Q: Can my service dog perform all my daily needs?

A: No. Service dogs are trained to assist with specific tasks related to your disability. While they can provide meaningful support, they are not a replacement for personal responsibility, professional medical care, or comprehensive daily assistance.

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Q: How long does training take?

A: Training typically takes several months to over a year, depending on the complexity of the tasks, the dog’s breed and temperament, and the recipient's needs. Continued training and reinforcement are required throughout the dog’s working life.

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Q: Can a service dog help with emotional support?

A: Yes, but with clarification. Service dogs can be trained for psychiatric support tasks (e.g., interrupting panic attacks, applying Deep Pressure Therapy). However, they are not the same as emotional support animals (ESAs), which do not require task-specific training and do not have public access rights under the ADA.

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Q: What’s the difference between a service dog, a therapy dog, and an emotional support animal (ESA)?

A:

· Service Dog: Trained to perform specific tasks to assist someone with a disability (protected under ADA).

· Therapy Dog: Provides comfort in therapeutic settings (e.g., hospitals, schools) but does not have public access rights.

· Emotional Support Animal (ESA): Offers comfort through companionship but is not task-trained and has limited legal protections.

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Q: Can any dog become a service dog?

A: Not every dog has the temperament, health, or ability to become a service dog. Ideal candidates must be physically sound, highly trainable, calm, and focused in diverse environments. We assess all dogs carefully to ensure they are capable and comfortable in their roles.

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Q: Can I train my own dog to be a service dog?

A: Yes, under the ADA, individuals can self-train their own service dogs. However, professional guidance is strongly recommended to ensure reliability, task performance, and appropriate behavior in public.

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Q: What are public access rights for service dogs?

A: Under the ADA, trained service dogs are allowed to accompany their handler in public places where pets are normally not allowed, such as restaurants, stores, and public transportation. The dog must be under control and not pose a threat or disruption.

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Q: What are my responsibilities as a handler?

A: As a handler, you are responsible for your dog’s behavior, well-being, and ongoing training. This includes feeding, grooming, exercise, regular veterinary care, and ensuring your dog remains task-focused and under control in public.

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Q: Can my service dog go off duty or have downtime?

A: Yes. Like any working partner, service dogs need rest and time to just be dogs. Scheduled breaks, playtime, and relaxation are crucial to their mental and physical health.

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Q: What happens when a service dog retires?

A: Service dogs typically retire due to age, health, or changes in the handler’s needs. Retired dogs often remain as beloved pets in their handler’s home or are rehomed with a trusted family. A replacement service dog may be considered at that time.

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Q: Are service dogs allowed to interact with the public while working?

A: No. Service dogs are trained to stay focused on their handler and tasks. Unwanted petting or distraction from the public can interfere with their work. It’s best to always ask before approaching or engaging with a service dog.

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Q: What if my disability is not visible — can I still have a service dog?

A: Yes. Many people with “invisible” disabilities such as diabetes, PTSD, epilepsy, or severe anxiety benefit from service dogs. The key factor is whether the dog performs trained tasks that mitigate your disability.

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Q: Will my service dog be trained to protect me or act aggressively if needed?

A: No. Service dogs are not protection dogs. They are trained to remain calm and non-aggressive. Any dog displaying protective or aggressive behaviors is not suited for service work.

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Q: What kind of follow-up support do you offer after placement?

A: The Furgiving Foundation provides ongoing guidance, training refreshers, behavioral support, and community resources to ensure a lasting and effective partnership between the dog and handler.