Think about it… nearly all would qualify for being disabled… “any type of impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as bending, balancing, remembering to take medications, panic attacks, etc.” Then, if they train their dog to assist them in at least one of their disabilities, they would qualify to Certify their Service Dog.

VALUABLE BENEFITS: Live in a “no pet housing” area (assisted living, senior home, apt, in-patient Hospice, etc.) and have their dog live with them, for FREE. Take their dog with them everywhere, including airplane rides to visit family members, for FREE. Take their dog to the grocery store, library, medical office… anywhere that the public is permitted to go, they could go, accompanied by their Service Dog.

In the news, a Service Dog actually saved a woman’s life recently. Living alone, a woman fell, broke her leg and passed out. The dog licked her face until she regained consciousness. Then, the woman commanded the dog to “get the phone”. The dog brought her the phone and she was then able to call 911. No matter what disability someone has, these are lifesaving tasks that any dog can be trained to perform.

Wouldn’t this make a beautiful impact on so many lives? Do you know of anyone that would benefit by having their dog certified as a Service Dog?

This test was designed as merely a “guideline” for Service Dog behavior in public places. Your Service Dog is NOT required to master these skills and will NOT be tested on them.

Service dog certification is available to any dog that is trained to assist a disability and one that is “well-behaved” in public.

So, certify your service dog today and make it a GREAT NEW YEAR! Learn more from our service dog resources section.

However, if you are living in a “no-pet” housing facility, your landlord may request a letter from an appropriate professional (therapist or physician) stating that you “have a disability and that your service dog lessens the effects of that disability”. You do NOT need to disclose the details of the disability nor provide medical history. Take the first step towards a better life, certify your service dog today!

Share your experience so we can continue educating the public on the “ins and outs” of service dogs.

Certify Your Service Dog, LLC does not provide legal advice or guidance. Federal and State laws may vary. Contact the US Dept of Housing & Urban Development Hotline with any specific questions. (800) 669-9777.

If your job in life was to “bear weight” for unsteady humans, there would come a day when you would retire, too. “Amelia” is a chunky girl, an 80 lb. lab-mix that served as a “weight-bearing” Service Dog for years. Eventually, Amelia showed signs of arthritis and discomfort and is now just wants to enjoy life. Amelia is up for adoption in Nashville, TN. For more info click on the link listed.

Service Dogs provide the darndest things… what unique “task” does your Service Dog perform? And, are you planning for his/her retirement?

http://virtualfluffies.com/2011/04/15/amelia-the-senior-service-dog-needs-a-home/

Post offices are federal buildings and Federal Law prohibits “dogs” in post offices. However, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), creates an exception for your Service Dog.

Recently, a Service Dog was denied access in a FL P.O. because it did not appear to be a service dog in any official capacity. WRONG. Any dog trained to assist a disabled person IS considered a Service Dog by the ADA. Service Dogs are not limited to people who are seeing and hearing impaired.

Have you had an uncomfortable experience taking your Service Dog in public places? Remember, having your “Public Access Cards” on hand may save the day. The laws are clear and they are on YOUR side!

* Article recommends Service Dog Certification and wearing Service Dog Identification

http://www.ehow.com/info_8570302_post-office-rules-dogs.html

What a horrific thing to even consider… that your beloved pet might suffer horrible conditions and ultimately die on an airline flight. And yet, the Dept. of Transportation recently reported that 122 dogs have died in airline cargo holds since 2005 – with an additional 88 lost or injured.

Most, but not all of the dogs that died were short-muzzled breeds such as, English Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, Boxers & Shitzhu’s, just to name a few. With a reduced nasal passage, these dogs are less capable of cooling themselves though breathing. Their airway can actually collapse (partially or completely) under extreme stress. The situation worsens if your dog is elderly and/or overweight or obese.

Even if you plan carefully and everything goes as planned, air travel is frightening and stressful for a dog. And, you often can’t cope with problems as they come up because you and your dog are separated during those critical times.

The SOLUTION is simple: Certify your service dog so that they can fly with you in the cabin, for FREE!

Visit www.CertifyYourServiceDog.com for more details.

photo from The Daily Puppy 7-31-11

You may be visiting a National Park this summer. Do you take Fido? You may… but consider these situations before you make your decision – and call ahead for any other particulars.

At national parks and at other federal sites, Service Dogs are not considered pets, so regulations governing their presence are far less restrictive. Some parks, however, may require you to register these animals upon your arrival.

The standard policy in most national parks is that pets are only allowed near campgrounds and visitor centers, not on trails or in backcountry.

They must be leashed at all times and pet leashes may be no longer than six feet in length. When a loose pet chases an animal like a squirrel or a raccoon, the wild animal’s ability to survive is threatened, and when it is threatened, it may react aggressively. Also, in some cases, unleashed dogs have been injured or killed by large wildlife.

Pets may not be left unattended, tied or physically confined. Unattended pets have been known to attract a lion and result in the loss of your pet. At Theodore Roosevelt NP, the warning is “bison and pets do not mix.”

If you do find yourself at a National Park with your Service Dog, keep one thing in mind… dog food is also bear food! Store your dog food as if it were human food.