How to get my dog certified as an ESA or service animal for anxiety?

Question

Do you know where the closest place where I can get my dog trained, tested, and certified as a INDIVIDUAL therapy dog(used for therapy on me not specifically on others but definitely could be used for for others)? My dog is a big stress reliever for me because I have high-functioning anxiety and I am trying to get him certified as a INDIVIDUAL therapy dog but i can't find a place near that will let me do this. Do you know of any place near and what is the closest place to Bowling Green, KY? thx. Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Male | neutered | 28 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Hi there! I think part of the issue may be the terminology you're using, when you're trying to find someone to help. By definition, a "therapy dog" is a dog who visits hospitals, nursing homes, or other places and interacts with people there to bring them comfort. What you're describing - a dog that helps you, not members of the public - would be either an emotional support animal, or a service dog. If you're trying to make Leo an emotional support animal, you just need a letter from your doctor or mental health care provider stating that you have anxiety that is helped by having your dog with you. This allows you to have him with you in certain housing situations that may not otherwise allow pets, and may allow him to travel with you in come cases, but does not give him any other public access rights (restaurants, stores, etc.) A service dog, by definition, is trained to perform a specific task to alleviate an owner's disability. So if you're interested in working with someone to train him to do something specific to help you, you would need to find a trainer to work with who has experience training service animals. Off the top of my head, I don't know who in your area might be able to do this - but at least you know what to ask about now, when you call trainers to inquire. Best of luck! :)

How to get my dog certified as an ESA or service animal for anxiety?

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