Acquire an Emotional Support or Service Dog
Do you have need for a trained working dog to support your physical, cognitive, or emotional needs? We can help! AaTs can acquire and train your perfect canine partner. AaTs Emotional Support Dogs and Service Dogs have a training period of approximately 6-12 months and can help with depression, PTSD, autism, or physical/learning disabilities. The owner/handler is actively involved during the training process. Costs range $8,000-$10,000 for an Emotional Support Dog or $25,000-$30,000 for a Service Dog.
"Fred"
"Fred" came from a high kill shelter in Tennessee and is a perfect example how AaTs helps both animals and people. This family wanted an emotional support dog for their son who is wheelchair bound. There were allergy issues, so we went on the hunt for a poodle type mix.
Upon arrival at AaTs Connecticut, Fred was in intensive training for four months while being fostered by one of our volunteers. The volunteer observed each professional training session, then practiced every new skill at home throughout the day. In addition to basic commands, Fred was trained to jump up on our lap while seated in the wheelchair, walk on a loose leash beside the wheelchair, and play fetch. His unique training provides the opportunity for this little boy to walk and play with his dog like any other child. Fred is a "Buddy, a great companion dog for this young man who was experiencing isolation and loneliness."
Upon arrival at AaTs Connecticut, Fred was in intensive training for four months while being fostered by one of our volunteers. The volunteer observed each professional training session, then practiced every new skill at home throughout the day. In addition to basic commands, Fred was trained to jump up on our lap while seated in the wheelchair, walk on a loose leash beside the wheelchair, and play fetch. His unique training provides the opportunity for this little boy to walk and play with his dog like any other child. Fred is a "Buddy, a great companion dog for this young man who was experiencing isolation and loneliness."
The Difference Between Emotional Support, Service, and Therapy Animals
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Emotional Support Animals
Emotional support animals are companion animals of any species that provide emotional or psychological wellness to their owners. There is no training requirement for an emotional support animal. Emotional support animals are not protected under the ADA like service animals. Instead, emotional support animals are only given legal rights under the Air Carrier Access Act and the Fair Housing Act. In order for your pet to officially become an Emotional Support Animal, your mental health professional must write a letter, which is renewed annually, that prescribes the animal to you for a medical need. This letter must meet several requirements: it must be written on your mental health professional's official letterhead, include their type of license, date of licensure, license number, and the state which issued the license. Additionally, the letter must state that you are a current patient of this doctor, you are diagnosed with a disability which is described in the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders Version IV or V, you are substantially limited in performing or participating in at least one of life's major activities because of your disability, and that being prescribed an ESA is an integral part of your treatment plan. (This section has been adapted from a publication by the ADA National Network, learn more here) |
Service Animals
Service animals are defined as dogs or miniature horses that have been individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities. The work or task a service animal has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Examples of these tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, etc. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are allowed to accompany their handler everywhere including into public places. When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, staff may as two questions: 1. Is the animal required because of a disability, 2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform? (This section has been adapted from a pamphlet by the ADA, learn more here) Therapy Animals
Therapy animals are companion animals of any species that go with their owners, typically on a volunteer basis, to schools, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. Many therapy dogs receive training and certification and/or registration with a therapy dog organization. Examples of duties of a therapy animal include visiting seniors in an assisted living facility, motivating a child to learn to read, and providing comfort during stressful situations such as a major disaster or crisis. Therapy animals have no legal rights. Many kind and gentle pets can be trained to become a therapy animal. |
