How long is the Psychiatric Service Dog program?
Our students complete the handling training program once matched with their service dog in an average of 6-9 months, however, dogs in the program live on campus for 12+ between the time of adoption and graduation with their veteran handler.
How long is the Emotional Support Animal program?
We offer 10, one-hour private lessons completed weekly for our ESA students or until both handler and dog are ready to take the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test and pass. Our ESAs also reside on campus until they pass the test with their handler.
Will my dog one day retire from service work?
Just like people, dog’s need to retire too! You will know when your dog needs to retire when they start slowing down and cannot go everywhere with you anymore. Health issues can also cause your dog to retire early. Our team can help you transition your dog into pet life. Veterans in good standing with the organization automatically qualify for a successor dog when needed.
What if I have a question regarding my dog’s training or behavior?
Once you are assigned a primary trainer, you will have their direct contact information for any dog and training related matters. Our training team is dedicated to every veteran and service dog team for the lifetime of the animal. Even if it’s been years since you’ve graduated, we will always remain a resource for any follow-up questions you may have.
What if I don’t like any of the dogs at matching?
Only dogs that have met their training benchmarks and have a solid foundation of service dog obedience and task cues are introduced to veterans on the waitlist for potential matching. Veterans should never feel pressured to agree to a match immediately if they don’t feel the match is the best fit. Our training team takes into account many factors with every placement, including but not limited to lifestyle, home environment, family dynamics, and work requirements.
Will a service dog be okay with my other pets or kids in the house? (dogs, cats, etc)
Yes, our dogs undergo specific temperament testing to be sure they are compatible with your children and other dogs/pets. Additionally, the training team will assist in introducing your service dog to your children and your pet dog during your training program.
What is ADA and what are my rights under it?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas of public life. It ensures equal opportunities and access by requiring reasonable accommodations in employment, state and local government services, public accommodations (such as businesses and restaurants), transportation, and telecommunications. The ADA defines a disability as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, and it mandates accessibility and accommodations to promote inclusion and equal participation for individuals with disabilities.
Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), you have the right to request reasonable accommodations and modifications in housing, and are protected from housing discrimination based on your disability. You also have the right to be accompanied by your service animal in all places where the public is normally allowed, including businesses, restaurants, and public transportation.
What do I do if a place of business denies me access?
If a place of business denies you access because you have a service dog, you can take the following steps:
- Educate: Calmly inform the business that your service dog is trained to assist you due to a disability and that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), you are allowed to be accompanied by your service dog in all areas where the public is normally allowed.
- Request ADA Information: Offer to provide information about the ADA and service dogs if the business staff seem unaware of the law. You can explain that service dogs are not pets but working animals trained to perform specific tasks related to your disability..
- Document: If possible, document the incident by taking notes or recording details, including names of staff involved, the date and time of the incident, and any interactions or explanations given by the business.
- File a Complaint: If the business continues to deny access despite your explanation, you can file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). They investigate ADA violations and can take action to enforce compliance with the law.
- Seek Legal Advice: Consider seeking legal advice from a disability rights attorney or advocacy organization specializing in ADA law if the issue persists or if you feel your rights have been violated.
It’s important to know your rights and advocate for yourself calmly and confidently when facing access issues with your service dog. The ADA is designed to protect individuals with disabilities and ensure equal access to public places with their service animals.
How should I prepare my home once I’m getting closer to taking my dog home?
All of our dogs are sent home with their medical records and necessary training equipment. We encourage you to plan ahead with the purchase of enrichment items, toys, grooming tools, food and water bowls, a crate, and dog bed. Your dog will be sent home with the diet they’ve consumed while living on campus which you can continue to feed or you can transition your dog to a new diet. Purchasing information for their food will be provided to you at the time of transfer. Our training team will guide you through the food transition.
Do I need to come back after graduation for follow ups?
All of our students are required to attend post-graduation follow-up lessons at the following intervals: a week after graduation, once a month for the first 6 months, and yearly thereafter. Every two years, we will conduct the Public Access Test so your dog can remain accredited by our program.
Can my service dog travel on airplanes with me? What about international travel?
Yes, under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) in the United States, individuals with disabilities are allowed to travel with their service dogs on airplanes. Airlines must allow service dogs to accompany their handlers in the cabin at no additional charge. They may request documentation, such as a letter from a licensed mental health professional or medical doctor, confirming the need for the service dog. Keep in mind, every airline has different guidelines. It’s important to call the airline before your travel date to see what documentation will be required from you.
International travel regulations for service dogs vary by country and airline. Some countries have specific requirements or restrictions regarding the entry of service animals. It’s important to check with the airline and the destination country’s embassy or consulate well in advance of your travel date. They may require specific documentation, health certificates, or quarantine arrangements for your service dog.
What is the correct way to travel with my dog in a car?
The safest place for your dog to ride in the car is in a crate. Never travel with your dog in the front seat. The back seat or cargo area is preferred and seatbelts are encouraged. Never travel with your animal in the bed of a truck.
What credentials does your training program have?
Shelter to Soldier is proudly accredited by a variety of esteemed organizations, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to excellence in canine training and welfare.
Our accreditations include
Animal Behavior College: Recognized for its comprehensive programs in animal training and behavior, ensuring our trainers are well-versed in the latest techniques and practices.
National Association of Dog Instructors: Acknowledging our adherence to high standards in dog training instruction and education.
International Association of Canine Professionals: Reflecting our commitment to professionalism and ongoing education in the field of canine care and training.
Association of Professional Dog Trainers: Highlighting our dedication to maintaining industry standards and promoting humane training methods.
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluators: Certifying our ability to evaluate and train dogs to meet the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen standards, which promote good manners at home and in the community.
American Red Cross: Endorsing our preparedness in canine first aid and emergency response, ensuring the safety and well-being of our dogs.
International Association of Canine Professionals: Reinforcing our global commitment to excellence and best practices in the canine profession.
These accreditations collectively represent Shelter to Soldier’s dedication to maintaining the highest standards of care, training, and professionalism in our mission to support veterans and rescue dogs.
How long is the waitlist to get a dog through Shelter to Soldier, on average?
Our current waitlist from the time of approval to meeting potential service dogs is currently estimated to be between 6 and 8 months.
What is the difference between a service dog and an emotional support animal?
Psychiatric Service Dogs are a type of service dog specifically trained to assist individuals with psychiatric disabilities, such as severe depression, anxiety, PTSD, or TBI, among others. These dogs perform specific tasks that mitigate their handler’s disability, such as interrupting self-harming behaviors, providing deep pressure therapy during anxiety attacks, or providing space buffers around the handler in crowded areas. Due to their specialized training, psychiatric service dogs are granted extensive public access rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means they can accompany their handlers into public places where pets are typically not allowed, such as restaurants, stores, and public transportation.
Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), on the other hand, provide comfort and emotional support to individuals with mental health issues at home and in dog-friendly environments. Unlike psychiatric service dogs, ESAs do not require specific task training, though some of Shelter to Soldier’s emotional support animals are task trained. Their primary role is to offer companionship that helps alleviate symptoms of their handler’s condition. ESAs do not have the same public access rights as psychiatric service dogs. However, they are protected under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), which allows them to live with their owners in housing units with no-pet policies.
Please view our infographic to note the major differences between these working dog types.
