Hi everyone,
Sorry if this is in the wrong category.
Hope you’re all well! Just a quick question to ask if anyone has gone through the service dog process recently? And if so, how? What is needed? Does it affect travel?
Thanks in advance 
Are you interested in the EU / Portugal or somewhere else?
And which part of the “process” do you mean?
I would love to know as well, has anyone gone through the process in CA? My cerebellum rupture left me with me with some significant disabilities and I think I could benefit from a service dog (Tbh, I just love dogs too!).
Any insight or direction would be so helpful. From some of the research I’ve done online it’s a pricey process.
Love all of you for sharing stories and support💞.
I’m starting to train my third service dog - not great timing since the radiation necrosis has come back again and I expect it and the treatment to knock me out. My cousins are fostering the puppy right now.
I’m in the US, which doesn’t have too many regulations about service dogs, so owner train is more of an option. I have always tried to train my service dogs to the international standards because it’s safer and the right thing to do.
My first mobility and medical alert dog was an owner train (I’ve been training dogs as a hobby since I was about 12), my second dog was mostly a program dog, and I was planning to train the 3rd one mostly myself, although given my increased symptoms I’m having to rethink that on the fly.
If it’s your first time, unless you have a lot of dog training experience and an excellent service dog candidate, a program dog might be a better way to go. Having a service dog is definitely a lifestyle, and yes a service dog will influence how you travel. In a lot of ways, it’s like rolling with a really helpful and obedient toddler - dogs aren’t machines. So I usually have poop bags, dog snacks, a serving of dinner (in case I get delayed), a portable sleep pad and water bowl, and clean up supplies for emergencies wherever I go.
I do sometimes feel like the traveling circus. You will get a lot of attention from strangers wherever you go, and some people will not respect boundaries and will distract your dog when they are trying to work. I’m much more tolerant with little kids than rude adults. You definitely have to plan for this though. It’s worse on the days I’m more aphasic, but I have some stock phrases now I can usually stammer out when I’m neurofatigued.
Finding a legit program can be a challenge, and the waitlists are often years long. Look for a program that has trainers certified by Assistance Dogs International, or that train to ADI standards. Pet Partners, formerly the delta society, used to have a database. The IAAF (international assstance animal foundation or something like that) also has resources on legit programs that train to international standards. In the US, it’s the Wild West where anyone can say they are a trainer and for profit places will sell you a dog who may or may not be adequately trained or physically and mentally capable for tens of thousands of dollars… it’s easy to get ripped off.
I can try to post some resources if anyone is interested but I’m heading off to hyperbaric oxygen therapy right now and it usually knocks me flat for the rest of the day.
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I want to add in some thoughts. A service dog has been trained to perform specific tasks. In the US, they are allowed by law to be anywhere that you are allowed to be. Examples of tasks can be opening up the fridge or moving things around the house. They can provide deep tissue pressure. They can be used to alert, including for seizures.
An emotional support dog is not trained for a specific task, and is not allowed everywhere that you are allowed. They typically are allowed in housing that doesn’t otherwise permit dogs.
Sharon from ModSupport
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Thank you for all the responses! I’m trying to navigate the process in Portugal and have been directed to this site https://www.kokua.pt/ if anyone from my neck of the woods asks again.
I have the problem of my AVM doctor being in the UK so I don’t know if that will be an issue. In your experience do you need to supply a doctor letter? (medical not emotional). Air travel is a big part of my life right now and the airline Iberia require a certificate proving a certain status e.g. ‘Medical response dogs that assist people who suffer from diabetes, epilepsy or other medical conditions that can cause loss of consciousness or sensory disconnection.’ I’m assuming you have to provide a training certificate of some kind? Sorry, I know I could just call and ask them but it can be nice to hear from someone who has experience.
@Jessica4 sorry to hear you get knocked out by the treatment, hope you managed to get some rest post therapy!