r/service_dogs

What should the behavior of a service dog transitioning between organization/trainer to handler look like? What exceptable what is too far and concerning?

This is not a post asking how to fly with a service/assistance dog. I have flown internationally and domestic over 200 times last year, and this year? I'm already well over 20 some flights. I’m curious how others handle traveling with their SD / AD. What do you typically pack...especially for longer trips? Do you have a separate suitcase for your service/assistance dog, or do you pack their items with your own?

As a handler myself, I used to overpack... a lot.. for all the what ifs. Now I’d consider myself more of a light packer, but I’m still curious how others approach it. Personally, I usually travel with two suitcases or a large backpack plus a suitcase. Unless we are traveling a very short flight everything is all in one suitcase. Additionally I only give my SD / AD half of his dinner the night before we fly out, as well as half of breakfast, I do not limit water. I make sure one last time before boarding call we use the potty spot.

Domestic: we typically fly first class or premium economy International : business or premium economy

What I generally pack for flights:

Medical Equipment Suitcase: (does not count as carry-on)

✔️Document folder (flight info, vaccination records, program/organization info of my service dog, DOT paperwork, Health certificate when needed, and medical documentation for necessary medications, etc.)

✔️ Cold medications (with ice packs)

✔️EpiPens & Medications in original bottles (I don’t transfer them)

✔️Blood pressure cuff

✔️Glucose monitor and related supplies (including sharps)

✔️Biohazard container

✔️Compression supplies

✔️Medical cleanup supplies (disinfectant wipes, gloves, gauze, bandages)

✔️Glucose tablets and salt tablets

✔️Pre-measured bags of dog food with supplements/multivitamins included

✔️Stainless steel food and water bowl (with slow feeder attachment)

✔️Service dog harness or vest (depending on what he’s wearing while traveling)

✔️Extra potty bags

✔️High-value/bait treats

Checked Medium Suitcase:

✔️Clothes for the trip

✔️Extra pair of shoes

✔️Blanket

✔️Toiletry bag

✔️Electronics

✔️Hair dryer

✔️Dog toys (not packed in the medical bag since they aren’t medically necessary...just for downtime at hotels or hospital stays)

✋ I do not travel with my service / assistance dog jacket, or booties unless I am going to a direct place where I know they will be needed. I triple check weather conditions anytime I fly out anywhere. ✋

🛑 Our flights are normally 6-8 hours long when we fly Typically whenever I fly I always have my purse / mini purse backpack on me as well. Inside my purse? Like everyone else is my personal information like my wallet. I do carry my telescopic white cane inside my purse however my service / assistance dog is often geared in his guide harness at the airport during travel as it is normally not needed. As well as snacks 🛑

I’m currently in the process of having training/placement sessions with a service dog through a program. This program is nonprofit, and the dog will be placed with me free of charge if things go well. That said, I’m concerned with some of the behaviors that I’m seeing during our sessions.

First, it’s taking 2-3 requests for the dog to listen to commands, and sometimes even requiring a prong correction. This is true even for simple commands, like touch or heel. Additionally, while walking in a heel, the dog occasionally deadweights, refusing to keep going unless I lure with kibble or reset, sometimes multiple times. Are these things normal and to be expected in the beginning when working through the placement process? Or should I be concerned?

This is possibly one of my only chances to be placed with a service dog through a program, and I cannot owner train. I want to be optimistic that this will be okay, but I’m worried about being placed with a dog that is more work than help…

I was riding the train with my SD the other day when someone with a very misbehaved dog came on. My SD stayed very calm and collected and payed no attention but the dog was barking loudly and trying to run towards him. The owner did not seem to care so I asked if they could quiet down their dog, when the other persons dog BIT my sd on his leg. I was so furious. I am in a wheelchair but if I wasn’t I would have got up and seriously threw hands. We immediately went to the vet, got him patched up and checked for rabies, and he is all good health wise. But the past few days he cannot perform his tasks at all! This incident happened over a week ago. Since he cannot perform any of his tasks, fetching , dpt everything… even things not involving his leg. When I indicate I need a task he simply lays down and looks up at me… I don’t know what I can do to help him, any advice would be welcome

Have any handlers and non-ADI certified dogs had trouble on return flights from Germany on American, United, or Lufthansa? Would be a nightmare to be stuck internationally.

Unsure how airport and TSA access would be. 

I keep seeing this on this sub and I’m very confused about this. People say that under the ADA a person who passes out or has seizures cannot legally be in public by themselves because they can’t be in control of their dog when they pass out or have a seizure. I want to understand if this is a correct interpretation of the ADA or not. (I want to be clear that I’m simply asking for clarification in this post. If these things are illegal I’m in no way intending to advise people to stretch the law. I’m just trying to sort out what seems contradictory in my mind.)

Here’s my confusion: It’s been industry standard by well respected programs in the United States for decades to place seizure response dogs that are intended to be handled independently in public by their handlers seizures. Is this industry standard by ethical programs in the wrong, and if so, why wasn’t the DOJ addressed this?

Also the DOJ gives this example of a service dog task: “A person who has epilepsy may have a dog that is trained to detect the onset of a seizure and then help the person remain safe during the seizure.” Meaning the DOJ sees seizure response dogs as legitimate service dogs. If this is such a legally problematic task, then why does the DOJ use it as one of the limited examples of what a service dog task could be?

I understand that the ADA requires a service dog to be under control at all times. The Department of Justice states this on ADA.gov “A service animal must be under the control of its handler. Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered…” Wouldn’t a dog that’s tethered be under control by this definition?

Could someone please help me understand this?

Hey everyone, I’m just looking for some advice and to see if anyone else has experienced something like this.

I was at Disney recently and had some general issues in the parks with disability accommodations, but things really escalated later at Disney Springs.

At security, I was stopped about my service dog, which I expected, and I answered the two ADA questions, explaining that she’s a medical alert dog. Even after that, the cast member kept pushing for more information and told me multiple times that if she were a “real” service dog, I would have done proper ESA training and would know how to answer correctly.

When I explained that she is owner trained and that there is no certification required for service dogs, he responded by saying that if she wasn’t professionally trained, then she “wasn’t trained,” which felt really dismissive and honestly pretty upsetting.

The whole situation got really stressful and ended up triggering an episode for me right there. There wasn’t anywhere for me to sit, so I ended up on the ground while my dog was tasking, with people walking by. It was honestly really overwhelming and embarrassing.

When a supervisor came, it felt like it was brushed off as them just trying to keep pets out, which I understand in general, but it didn’t feel like my situation was actually being heard or handled correctly.

What really confused me is that once I got inside, I saw multiple pets, including one that lunged at my service dog, which made the whole situation feel even more frustrating and inconsistent.

I’ve already filed a complaint, but I just wanted to ask:

Has anyone else had issues at Disney Springs specifically?

Have you ever been pushed for more info even after answering the ADA questions?

Any advice on how Disney usually handles situations like this?

I’m just feeling really shaken and disappointed. I’ve never had something like this happen before.

Thanks in advance.

My fully trained service dog made a mistake the other day and I feel so bad. I know mistakes happen and it’s probably ok but still. We were at a coffee shop that we go to often and I didn’t have her vest on because I had forgotten it in my car which was in the shop. (Side note: shout out to the coffee shop for handling that perfectly, I was worried about access without her vest but they just came up, asked the 2 legally allowed questions, and said “ok! Sounds good” and let me on my way then she went to educate her staff member about the rules with service dogs!) Anyways, at some point while I was there, someone came in with their service dog, and my service dog stayed down like she was supposed to but growled at this other service dog. They glared at me each time they passed by, very rightfully so, but she never did growl again. In all her years as a service dog, she has never once done this, and stays completely focused, still, and quiet when there’s other dogs around including barking dogs. My main theories as to why she did this is

A. She didn’t have her vest on so maybe she didn’t think she needed to be “in work mode” but I’ve taken her without her vest before and also trained her well enough that with or without the vest she behaves the same so I really don’t think that’s it.

B. More likely, I had been in the hospital that weekend and couldn’t find anyone to watch her so she came with me for the first time (she did perfect) but I’m sure it was a bit overstimulating plus with me having so many episodes, her poor nose was working overtime. And I was still flaring really really bad that day and she had been actively alerting and tasking, so I’m guessing she was just a bit on edge and in “protect mom at all costs” mode.

Still, she should not have done that and I feel so bad about it.

I do not think service dogs should be used for tethering. I have seen a dog lose their balance before when a kid lunged.

Can you please help me explain to someone why this is not a good idea? She wants to get a dog to prevent her kid from running off

Hi, I’m trying to help my son after a sudden and severe onset of seizures that recently landed him in the ICU in a medically induced coma. They still don’t know what’s causing the seizures. The doctors have said he can’t be left alone.

But We’re now looking into getting him a seizure response/service dog to help keep him safe, but the cost is extremely high and not something we can afford on our own.

I’m trying to see if anyone knows of:

- Programs that provide service dogs for free or low cost

- Grants or financial assistance for seizure dogs

- Any organizations we should look into

We’ve also started a fund to try and raise money for this.

If anyone has resources, advice, it would truly mean so much to us.

Thank you ❤️

If your dog alerts is their alert more subtle or obvious? Why did you choose to have you dog do a more subtle or obvious alert?

I’ll start. My dog alerts to a potential catatonia episode my nudging my hand or arm. I chose this more subtle alert, because I don’t want to attract attention to myself and my catatonic episodes aren’t medically dangerous and she alerts hours before they would happen so I had time to notice and take action, and if I fail to listen (which is on me) I am not worried about getting in trouble.

Hi. I am doing research and looking into getting a service dog in about two years. It was gonna be at the end of this year, but I had an unfortunate financial setback and want to ensure that I not only have the money to get a dog, but also have the money to have emergency vet, funds, and a training fund at the very least for just the beginner puppy all the way to advanced obedience training. I am intending to do primarily owner training for the tasks, but I also intend to have money set aside to at the very least due check ends with a trainer who does frequently work with service dogs to make sure that we are on the right track and to shore up whatever is lacking. I will not be back at that level of finances for about a year because I am expecting to go with a breeder, I have not yet picked a breeder, but I know at the very least the majority of things to ask and look forward to ensure that you find a reputable breeder who has produced service, dog prospects, as well as produced dogs that have gone on to be service dogs.

However, picking a breed is an incredibly hard thing for me because no matter what it’s gonna be a dog and I love dogs as a hole. I do not care what kind of dog it is. I love them. I’m thinking that Mei-mei plan for actually picking a breed is going to be more along the lines of having a few different breeds that I think I would work very well with, and fit into the lifestyle that I currently have and the lifestyle that I am striving to have, finding a reputable breeder for each of these breeds, and then going with whichever one has an available dog who would be an excellent prospect that would also be a good fit for me.

The current breeds that I am considering are a golden retriever, a standard poodle, either a king Charles Cavalier, spaniel or an American cocker spaniel. I am open to hearing about all different breeds that people have as service dogs. Really I just want information on how these dogs have worked with/for you.

Some things that I am looking to gain a better understanding of:

-what breed do you have?

-what has grooming been like with this dog?

-how often do you brush them? How often do you bathe them? If it is a dog that needs frequent cuts how often do you do that? If you do at home grooming, only how difficult was it for you to learn how to cut and style? If you take them to a groomer, how often do you do that and how much do you typically spend in one session?

-what is their health generally like? I know part of finding an ethical breeder is ensuring that they do health testing on the parent dogs, but I also do know that stable, healthy parents sometimes do end up producing a genetically weird dog, who is not as healthy because genetics.

-how often do you take your service dog to the vet for check ups beyond their regular shots? What things do you keep an eye on for your breed? Is your breed prone to any common health issues like allergies or skin problems or ear infections? Are there things outside of those three common things that are also fairly common health issues to look out for?

- what was training like with your breed?

-were they easy to train? Were they highly food motivated or more toy motivated? How often do you do maintenance training? Are they eager to learn or do they take a little bit more coaxing?

-what is it like to travel with your service dog?

- how does space work out for things like an airplane, a train, or public transportation like a bus, or a taxi/Uber?

-what is it like to travel with your service dog leading up to getting onto whatever form of transportation? How did you train your dog for that, especially for things like being in an airport without being able to actually work in an airport before being task trained end service level of obedience, trained, or public access training?

-what is the general public reception like? I know that breeds outside of what is commonly known as like the fab four or fab five tend to face a bit more scrutiny.

-for your specific breed does it help to have traditional service gear for the public reception? Or does it just matter that they have service gear? I know that legally they aren’t required to wear it but it does help people except a little bit more that it’s a service dog.

-how often do you deal with not taking your dog seriously or not be believing that it’s real?

-what steps do you personally take to deal with that in the most de-escalating way? This is kind of a big one because I have an invisible disability (PTSD, ADHD, and I’m being evaluated for autism finally) so I do know that I am more likely to end up with potential negative interactions because I don’t have a physical sign that I could use a service dog. While I can accept that negative interactions are bound to happen because people can be mean I would like to ensure that I can either avoid it as much as possible or do everything I can to de-escalate the situation when it does happen if it does happen.

Also in a not breed related thing : what steps do you take to ensure that your service dog does not experience burn out? I have a cat who does some of the things that I would be training a service dog to do, and does exist well with other dogs. He grew up with two little dogs and we’re pretty sure he might think that he is a dog on some level. He hasn’t seemed very fond of medium sized dogs, but both of the ones that he lived with that were medium sized were very hyper and well they were kept friendly. They were very much I want to play with you and he does not want to play. I expect that I will be putting in some serious hours in training whatever dog I get that the cat is boring and he does not wanna play with you and to leave him be. That aside, sorry got a little off track, my hope is that while we’re at home if I’m having an issue, it could be a the cat Does his emotional support job and the dog gets to just be a dog at home, but I don’t really know how that works if that can work? So I wanna make sure that if the dog decides that he is still actively working at home too that I know how to make sure he ( or she ) has enough decompression time to avoid burnout.

Sorry, I know that this is a lot. I just also have a lot of questions, I’ll probably end up making another poster to at some point with more questions later too. I am very new to all of this and I’m trying to learn, but finding information online tends to be a little bit difficult for real Lived experiences. Also, please excuse any spelling or grammar errors. I use my speech to text a lot and sometimes I miss when it understands a word. Thank you in advance for everyone’s answers. I appreciate every ounce of information I can get.

Hi! I’m not sure if this is the right thread to post on but hopefully it is lol.

Also it’s pretty late so sorry if I made any spelling mistakes or this seems scattered.

So I just moved to college after living at home my entire life, I graduated high school 2 years early and I’m at college 1 1/2 years early, so a lot of the people here are way older than me. I haven’t been struggling like super bad, but my anxiety has been super high lately and I’ve had a headache since I moved in (like 4 days straight now) and my sleep schedule has been messed up. I know my dog and I are best friends, but I couldn’t bring him because of college housing rules (my college doesn’t do dorms, only college approved apartments). My dog really helped with my anxiety, and I helped with his (he would literally bolt to my room whenever he was scared, and he would wake me up every morning by laying on top of me for pets). I really really miss him, and I know he would help me feel happier, more safe, and more comfortable, which would then help with my anxiety.

I don’t have a doctor, or therapist, or anything like that really, which is why it’s so hard to get an ESA letter. I know they sell them online, but I don’t think those are like super trustworthy, and it’s kinda taking the easy way out?

I’m not diagnosed with anxiety, but I do know that I have a lot of it and I don’t have very good ways of managing it. I guess I’m just wondering what the steps are to getting an ESA letter as a 17 yr old, without the help of a parent (because my parent is in a different state and she obviously couldn’t come to the appointment with me if she’s not here lol). I am officially diagnosed with dyslexia if that would make any difference (my mom thought that would be relevant, but my dog can’t read for me so I don’t think that would be very helpful 😂) I think I just need to get it over with and be diagnosed with anxiety tbh

I’m not sure if I talk to the housing first or find a therapist or what because I just need the fastest and cheapest way to do this, I can’t afford to pay more than like $200 for this right now.

Please let me know the steps to doing this truthfully and honestly and thanks for reading if you made it this far!

Hello - since service animals and ESAs often get grouped together, I hope my question is welcome here.

My partner and I live in a rental house (duplex) with a no pet policy, however we have been talking extensively about getting a dog in early 2027.

The owner of the home works through a property manager. During our last inspection, we asked if it would be possible to get a pet and he was the one to suggest we get an ESA license rather than going through the owner.

Before anyone passes judgement, my partner does have a legitimate need for an ESA. He struggles with severe anxiety and depression - in the past he had been involuntary sent to a psychiatric hospital. We have talked about how having a dog would be a major mental health boost, for the both of us. We may even consider training it as a service animal to help with my partners anxiety attacks.

Now I know the right thing would be to just find a different place to live that does allow for pets, but it’s just not that easy. A lot of places are either way out of our budget or absolute shit holes. We are also not in a position to buy a house at the moment either.

In our lease, there is a “if pets are approved” section that lists out specific details about what is and isn’t allowed - no damage to the floors, no excessive barking, cleaning up after your pets waste, etc., this is something that is all manageable. (we would work with a trainer weekly).

Would appreciate your thoughts about how to best handle this situation. We have not made any concrete plans, I’m simply asking a question here as to what is appropriate. Please be kind in your responses.

I have a flight coming up to Germany. I know all about Germany. We have been to Germany many times and never had any issues. This time we are planning to stay in Dubai for a few days on our way to Germany. I know that dogs are considered dirty for religious reasons. Has anyone ever flown/stayed in Dubai with their service dog? She is owner trained and from the U.S.

I’m currently in the application process of getting a service prospect but since it would be getting a female, the co ownership contract would include reserved rights to breeding if the seller wishes to include them in their program. I’m a little stressed by the idea of that since I’m not sure how it would effect her training or working abilities, but I’m wanting a co ownership for mentorship since I’ve never owned this breed and the dog will start their training with the same people so naturally they will know best for our hybrid training regimen.

Have any of you experienced a pregnancy with your SD? How did it affect you and how did you prepare? What would you have done differently knowing what you know now?

In the process of getting a psychiatric service prospect to hopefully have trained in two years as I get my associates degree online, will have to finish my bachelors in persons since it’s in biochemistry and will have many labs to complete and I’ll be able to bring my dog with to lectures but does anyone know the general rules for dogs when it comes to labs? I know they’re not allowed in most sterile places or anywhere with active labs taking place but I know most labs do several days of orientation and general procedural direction before starting the lab work, does anyone know if a service dog could be allowed for that? And if not, would it be reasonable to request a private, quick orientation beforehand?

I’m already aware of the practical requirements: having defined, disability‑related tasks for the dog, medical documentation supporting the need, the financial commitment (both the initial ~$20k and ongoing care), the time for team training and annual recertifications, and working exclusively with an ADI‑accredited organization. Those pieces are all accounted for.

My question is more about the decision itself. How did you know that you wanted to get a service dog?

I’ve only ever had ~10lb small dogs. I’ve not had much experience around a “big” dog like a lab or retriever. My fear is that I wouldn’t connect emotionally with a big service dog in the same way I have with my little pet dogs in the past.

How was that process of meeting your SD and getting to bond as a team? Was it awkward? Was it natural? How did it compare to pets you had in the past? Have you developed a loving bond with your dog or does your relationship feel more like coworkers?

Thank you so much in advance for being willing to share your story. I really appreciate it!

It can cause the public to think a real breathing service animal is simply a comfort item like the stuffed animals are. It invalidates all the hard work and training that goes into a legitimate service dog. And a stuffed animal doesn't do tasks to help with a disability, it is emotionally supporting them by existing.

I have absolutely no problem with someone having a plush with them for comfort. That isn't the issue I have. Comfort objects can be a great tool for some disabilities to cope.

I have an issue with anything being misrepresented as a service animal when it is not. That includes untrained dogs and inanimate objects. I feel it will cause more of the public to think any random dog can be a service dog if they see an inanimate plush labeled as one.

Basically what the title says. I am the assistant to a human who owns a medium size dog, roughly 25 lbs. she wants to fly regularly on a 5 hour flight (2ish x a month) and wants to travel with her dog, but not in a carrier and doesn’t want to buy him a seat. Because of this, she wants to “pretend” her dog is a service dog, because “they can only ask if he does a task”. She says she is going to say she has autism and he helps calm her down.

This makes me feel exceptionally icky. I am not comfortable with any of it, and have told her so. She says people “do it all the time” (do they?) and that I’m being ridiculous.

Is there anyone I can possibly report this to without her knowing? I am busy not comfortable with lying, and I would be traveling with her so I really don’t want to be involved in this situation- but also I really like this job and can’t quit any time soon.

Please help 😭