Seeing-eye dogs are some of the most common service dogs.
Oklahoma law recognizes that dogs help many people and protects the rights of those with service animals. Dogs lead the blind, alert the deaf and assist the wheel-chair bound. With their sensitive sense of smell, dogs can recognize subtle changes in sweat, allowing them to alert diabetics and people with seizure disorders. Training these dogs requires patience, and placing them with a human partner is a labor of love. Before applying for a service dog, consider whether or not you will be able to financially support the animal, including food, shelter and health care.
Instructions
1. Talk to your medical caregivers. In order to apply for a service dog, you must have certification that you are disabled. This usually requires a letter from your primary physician. Talk with your physician about your needs, and how a service animal can help you. Weigh that help against the cost of the animal's care and continued training.
2. Research the dog training facility. There are no federal or Oklahoma laws governing the training or placement of service dogs. But your well-being and the dog's success depend on the training you both receive. Your physician or hospital may have names of reputable organizations both in Oklahoma and more widespread. Since you will need training to learn work with the dog, remember to include travel expenses in the total cost of the service dog.
3. Request an application from the organization you have chosen. Each training organization has its own placement criteria. The application may require health and financial records. A detailed history of your disability and future prognosis tells the trainer if a dog will truly be of service. Personality inventories help the trainer choose the dog with the right temperament for you. Home visits may be required. The trainer might want to see where the dog will sleep and how the dog will be cared for.
4. Explore financing options. Service dogs represent hundreds of hours of careful training. Some training facilities have scholarship programs and other funding to place animals. You may also want to check with groups that represent your disability, as they often have funding for service animals. Look for local sources of funding, such as your local chamber of commerce, Rotary club, churches or schools.
Tags: service animals, your disability