{"id":1589,"date":"2022-09-07T15:28:48","date_gmt":"2022-09-07T19:28:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/?p=1589"},"modified":"2024-04-03T10:19:15","modified_gmt":"2024-04-03T17:19:15","slug":"unsung-heroes-the-reach-and-impact-of-todays-service-dogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beverlyhillsvets.com\/blog\/unsung-heroes-the-reach-and-impact-of-todays-service-dogs\/","title":{"rendered":"Unsung Heroes: The Reach and Impact of Today\u2019s Service Dogs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Far more than pets, service dogs are highly trained working dogs that assist differently-abled people. Sometimes, it\u2019s their mere presence that provides a service to those in need. Other times, their specialized skills save lives. Service dogs are vital to humankind, but they aren\u2019t all the same. It\u2019s always fascinating to learn about the numerous types of working canines<\/a>, and the many ways they impact the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Missing Piece<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Service dogs<\/a> work for people. Whether performing search and rescue, guidance assistance, or something highly specific, like detecting blood sugar or the onset of seizures, service dogs are nothing less than heroic. As such, they are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and enjoy all the rights of the people they serve. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps most importantly, service dogs allow their handlers to have greater independence, security, and confidence. The valiant efforts of service dogs reduce the rates of depression and stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multi-Faceted Pooches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may have heard of emotional support dogs or therapy dogs. While essential to those that depend on them for company and support, unfortunately, even medically prescribed support dogs do not meet the same standards set for service dogs. Thus, the protections afforded to service aren\u2019t equally enjoyed by emotional support or therapy dogs<\/a>. To qualify as an assistance animal protected by the ADA, a dog must be professionally trained and certified to help with a specific disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Service Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are 8 distinct types of service dogs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n