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PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE DOG PARTNERS: DOGS SAVING LIVES

PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE DOG PARTNERS: DOGS SAVING LIVES

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Home » Answers & advice » Service dog FAQ (frequently asked questions) » Ask an expert
We don’t provide service dogs or scams. We inform all comers through sensible guidance and free resources from our all-volunteer community of peers. Learn about our mission, history, and how we use our expertise to help.
News

April 16, 2021—The proposal to create an international (ISO) service dog standard failed, ensuring this will not create more barriers for disabled people. Read more about this and our efforts on our USAUSA coalition page.

April 15, 2021—Our socialization/exposure checklist is crowdsourced from our service dog user community. The PDF checklist is paired with an intro article and photos to help you get set for the most basic kind of public access training.

First page of the exposure checklist, a text-based PDF.

April 14, 2021—PSDP is encouraging good reporting on service dog teams by offering an Award for Excellence in Service Dog Reporting. This award is accompanied by a $500 prize. See the press release on the award.

A smiling white woman sits with a small white and black dog in her lap, in a room where she is surrounded by lighting and filming equipment.

April 8, 2021—Public access training is usually the biggest part of training a service dog. Community member Katie Jesseph helps you understand how to gradually transition to training in more challenging environments in “Preparing for no-pets places“.

From behind, a white man in a t-shirt and jeans walks down a grocery store aisle with a cream Golden Retriever in a service dog vest.

Click to reveal more news items on this page…

February 11–26, 2021—Stand with us to oppose the proposed international service dog standard! There’s an ISO proposal intended to force compliance with a standard that would benefit accrediting agencies at the cost of disability rights. Use our sample comment or your own message for your quick email; see the ISO entry on our advocacy page. Organizations can sign on with USAUSA’s comment by Feb. 23.

February 8, 2021—Want to be comfortable and confident about your training when flying with your service dog? See the new article on “Service dog training for the flying context” in our new training section.

A service dog handler sits near baggage claim as her black poodle in pink vest looks at the camera through an opening in the luggage-toting crowd.

January 6, 2021—Community photos from last year are now posted!

Colin is sitting in a rowboat with a golden retriever, Lyla, in a green lagoon, facing the camera. He is a young man and has dark brown hair, light skin, and is wearing a red life jacket, jeans, a black mask under his chin, and a burgundy shirt. Lyla has a medium gold coat. Lyla and Colin are both smiling with eyes closed in happiness while Colin puts his arm around Lyla.

December 16, 2020—New, high-demand article: “Service dog letter templates”. This will help service dog users and healthcare professionals get the right wording for the right purpose.

Fictitious sample service dog letter from "Galactic Counseling" with humorous aspects. The letterhead says "Our care is out of this world, but we give you space when you need it."

December 12, 2020—Our 2021 convention is shifting from May to Oct. 1–4 because of the pandemic. We hope you can (safely) join us near Charlotte, North Carolina in the fall!

December 2, 2020—New resource for reporters. In light of the stories we anticipate about the flying law update, we are announcing the release of our service dog reporting guide early!

first page of service dog reporting guide

December 2, 2020—DOT announced its new service animal flying regulations. We have a brief analysis with highlights of DOT’s historic update on our advocacy page. The new rules will come into effect January 11, 2021.

November 27, 2020—Our community voiced high support for the creation of lawmaking resources this year, so we now have a section of our site dedicated to helping lawmakers (and their constituents) craft better service dog laws. Our lawmaking guide can make the process easier for everyone!

First page of lawmaking guide: service dogs

October 26, 2020—We get asked so often how to find a service dog trainer. In a new article, Dr. Veronica Morris dispels myths and walks you through the options for future service dog users who don’t get a service dog from a program.

December 10, 2019—Want to help disabled service dog users get to our convention? Sponsor Apollo for $25!

A tiny plush Doberman wearing a vest sits on a wooden deck looking up expectantly at the camera, ears raised outward as if ready for a hug, with a colorful ball at its feet.

Apollo would love your help!

 

 

Ask an expert

On a snow-clad hill-track, a woman in snowshoes and a goldendoodle next to her look into each others eyes.

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Community members ask a variety of experts for input within their areas of expertise.

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Ask an attorney

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Ask a dog trainer

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