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Service Dog

ChestersDad

Hi All,

I have Autism and ADHD and have my pooch with me most places, to keep me on the right track. Places say no dogs except service dogs and being a Chief Masker (self-declared title, can be used by others concurrently) sometimes, if I am asked, I just just say "He's my service dog" like I am used to being asked. 

I could actually do with him around for meltdowns and issues so I would love him to become an 'actual' service dog so I don't have to feel bad. I've looked online and can't really see much about getting your pet officially one and so I'm wondering if anyone has any tips, please? 

If it is that you can't actually register one, then am I okay to keep calling him one? 

Any advice, please? 

Thanks 

  • Sorry I don’t have advice, but I’m going through a somewhat similar situation here in the States. I want to get a facility service dog for my job (I work in a company that helps people with disabilities), as I believe it would be both really good for my clients and for my family (both me and one of my daughters has AuDHD). However, I’m getting a little push back from my boss because my job in helping people find employment would not perfectly fit with having a service dog. Bringing in a service dog into workplaces to help people with disabilities might be too much of a distraction?

    It’s a shame, because I think a lot of people including my family would really benefit from it.

  • in reply to Rach91

    Some people have begun a register in the hope of putting pressure on the UK government to give emotional support dogs recognised privileges, similar to those of guide dogs or autism assistance dogs, which would allow them to accompany people on flights, to hospitals appointments and to other places that don’t normally allow dogs. Currently, it doesn’t give you and your dog any rights other than those you already have.

  • I believe you can register your dog to be an emotional support dog not sure how you do that tho. 

  • As you feel you benefit from your dog being with you when out and about, it would be worth considering if you and your dog would be suitable candidates for training to allow your dog to qualify as an Autism Assistance Dog.

    Autism Assistance Dogs and their owner and/or person they are placed with, go through a programme of training that meets set standards. The links provide further information on how to apply and the criteria that needs to be met in order to be eligible.

    https://www.autismdogs.co.uk
    https://www.assistancedogs.org.uk/members/