Animals have always been man’s best friends, and for those who need assistance with their daily activities, service animals have been a game changer. Service animals are trained to provide various types of assistance to people with disabilities, including mobility issues, hearing or visual impairments, seizures, and mental health conditions. However, it’s not enough to simply have a pet by your side, it’s essential to get a service animal certification. This blog post will explore the reasons why a service animal certification is necessary, and the benefits it can bring to both the owner and the animal.
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Legal Protection
A service animal certification will provide legal protection not only for the animal but also for the owner. In the United States, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that service animals are allowed in public places where pets are not typically allowed, such as restaurants, hotels, and stores. However, the ADA also states that the animal must be trained to do work or perform tasks directly related to the person’s disability. If the animal is not certified, it might be challenging to prove that it is indeed a service animal, and the owner could face discrimination or even prosecution.
Access to Special Services
Another reason why service animal certification is crucial is that it opens up access to specific services. With certification, service animals and their owner can obtain free or reduced-cost veterinary care, discounted or waived pet fees, and priority boarding on airlines. Service animals are also exempt from breed-specific legislation or size restrictions in housing, which can be a significant challenge for those who have large dogs.
Better Training
Training a service animal is not an easy task, and it requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. With certification, owners can ensure their animal is trained by professionals who have the right skills and knowledge to do it effectively. This means that service animals will be better equipped to handle various situations in public, which can help reduce stress and anxiety for both the animal and the owner.
Improved Public Perception
Unfortunately, there is still a lot of confusion and skepticism around service animals, which can lead to negative experiences for both the animal and the owner. By getting a service animal certification, owners can improve public perception of the animals and bring awareness to their importance. This can help reduce the stigma surrounding service animals and make it easier for other people with disabilities to access the assistance they need.
Increased Safety
Finally, a service animal certification can increase safety for the animal and the owner. Service animals are trained to handle different situations, such as emergencies or unexpected events, without endangering themselves or others. By ensuring that the animal has been adequately trained to handle different scenarios, owners can reduce the risk of accidents or incidents, which can be especially important for those with physical or mental disabilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting a service animal certification is essential for anyone who needs assistance from these amazing animals. With certification, owners can enjoy legal protection, access to special services, better training, improved public perception, and increased safety. It’s important to remember that owning a service animal comes with responsibilities, and the animal must be adequately trained and cared for at all times. By working with professionals and obtaining certification, owners can ensure that their service animals are capable of providing the assistance they need without endangering themselves or others.