Therapy and Service Dogs Can Provide Benefits to Veterans
Therapy dog trainer and handler Tom Savoca can help you with your special companion.
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Service dogs can be hugely beneficial for veterans or disabled individuals because they provide companionship, comfort, and help with completing everyday tasks. For those living with PTSD, anxiety, or a physical ailment that impedes mobility, a service animal can help with several daily needs. The key is to choose the right breed and ensure that the dog is well-trained or to look for services that can help you acquire a puppy who can take a companion role in your life.
While owning a dog is beneficial for your physical and mental health–Cleveland Heart Lab notes that just petting one can help lower your blood pressure! It’s also a big responsibility, so it’s important to do some research before applying for a service animal. Keep these things in mind, presented to you below by therapy dog trainer Tom Savoca.
Have all the supplies you need at the ready
Before bringing your pet home, you’ll want to make sure you have everything he needs, from food and water dishes to toys, bedding, a leash and harness, a collar, and food/treats. Talk to your trainer to find out whether they might suggest any additional products that will also aid in his learning. Hop online to search for a free resource for pet lovers before you go shopping to read unbiased reviews of pet products, so you’ll know you’re getting the right items at the best deal. Keep in mind that you’ll also need to head to the vet once you’ve taken ownership of your dog to get a checkup, and that visit will require vaccinations as well as flea and tick medication and/or heartworm meds.
You’ll both need time to adjust
Bringing home a new animal can be a major change for both of you, so it’s important to understand that there will be an adjustment period. If possible, take some time off work during the first week in order to stay home with your new pet and bond. Have playtime and naptime, create a schedule and a routine that’s close to what it might be during the week, and get to know one another. Keep in mind that if you have a stressful job, your pet may feel the effects when you come home, which can impede his training. Keeping things calm and low-key is important during those first few weeks, at least.
Prepare to bring your dog to work
Many veterans–such as those who are living with a mobility issue or PTSD–need their service dogs at work with them, and this requires a little more planning. Bringing a service dog into public areas means he’ll need to be calm, respond to voice commands, and be trained not to approach people or pull away from his owner. There are several factors involved in a service dog test, so make sure you’re familiar with the requirements. While your service dog isn’t required to wear special identification, it’s a good idea to provide him with a vest or harness that lets others know not to approach or pet him, as interaction with strangers can be a distraction for both of you.
It’s important to think about the downsides of bringing your service animal to work, as well as the benefits for your employer. The pros include a higher level of comfort for you, which allows you to focus on your work more clearly and interact socially, as well as social and mental health advantages for other employees. The cons include:
- The worry that your animal will become stressed in a new environment
- Caring for his needs while trying to focus on work
- Potential hazards for coworkers who allergic to dogs
While there are many valid reasons for bringing a service dog into the workplace, HR Dive points out that some employers may find it challenging to accommodate the request to do so. Get to know your rights and responsibilities, but also look for alternatives that may suit their needs better, such as working remotely.
Owning a service dog can be life-changing for many veterans, but only when it’s done correctly. Do your research, come prepared with the right supplies, and give yourself time to get to know your pet in order to reduce stress for both of you.
