SERVICE DOGS

Types of Service Dogs

Seizure Response Service Dogs

These dogs can perform a variety of tasks to assist their handlers during and after a seizure occurs. A seizure response dog can:

  • Alert someone that help is needed

  • Push a medical alert button when a seizure occurs

  • Provide balance support to help someone recover after a seizure

  • Retrieve a phone or medicine

  • Alert to dissociation (during small, focal seizures)

  • Provide emotional support and comfort during their handler’s recovery period

Mobility Assistance Service Dogs

These dogs can provide a variety of tasks to help aid in someone’s mobility, balance, and stability. A mobility assistance dog can:

  • Provide balance support via a balance/stability harness

  • Provide a brace in the event of a fall

  • Physically pull in harness to help someone up steep inclines, or to get out of a seated position

  • Retrieve dropped items, open doors, turn on/off lights

  • Provide emotional support and comfort for their handler

  • Help their handler achieve greater independence

Psychiatric Service Dogs

These dogs can be taught a variety of tasks to help with psychiatric related disorders. A psychiatric service dog can:

  • Provide emotional and psychological support

  • Alert to, and provide support during panic attacks

  • Help reduce anxiety

  • Help improve sleep problems

  • Provide Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)

  • Retrieve medication or push a medical alert button

  • Help with mood swings, hypervigilance, heightened emotions, depression, impaired
    self-esteem, impulsivity, feelings of isolation, irritability, repetitive behaviors, and
    dissociation.