I had to look up "ES animal" because I didn't know what that was and I came across this:

http://servicedogcentral.org/content/node/76

Maybe it will be interesting or helpful for you.

I do know as I was looking into ES w/my own Golden too - the article is different - depends on the state. I know that for service animal there is a requirement of certification. ES animals are different. There are some sites that offer certs/badge/and jacket for the animal - yearly subscription too- so you can take them w/you to any business establishment w/out restrictions. If your pet helps you w/your situation, I would strongly recommend looking into it and going forth w/the requirements needed. Hope this helps. thanks and take care

When I resigtered my cat as an therapy animal, first I let the doctors know how much my cat (Smokie) has gave me structure, calmed my anxiety. Then when I am getting ready to move, I ask my therapist, or psych dr to write a note stating how important it is to my recovery that Smokie stays with me. I have taken him everywhere except a homeless shelter, unfortunantly the ADA law don't apply to transitional shelters, but Smokie has been with me every place for 10 years and if a place denies me tenancy because of him I find an advocy group to get involved. Animals truly are family, they are a gift. My cat has helped me through so much. If there is a resource I can help you find, I will. I believe in this :)

Good luck!

Do you have to put them through training or can it be like puppy training? SO many questions I'm sorry
-Shu

I don't have an ES animal but after 2 years waiting I am getting a PTSD Service dog, which is different from an ES dog.

I did have a super calm dog for 16 years that kept me calm and was brilliant looking after me, I really noticed all he did when he passed away a few months ago. Animals are amazing and a blessing

So what's the difference between and ES and a PTSD support animal? I'm trying to figure that out because i was told I'm qualified for one, however my mom doesn't want me to have one

hi Shu, it is daunting to begin to figure out how to train or get a service dog, i know. there are lists you can find to get on, like Muskoka did. it sounds like your dog is already doing specific tasks for you though and that is what's required. your dog must also be well trained, an example would probably be the Canine Good Citizen test? you can look that up online and see what tests they have to pass - there is an advanced test then, that would be most like what a service dog should be able to do.

you will find a lot of good information - be careful though as there is also loads of junk : ( with all the sites wanting to sell the phoney certificates, etc.

starting with the Dept. of Justice's Americans With Disabilities - for your first search will get you some basic good information.

if you are up for it physically, you can do a lot to practice without going inside of businesses, or even just cruise quietly through a store without buying anything. i've seen teams (service dog and human), do that.

" 1. If you don't already know where to get a vest, then odds are you shouldn't be getting one anyway. There's a lot more to a service dog than the outfit it wears. It typically takes 18-24 months to fully train a service dog. While individuals are permitted to train their own service dog, that doesn't mean they are automatically capable. If you do not already have experience doing advanced training with working dogs, then you do not have sufficient experience to train a service dog on your own. You need to hire a pro, and that pro can direct you to dog supply resources. If you are determined to fake, then you can find fake vests in dozens of places on the internet with a very basic search and don't need to be asking us.

2. There is no legitimate service dog certification or registration in the United States. Some programs will certify the dogs they train and test, and some do not. Those certificates are the only ones that actually mean anything, and they only mean anything if you have to go to court and prove your dog is trained. They are not required, they are merely useful documentation for the dog's training, which could be substantiated by other means. You don't need them for public access, or housing, or flying, or anything else. All other certificates, registration, and ID is fake. The intent is to fool the public into thinking the dog is official, when there is no official documentation for service dogs. Most often, these products are used by fakers, so when you see them, it is a screaming red flag that the dog is not a legitimate service dog."

i'm sorry, i have forgotten where i got this quote from, but it is pretty good info - those phony certificates are causing trouble for real service dogs.

i'm so glad you have the comfort and support you get from your (((partner)))

So i talked to my mom about this and she said he doesn't deserve that kind of pressure. She thinks being a service dog is too much pressure for any dog...So what now?? Suggestions??