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What is a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD)??
What is a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD)??
PSD's are specially trained dogs who perform individually trained skill tasks to assist partners who suffer from a variety of psychiatric disabilities. These are disabilities that are invisible and often overlooked, but can be just as disabling as a physical disability to those who are affected. Examples include: PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, etc.
PSD's perform PHYSICAL skill tasks for their partners, are considered service animals and are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act- therefore, are granted public access.
"I have depression, and I love my dog. He makes me feel more comfortable when I go into public. Doesn't that make him a service dog? Don't we qualify for public access??? "
NO! Unless your dog is trained to perform individual skill tasks that mitigate your specific disability, THIS IS NOT A SERVICE ANIMAL. This is considered an "Emotional Support Animal (ESA)" and is granted NO public access rights by ADA. ESA's are only granted access to housing and travel with a proper note from a medical provider and the correct documentation. No specialized training is required. Paws In Hand does not provide services to those looking for ESA's.