FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
In the next few sections you will be walked through the process we go through here at SSD to enroll clients and their dogs into the program. Clients must have: A disability. The disability must be a mental/psych disorder with lasting physical effects, such as PTSD, Severe panic disorders, PNES, etc. A doctor's letter of support/prescription stating: that the patient has a disability severe enough to limit one or more major life functions; the doctor is supporting the treatment option of utilizing a service dog. A dog suitable for service dog work. We do not breed or provide clients with dogs or otherwise "deal" in animals. A separate service is available to locate and test a dog to be purchased/adopted by a client for service dog work for an additional fee. Dogs must be older than 6 months old and younger than 5 years old. Must have completed Pre-basic, and basic obedience classes (Beginner and intermediate etc) and/or be capable of passing the Canine Good Citizen test. Dogs must not be: aggressive, fearful, shy, reactive, unsocialized,or not house-broken. Dogs must not be overweight, have hip or joint pain/issues, or chronic health problems. Dogs must be over 10lbs. A completed Application and Dog Enrollment Form with attached Doctor's Note must be submitted together for review before moving forward. The client will be sent a copy of the contract to look over. When an interview is scheduled upon acceptance into the program the contract will be signed in person by the trainer and the client. This contract is legal and binding. Once contract is signed and all applications are reviewed and accepted (Doctor's note, application and dog enrollment form) we will begin the dog's enrollment tests. Your dog must pass the temperament test, intake test, and CGC before task training starts. If your dog does not pass you must find another suitable dog before training can begin. We will assist you in this process under contract.
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Myth: "I have anxiety" is just an excuse for people to take their dogs with them as service dogs. It's not a disability. Truth: "Fakers" as we call them will use any excuse to break the law by having an untrained dog in public who's not trained to mitigate a disability. However there are serious life threatening conditions triggered by stress, severe panic disorders and crippling PTSD symptoms that interfere with several major life functions-which is the definition of "Disability" by the ADA. Myth: There is no such thing as Psych Service Dogs, they aren't protected under the law like real service dogs for the blind, hearing and mobility impaired. Truth: That is far from accurate. The ADA explains that disabled Americans have a right to be independent through the use of a trained service animal, this includes all disabilities. Myth: Panic Attacks, PTSD and "severe anxiety" aren't disabilities! You're just taking advantage of people! Stop it! Truth: The ADA's definition of disability is as follows: " The Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA) has a three-part definition of disability. Under ADA, an individual with a disability is a person who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; OR (2) has a record of such an impairment; OR (3) is regarded as having such an impairment." The lasting physical/physically damaging effects that substantially limit a major life activity such as not being able to go outside without a crippling fear, night terrors and lack of sleep cause one to be unable to find/hold a job, panic attacks causing hyperventilation and passing out in an unsafe (or any) area or while driving; are disabling under the ADA, are all caused by these and similar Psychological Disabilities.