Does Section 504 Still Protect Emotional Support Animals in Housing?
The May 2026 HUD memo narrowed one federal pathway for emotional support animals in housing. It left another one standing. If you live in public or federally assisted housing, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act still applies, and it remains a separate pathway under which an untrained emotional support animal may still qualify. Table of […]
As Federal Rules on Assistance Animals Shift, American Service Pets Moves to Put Clarity and Training in Customers’ Hands
With HUD raising the bar for housing accommodations, the company is expanding state-level education and Psychiatric Service Animal training to help people build support that holds up. Table of Contents For many people, the animal at their side is not a pet. It is the reason they sleep, the reason a hard day stays survivable, […]
Empowering Lives: The Role of a Psychiatric Assistance Dog
Psychiatric assistance dogs are important helpers for people with mental health challenges. You might more commonly hear them called psychiatric service dogs. They do a lot to help their owners feel better and manage different types of mental health issues. In this post, we’ll discuss what makes these dogs so special. And we’ll explain how […]
Certificate for Service Dog: Your Guide to Earning and Using It
Navigating life with a disability can be challenging, but a well-trained service dog can make a world of difference. That’s where the importance of a certificate for a service dog comes in. This emotional service dog certification is more than just a document; it represents the culmination of rigorous training and dedication, both from the […]
A Service Dog for Tourette Syndrome: Kaya’s Story of Overcoming Social Challenges
Kaya, a young woman in her twenties, faced life with a unique challenge: Tourette Syndrome. This condition, characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations, made her daily interactions a bit more complicated than for most. Living in a mid-sized town in Montana, Kaya had always hoped to travel on her own, but her condition often made […]
2023 Service Animal Travel Guide for United Airlines
If you’re planning a flight on United Airlines with a service animal or service animal in training, this article will help you prepare for it. You’ll learn how to add a service animal to your flight, where to sit, what forms you need, and how to get your pup task-trained so you stay in compliance […]
Can a Service Dog Help with Dermatillomania?
Dermatillomania, also known as excoriation disorder or skin picking disorder, is a psychological condition characterized by compulsive picking, scratching, or pulling at the skin. It affects approximately 2-3% of the population (estimates vary) and causes distress and potential physical harm. Dermatillomania is typically treated through a variety of therapeutic approaches. Considering Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) […]
Are Pets Allowed on Amtrak?
With over 30 train routes spanning across 46 states and serving 500 destinations, Amtrak rightfully holds the title of being the national railway service of the United States. But how inclusive is its pet policy — can pets go on Amtrak? And more specifically, are dogs allowed on Amtrak? What about cats? Table of Contents According […]
Can You Train Your Own Service Dog? A Guide to Self-Training
What if you could train your own service dog as a psychiatric service animal – without ever leaving the comfort of your home? It turns out you can! Read on to check out our guide on all things self-training. Table of Contents Online service dog training is becoming increasingly more common, and with the right program, […]
Do Golden Retrievers Make Good Service Dogs?
*Estimated Read Time: 5 min
Considering training a Service Dog to aid in your mental health treatment plan? One of the most important decisions is which breed would best serve you. While many common breeds have the potential for effective task training, some breeds have characteristics that will pair better with psychiatric disabilities. So do Golden Retrievers make the cut? Read here to find out!