SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964
Posts: 6,964
Posted:
This is an interesting article on what to consider before you get a service dog. Although it’s geared towards the prospective owner, this can also help HOA boards consider what questions they should ask if they need to establish a policy in a community or building that usually doesn’t allow pets or pets of a certain size.
https://themighty.com/topic/disability/things-to-consider-before-getting-a-service-dog/?utm_source=cordial&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=segment_hot_daily_article_recommendation
One commentator added this:
One thing that wasn't mentioned and is very important that very few people think about is what will happen if you are in the hospital or the worst case, you or your loved one that has the service animal passes away.
One thing we found out while looking at different places that breed and train service dogs was even if they were not as costly as some, if before the dog reached a certain age where they would consider retiring it anyway, if say the handler passed away before that time, they would get back the dog. Otherwise, sometimes without a plan, service trained dogs sometimes are just put in shelters with other dogs especially if there is no other family that may know the dog's information such as training or medical history.
Just as if you would have some kind of plan for your children or perhaps elderly parents you may also care for, you should have a plan whether it is a family member that has the dog (or other service animal) information and perhaps your wishes, such as if you pass you would like him or her to go to another person with similar needs or that you already have an agreement with an agency.
The other thing not always talked about is traveling with your service dog. Although there are basics for like local traveling, if you are one that does a lot of flying or traveling outside of country, are you aware of guidelines, extra vaccines, any quarantines, extra possible costs involved? Some may say of we will just leave Pugsley with Uncle Joe, but one reason you have a service dog is to care for you at all times.
https://themighty.com/topic/disability/things-to-consider-before-getting-a-service-dog/?utm_source=cordial&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=segment_hot_daily_article_recommendation
One commentator added this:
One thing that wasn't mentioned and is very important that very few people think about is what will happen if you are in the hospital or the worst case, you or your loved one that has the service animal passes away.
One thing we found out while looking at different places that breed and train service dogs was even if they were not as costly as some, if before the dog reached a certain age where they would consider retiring it anyway, if say the handler passed away before that time, they would get back the dog. Otherwise, sometimes without a plan, service trained dogs sometimes are just put in shelters with other dogs especially if there is no other family that may know the dog's information such as training or medical history.
Just as if you would have some kind of plan for your children or perhaps elderly parents you may also care for, you should have a plan whether it is a family member that has the dog (or other service animal) information and perhaps your wishes, such as if you pass you would like him or her to go to another person with similar needs or that you already have an agreement with an agency.
The other thing not always talked about is traveling with your service dog. Although there are basics for like local traveling, if you are one that does a lot of flying or traveling outside of country, are you aware of guidelines, extra vaccines, any quarantines, extra possible costs involved? Some may say of we will just leave Pugsley with Uncle Joe, but one reason you have a service dog is to care for you at all times.
If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius