By Jim Vines | Special to the Index
Some service members and veterans are being misled and possibly harmed by well-meaning charities promising to provide a trained service dog to help with medical needs.
What often happens is that disabled veterans who might benefit from a dog trained to do certain tasks may end up with an animal that a charity group has rescued from a pound, has been taught no special skills and might not be a true service dog for legal purposes. A dog with little or no training might be a great companion, but that’s all.
Some nonprofit groups providing veterans with dogs rescued from animal shelters give an incorrect impression that a untrained dog is essentially the same as a trained service dog. There are many confusing messages from charities, that take animals from shelters and pair them with veterans, stating that having a dog benefits veterans with physical and mental injuries.
While this is true, having a non-certified dog can cause problems for the veteran. Access restrictions on dogs can be embarrassing for service members and veterans who believe they have a trained and officially recognized dog, but then are denied access because the dog doesn’t meet necessary requirements.
Dogs not officially recognized as service dogs, sometimes called therapy dogs or emotional support dogs, are pets, and although they may have some basic training, they are not covered by the American Disabilities Act. They may not have access to public spaces and may not be allowed to enter military and veteran hospitals and clinics. ADA rules cover guide dogs for the blind or deaf, seizure-alert, and mobility dogs trained to pull a wheelchair, pick up items and perform similar tasks. ADA also allows public access for psychiatric service dogs if they are trained to perform a specific task.
The Veterans Affairs and Defense Departments don’t have to abide by ADA rules. The VA operates on rules dating back to 1994 that allow only seeing-eye dogs into VA facilities, but allow case-by-case access for other types of service dogs. The VA is in the early stages of research to devise standard requirements for dogs to be trained to help veterans suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Having a companion dog rather than a recognized service dog can also make a difference in terms of benefits. The VA can provide financial assistance to veterans, covering some cost for foods and health care, but those benefits don’t extend to emotional support or therapy dogs.
It is important to remember, a service dog may not be a good fit for everyone and a service dog is no replacement for rehabilitation. Service members and veterans should never pay for a service dog and should try to deal only with groups accredited by and affiliated with the VA, which sets training guidelines and placement services. If you have any questions contact your local veterans service representative or service officer.
Speak to you again next week.
Jim Vines is commander of AmVets Post 133 in Mineral Wells. Contact him at jim.helpingveterans@gmail.com.
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