Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs, or service dogs, are dogs specifically trained to perform tasks that assist disabled handlers. These dogs are protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and are welcomed in nearly all public settings.

Assistance dogs require a high level of training that allows them to function around the distractions they may encounter while working. These dogs are carefully selected, tested, trained, and matched with their disabled handlers.

Southern Dogs of Service trains assistance dogs on a limited basis for the following conditions:

• PTSD

  • episode interruption

  • pressure therapy

• Seizures

  • pre-seizure alerts

  • activate emergency k-9 call button during a seizure to alert emergency contacts

  • retrieve emergency medicine

• Children with autism

  • assist parents in finding non-verbal children

  • episode interruption

  • pressure therapy

• Wheelchair Assistance

  • retrieve specific items

  • push automatic door buttons

  • carry items

• Hearing Alert Dogs

  • alert to emergency sounds such as smoke detectors

  • alert to door knocking/doorbells

The process of getting an assistance dog should be a long and serious one. Beware of companies promising what seems too good to be true. If you are interested in an assistance dog for you or a loved on, contact us for more information. SDOS reserves the right to decline service for any reason. Being disabled does not automatically qualify your dog as a service dog, or mean that a service dog would certainly enhance your life.