For many of us, pets are first and foremost trusty companions whose furry faces instantly lift our moods when we return home after a long day at work. However, for some individuals, the role that animals play in their lives is much more important.
What is a service animal?
Think, for example, about guide dogs for the blind (sometimes referred to as seeing eye dogs), which have helped those with visual impairments get from A to B safely for centuries – in fact, there’s mention of a dog for the blind in a nursery rhyme dating back to the mid-16th century. Miniature horses can also play a similar role in aiding navigation!
This is far from the only task that service animals can carry out. Dogs can be trained to offer vital assistance to people with a range of other disabilities, whether that’s notifying the owner of a knock at a door for the benefit of the deaf, providing timely reminders to take medicine for those with psychiatric conditions or even assisting those in the midst of a seizure by standing guard or running for help.
As well as that, they can be taught to complete a variety of day-to-day household tasks that make the lives of those with mobility issues easier.
It’s impressive stuff, although the sheer potential of canine intelligence might not come as a surprise to those that have witnessed first-hand how quick their dogs are to learn commands and tricks.
What are the laws around service animals?
When paired with the right person, service animals can bring an increased level of dignity and security to those in society that need it most and as recognition of this, they benefit from certain legal exemptions in the USA.
While public establishments and landlords are entitled to run a no-pets policy if they so wish, these are never allowed to exclude service animals, as outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA).
Costs associated with service animal ownership are also tax-deductible. It’s important to note that these privileges don’t extend to emotional support animals, pets that provide therapeutic services or helper monkeys – we haven’t made the last of these up, honest!
Are service animals covered under pet insurance?
Well, every insurance company is different in terms of what they cover, but anybody who benefits from a medically trained pet will be happy to know they are treated no differently under Paw Protect’s policy.