Definition of a Psychiatric Service Animal
While most people think of service animals as those that help individuals with physical disabilities (such as blindness), they also help those with medical conditions and psychiatric illness. In this way, psychiatric service animals are just one specific type of what is legally known as a “service animal.” Only dogs and miniature horses are recognized by the ADA as service animals as of March 15, 2011. Note that the Fair Housing Act and Air Carrier Access Act have different definitions of assistance animals and service animals than the narrow definition of the ADA. Service animals may also be defined more broadly in your particular state or local area. Check with your state attorney general’s office to learn what applies in your area.
Emotional Support Animal Vs Psychiatric Service Animal
According to the ADA, service animals are “working animals,” not pets. Animals who are only there to offer comfort or emotional support for SAD and other mental illnesses (known as emotional support animals) are not recognized as service animals by the ADA. Unlike service animals, emotional support animals (ESA) are not trained in skills to support a disability. Generally, individuals who have emotional support animals do not require that these animals go with them in public places, while those with service animals do. So if you have SAD, an emotional support animal would be there to provide comfort but not do specific tasks for you. What kinds of animals can serve as ESAs? Any type that you would normally consider a pet, including dogs, cats, birds, and exotic animals. ESAs are permitted to fly in the cabin of an aircraft and qualify for no-pet housing but have no other special privileges.
Where You Can Take Your Service Animal
The ADA states that service animals must be permitted “to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.” Local governments, business, and non-profit organizations must comply with these rules. You also can’t be charged an extra fee for your service animal, so if you’re spending a night in a hotel with a pet fee, ask that it be waived.
What Your Service Animal Will Wear
Your service animal is not required to wear a special vest or harness. This may be helpful if you live with social anxiety, as it could be traumatizing to have people ask about your service animal and why you need him or her. However, you should take small steps and talk to others about your animal when you are ready. However, there are regulations about leashes. Under the ADA, your service animal will need to be wearing a leash or harness of some sort, unless this interferes with the animal’s work—in which case, you need to be able to control your dog with your voice or through hand signals.
What You Can Legally Be Asked
When out in public, you may legally be asked “If your dog is required because of a disability?” and “What work has your dog been trained to perform?” That’s it. You don’t need to answer any other questions that are asked. Unfortunately, though, many individuals are not familiar with these rules.
Air Travel
Traveling on an airplane with a service animal is relatively straightforward. The airline is not permitted to require anything of you beyond what they can legally ask you. The letter must state that you have a mental health disability listed in the DSM-5 (but they cannot ask for you to specify your diagnosis), that your animal is necessary for your health/treatment, and that the letter is written by a mental health professional caring for you. Airlines may also ask you for documentation about the mental health provider’s license.
How to Obtain a Service Animal
The first step toward obtaining a service animal if you have social anxiety disorder is to speak with your doctor or mental health professional. You will need to qualify for a service animal under the ADA—for which a diagnosis of SAD will be sufficient.
Reminding you to take prescription medication Alerting you to rising anxiety so that you can leave a situation before you become overwhelmed Blocking other people from getting too close to you Leading you to a quiet place or exit if you have become overwhelmed by anxiety Leading you to a seat if you are about to faint Physically bracing you if you become dizzy or disoriented Calling 911 for you using a K9 rescue phone
Although having a service animal by your side may make it easier to talk to strangers, service animals are not supposed to be approached while they are performing tasks. If you don’t have an official diagnosis, requesting an assessment will be your first step toward obtaining a service animal. You will then need to approach an agency to locate an animal. Your doctor may be able to provide a referral or contact an agency on your behalf. If the upfront cost of a service animal is too much, you could consider training an animal yourself. Be aware, however, that there will still be expenses over the years. You should budget about $2,000 a year for your animal.
The Role of Service Dog Organizations
Service dog organizations serve a number of purposes. Usually, they provide an opportunity for service animal owners to become members and register their animals. Registering a service animal with an organization may help to reduce discrimination and problems with access without you having to disclose the nature of your disability. This may be especially helpful for SAD, since it is a condition that may not be obvious to others. While the public should not question that you have a disability, having your dog registered may just make life easier. If you feel comfortable, have your animal wear a vest, harness, or patch—these will usually say “Service Dog” or something similar. The United States Service Dog Registry (USSDR) offers a registry with free and voluntary online self-registration.
Health Benefits of Pet Ownership
In a study of the role of pets among 177 individuals with serious mental illness, it was found that pets helped by providing empathy, making social connections easier, being a “family” member, and strengthening sense of self-efficacy and empowerment. This study shows that pets are more than just companions. If you are not so severely impaired by your social anxiety that you need a service animal, a regular pet—be it a dog, cat, bird, iguana, whatever you feel comfortable with—just might give you the added support and confidence to face your social fears.
A Word From Verywell
While it may seem confusing at first, obtaining an animal to help with your social anxiety does not need to be difficult. Consider which type of animal is most suited to your situation (service animal, emotional support animal, or family pet), contact your medical professional as necessary, and evaluate your ability to support an animal in your home.
