A service dog — a working dog specially trained to perform tasks that mitigate symptoms of a disability — is truly a life-changing companion. Not only do they help those with debilitating disabilities to lead more independent lives, but they also offer a sense of security, reassurance, and comfort.
If you’re considering a service dog to help you manage your condition, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the disabilities that qualify for a service dog before you take any further steps. To help, we’ll share some of the most common disabilities that are eligible for service dogs and discuss everything else you need to know.
What Is a Service Dog?
A service dog’s purpose is to help an individual with a disability gain more independence and control over their day-to-day life.
Per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they are legally defined as a dog “individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.” The tasks a service dog performs are always tailored to their handler’s specific needs. There are no breed, size, or weight limits in place.
Service dogs are often categorized based on the kinds of tasks they perform. For instance,
service dogs who assist those with mental health disabilities are categorized as psychiatric service dogs, while those who help individuals with visual impairments are often called guide dogs.
What Are the Disabilities that Qualify for a Service Dog?
According to the ADA, any mental or physical impairment that substantially hinders at least one or more major aspect of an individual’s life can qualify for a service dog. The ADA also stresses that individuals with a history or record of such impairment can also qualify for service dogs, as well as those who are perceived by others as having an impairment.
The ADA is fairly broad with its definition, but in general, any disability that makes it hard for the person to manage a common day-to-day activity — like hearing, working, getting dressed, or traveling — can qualify for a service dog. Other federal laws, such as the Fair Housing Act and Air Carriers Access Act, share a similar stance.
Physical Disabilities That Qualify for a Service Dog
Officially, the ADA describes a physical disability as “any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine.”
Some of the most common physical disabilities that qualify for a service dog include:
- Visual impairments (partial or full)
- Hearing impairments (partial or full)
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Cerebral palsy
- Epilepsy
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Chronic pain
- Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Spinal cord injuries
Those with physical disabilities may benefit from tasks such as wheelchair pushing, item retrieval, balance assistance, obstacle guidance, medical alerts, and sound alerts.
Mental Disabilities That Qualify for a Service Dog
According to the ADA, a mental impairment is defined as “any mental or psychological disorder such as intellectual disability, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disability.” This encompasses disabilities such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Panic attacks
- Eating disorders (e.g., Anorexia Nervosa)
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism
Individuals with mental disabilities often benefit from tasks such as deep pressure therapy, crowd control, room searches, medication reminders, and tactile stimulation.
Other Disabilities That Qualify for a Service Dog
As we touched on earlier, the ADA also covers the following:
- Those with a history of impairments, meaning you may qualify for a service dog even if you do not currently have a disability (e.g. an individual who has previously undergone treatment for cancer)
- Individuals with perceived impairments (e.g. a visible scar that leads others to believe they have a disability and may still lead to discrimination)
Learn if You Qualify for a Service Dog Today
A service dog can be a life-changing companion to those with mental, emotional, or physical disabilities.
If you’re considering a service dog as part of your treatment, the next step is to get in touch with a licensed healthcare professional or a dedicated service dog charity organization. They will be able to better assess your disability and needs, and whether a service dog is the right treatment choice for you.
Gracenie Stamperon
is a dedicated wellness enthusiast and content creator for My Healthy Living and Strategies, a platform focused on promoting holistic health, balanced living, and personal well-being. Gracenie’s passion for healthy living stems from her lifelong interest in nutrition, fitness, and mindfulness. With a background in health education, she brings a wealth of knowledge and practical strategies to help individuals achieve their wellness goals.