in personality. They require no specific training for emotional support and readily provide comfort through their presence.

Pomeranian:

Pomeranians are small dogs with loving natures. They make excellent therapy and anxiety dogs due to their size, alertness, and adaptability.

Corgi:

Despite their herding background, Corgis possess the intelligence and temperament to excel as service dogs. Their friendly demeanor and endearing nature help reduce stress and anxiety.

Bichon Frise:

Affectionate, outgoing, and intelligent, Bichon Frises are excellent emotional support pets. They require attention and companionship, making them suitable for those who can provide love and care.

Consider your lifestyle and preferences when choosing between large and small service dog breeds. Larger dogs offer whole-body snuggling and physical support, while smaller dogs are more convenient for transportation and living in compact spaces. Ultimately, the proper service dog breed for anxiety depends on your needs and circumstances.