Want a healing dog?
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ESA and service dog teams.
Learn the laws and share them with others!
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A DOG THAT CAN
… be a well-mannered companion?
These wonderful dogs are considered pet or companion dogs, not service dogs. They do not have public access rights.
Did you know?
In Hawaii, misrepresenting one’s pet as an ESA or service dog (even by purchasing a service dog vest, certificate, or ID badge) can lead to a fine of $100-$250 for a first offense and $500+ for future offenses.
… provide you emotional support in the home for your disability?
You might qualify for an Emotional Support Animal, which is “any animal that a medical professional has determined provides therapeutic benefit for an individual with a disability." - Hawaii Bill No. 1823.
Please note: a mental health diagnosis does not necessarily mean that one has a disability (where at least one major life activity or bodily function is substantially limited).
An Emotional Support Dog is allowed in public housing but does not have public access rights as guaranteed by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Major airlines also no longer accept ESA letters.
An ESA is not necessarily task-trained to help with the owner’s disability. It must be fully toilet-trained with no bad habits that would disturb neighbors, such as frequent or lengthy episodes of barking. The dog must not pose a danger to other tenants or personnel.
… perform specific tasks that can mitigate your disability in public settings?
Service Dogs are legally defined (Americans With Disabilities Act, 1990) and are trained to meet the needs of their handlers who have disabilities. Federal laws protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service dogs in public places. “Service animals are working animals, not pets.” (ADA 2010 Revised Requirements)
These dogs are individually trained to do work or perform physical tasks directly benefiting a handler’s:
physical
sensory
psychiatric
intellectual or mental disability.
This definition of work or tasks does not include:
the crime-deterrent effects of a dog’s presence
the effects of emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship.
WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO APPLY FOR A SERVICE DOG?
You and your dog will bond more successfully if you start when you have minimized stressors in your life. This is because training with a dog takes a considerable amount of time. Dogs are sensitive and easily pick up on our emotional state.
If you are heavily involved with ongoing therapies to help with your disability, consider waiting until your situation is more stable to start the application process.
Since there is often a waitlist for fully-trained service dogs, however, do your research now! Find out how much time ADI-accredited organizations will require before matching you with a fully-trained dog.
READY TO TRAIN WITH A DOG? FIRST, CONSIDER:
Do you have enough financial stability to properly care for a dog (food, grooming, veterinary bills, etc.)? Dog care can cost at least $1500+/year, plus unexpected veterinary bills.
Have you been out of the hospital for at least 8 months?
Are you going through a major transition (divorce, having a child, moving, seeking employment, etc.)? If so, this is not the time to add a service dog to your situation.
Can you handle having invisible wounds made visible to the public?
Do you have a strong desire to become independent?
Are you physically active enough to handle, exercise, and care for a 65-75 lb Labrador retriever?
Do you have a support system that can help with the care of the dog should you have a medical emergency or cannot for any reason provide leadership to the dog?
