Service Dogs

Do you qualify for a Service Dog?

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990), service dogs are legally recognized and specially trained to assist individuals with disabilities. Federal law ensures that people with disabilities have the right to be accompanied by their service dogs in public spaces. As stated in the ADA’s 2010 Revised Requirements, “Service animals are working animals, not pets.”

These highly trained dogs perform specific tasks that directly support a handler with a:

Physical disability
Sensory impairment
Psychiatric condition
Intellectual or mental disability

However, this definition does not include:

A dog’s presence as a crime deterrent
Providing comfort, companionship, or general emotional support

Do you qualify for an ESA pet?

You may be eligible for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), which is defined under Hawaii Bill No. 1823 as “any animal that a medical professional has determined provides therapeutic benefit for an individual with a disability.”

However, it’s important to note that having a mental health diagnosis does not automatically mean a person qualifies as having a disability. A disability is defined as a condition that significantly limits at least one major life activity or bodily function.

While an Emotional Support Dog is permitted in public housing, it does not have the same public access rights granted to service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, most major airlines no longer recognize ESA letters for travel accommodations.

Unlike service dogs, ESAs are not necessarily trained to perform specific tasks related to their handler’s disability. However, they must be fully house-trained and well-behaved, without disruptive habits like excessive barking. The dog must also not pose a risk to other residents or staff members.

Is a Service Dog a good fit for you?

Are you financially prepared to meet the ongoing needs of a service dog, including food, grooming, and veterinary care? Basic expenses start at $1,500 per year, not including unexpected medical costs.
Have you been out of the hospital for at least eight months?
Are you currently experiencing a major life change, such as moving, starting a new job, divorce, or welcoming a new child? If so, now may not be the right time to introduce a service dog into your life.
Are you comfortable with the fact that having a service dog may draw attention and make your invisible struggles more noticeable to others?
Do you have a strong commitment to gaining independence?
Are you physically capable of handling, exercising, and caring for a 65–75 lb Labrador Retriever?
Do you have a reliable support system in place to assist with the dog's care in case of a medical emergency or if you are unable to provide consistent leadership?

Our Service Dog Training Program:

How Long Does Training Take?
Training a service dog is an intensive process that requires a significant commitment of time and resources. On average, it takes about two years for a dog to master the necessary skills, learning over 90 specialized commands to ensure they can effectively support their handler.

How Much Does a Service Dog Cost?
The cost of a fully trained service dog typically falls between $25,000 and $45,000. This reflects the extensive training, expert handling, and individualized preparation each dog undergoes to ensure they possess the right skills and temperament to assist their future partner.

Service Dog Graduates
Before being placed with a handler, each service dog must successfully complete a rigorous training program. We carefully evaluate obedience, temperament, and overall health to ensure the highest standards are met. Every dog is thoughtfully paired with a qualified applicant who has undergone a thorough screening process based on ADI standards.

To facilitate a smooth transition, service dogs enter a six-month trial period with their new handler. During this time, both the dog and their partner receive continued support and guidance, allowing them to strengthen their bond while reinforcing the dog’s training to ensure long-term success.

Psychiatric Service Dogs

Psychiatric service dogs become trusted companions, empowering their handlers to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. These specially trained dogs provide vital assistance to individuals with conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs) are matched with both civilians and veterans, offering essential support that helps their handlers manage symptoms and navigate daily life with greater ease. These remarkable canines provide emotional support, companionship, and practical aid, fostering a sense of security and enhanced mental well-being.

Imagine having a devoted canine partner trained to provide comfort during moments of distress, remind you to take important medication, or create a protective barrier in crowded environments. These highly skilled dogs can assist by:

Waking their handler from PTSD-related nightmares.
Providing deep pressure therapy (leaning against their handler) or gentle licks to help ease panic attacks.
Nudging their handler as a reminder to take daily medication.
Acting as a buffer in crowded places to reduce sensory overload.
Helping their handler stay grounded during flashbacks or dissociative episodes by using learned cues, such as nudging a hand or retrieving a calming item.
Alerting others in case of an emergency by fetching a phone or activating a medical alert device.

Alert Service Dogs

Alert service dogs are expertly trained to assist individuals with invisible medical conditions. Using their exceptional sense of smell and heightened awareness, they can detect physiological changes or environmental cues that may signal an impending medical episode.

More Than Just Alerts: These dogs do more than warn their handler before a medical event—they can also be trained to:

Stay close during a seizure to provide comfort and reduce injury risk.
Activate an alert system to call for assistance.
Retrieve necessary items, such as medication or a phone, after a medical episode.

Realistic Expectations

While service dogs offer incredible support, it’s important to recognize that they cannot prevent every medical episode. However, a well-trained alert dog can be an invaluable companion, providing comfort, security, and reassurance during difficult times.

Here are a few other conditions that alert dogs can detect:

Diabetes: These dogs can recognize fluctuations in blood sugar levels and alert their handler to take corrective action.
Migraines & Headaches: Some dogs can sense subtle chemical or behavioral changes before a migraine or severe headache occurs.
Allergies: Certain service dogs can be trained to detect allergens such as peanuts, gluten, or specific medications, warning their handler before exposure leads to a reaction.

When is the right time to apply for a Service Dog?

Building a strong bond with your service dog is most successful when you begin during a time of minimal stress in your life. Training a dog requires a significant commitment of time, and dogs are highly attuned to our emotions, often picking up on our mood and stress levels.

If you are actively engaged in therapies to manage your disability, it might be wise to wait until your situation is more stable before starting the application process.