Helpful Resources for Service Dog Handlers

NOTE: I made the following using some of the helpful information I found while researching Service Dogs. Everything from Federal and State Laws protecting handlers and service dogs to helpful organizations that advocate for us to great equipment you may need when paired with a service dog. This information is public but I ask that if you share this document, do so in its entirety, and acknowledge that I researched and compiled it. Thank you.

Helpful Information re: Service Dogs:

ADA (The Americans with Disabilities Act) and the Rehab Act of 1973; covers your federal rights when using a service animal in accessing hospitals, offices, stores, government buildings, the VA.)
http://spot.pcc.edu/~rjacobs/career/ada_and_the_rehab_act_of_1973.htm#Contents

State Laws listed by State pertaining to Service Animals http://servicedogcentral.org/content/node/51

Federal Laws pertaining to Housing and Service Animals (covered under Fair Housing Act) http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=489

Public Law 107-135 The VA law pertaining to Service Dogs. (specifically Title II, Section 201(c)(2)) was passed which said the VA could, but didn’t have to, provide service dogs to veterans with certain disabilities.) http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=107_cong_public_laws&docid=f:publ135.107.pdf

“Why the VA has provided NO MONEY for Service Dogs, in their own words”
http://www.albrittain.com/service-dogs/why-the-va-has-provided-no-money-for-service-dogs-in-their-own-words/ (This article is addressing the entitlements through Prosthetics and Sensory Aids, not through Voc Rehab.)

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E) Independent Living Program information http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/vre/ilp.htm

International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) http://www.iaadp.org/
IAADP is a non profit organization that was launched in 1993 at the joint Delta Society and Assistance Dogs International Conference. IAADP's mission is to (1) provide assistance dog partners with a voice in the assistance dog field; (2) enable those partnered with guide dogs, hearing dogs and service dogs to work together on issues of mutual concern;(3) to foster the disabled person / assistance dog partnership. Despite more than 70 years of guide dog partnerships and more than 25 years of hearing dog and service dog partnerships, many disabled people continue to report challenges to their access rights. A number of potential confrontations have been avoided and conflicts resolved through the intervention of the IAADP. It is a resource available for advice and peer support. This organization also functions as a busy information and referral resource for the general public, the disabled community, state and federal officials, trainers, new providers, rehabilitation counselors, parents and assistance dog partners throughout North America. Help may be obtained by contacting the IAADP Information & Advocacy Center at (586) 826-3938 or by mail, as well as through the new web site Help-line.


Psychiatric Service Dog Society (for PTSD, etc.) http://www.psychdog.org/

PSDS Task List for PTSD, etc. http://www.psychdog.org/tasks.html

PSDS Veterans Resources, Articles, Tasks, etc. http://www.psychdog.org/veterans2.html

Association of Pet Dog Trainers APDT (if you need to find a trainer in your area) http://www.apdt.com/petowners/ts/us/default.aspx


Delta Society http://www.deltasociety.org/Page.aspx?pid=183
The mission of Delta Society is to help lead the world in advancing human health and well-being through positive interactions with animals. We help people throughout the world become healthier and happier by incorporating therapy, service and companion animals into their lives.

AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Program (a good step in the training process, plus an extra patch for your vest if you pass.) http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/index.cfm

Some of my favorite online stores for Service Dog gear and equipment:

http://www.raspberryfield.com/mm5/merchant.mvc

http://stores.ebay.com/servicedogapparel (great veteran-themed dog patches for vests)
http://www.servicedoghouse.com/
http://www.sitstay.com/

© 2010 by Angela Peacock. All rights reserved.