ANIMALS IN SERVICE

In addition to honoring our veterans on this Veterans Day, we also honor all animals who provide support for their owners.

Service Dogs

Service dogs are dogs that have been individually trained to perform a specific task for individuals who have disabilities.

The disabilities can vary greatly, and so do the tasks that the service dogs perform. Service dogs can aid in navigation for the hearing and visually impaired, assist an individual who is having a seizure, calm someone suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and even dial 911 in the event of an emergency. Many disabled individuals depend on them every day to help them live their everyday lives.

Service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Any dog can be a service dog, and service dogs do not have to be professionally trained. The important thing is that the dog is trained to be a working animal and not a pet.

Emotional Support Dogs

Emotional support dogs are dogs that provide comfort and support in forms of affection and companionship for an individual suffering from various mental and emotional conditions.

An emotional support dog is not required to perform any specific tasks for a disability like service dogs are. They are meant solely for emotional stability and unconditional love. They can assist with conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder/mood disorder, panic attacks, fear/phobias, and other psychological and emotional conditions.

Therapy Dogs

Therapy dogs are dogs that are used to bring comfort and joy to those who are ill or under poor conditions, such as those who have been affected by a natural disaster. Many people are able to connect with dogs and feel the love that they provide, and this has a therapeutic effect on them. Therapy dogs are generally very calm and well-behaved, so that they do not make those around them upset or uncomfortable.

We salute all animals who provide love and service to their owners.