Service and emotional support animals
"My dog allows me to be independent and to do things on my own. She is a true partner in my work and home life."
"When I have had a hard day I spend some time with my cat and feel better."
"Animals make my life better; I like them more than most people."
Having a support animal can be a gateway to independence. Although they are a big responsibility, animals can provide wonderful emotional support during times of change.
- Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animal Toolkit: What you need to know to make a decision about getting or training a Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal. July 2024
- Animales de servicio y apoyo para niños/as y jóvenes con necesidades de salud especiales caja de herramientas para familias
Information about service animals.
Best Mobility Aids Guides: How to Get a Service Dog
Domesti-pups infographic: Is that a real service dog?
University of Michigan on federal law: What are Emotional Support Animals vs. Service Dogs?
Guide Dogs for the Blind, self-screening: Am I Ready for a Guide Dog?
Disability Rights Oregon: Service and Assistance Animals in Oregon
Atlas Assistance Dogs: Resources for owner training of service dogs.
Autism Speaks: Resource page about assistance dogs
Autism Society of Oregon (ASO): Listing of assistance dog organizations
Canines for Disabled Kids: Technical and financial support for getting a service dog for children under age 18.
Dogs for Better Lives: Shelter dogs retrained to be hearing, autism and program service dogs in Oregon.
Canine Companions for Independence: Service dogs for deaf and hard of hearing adults and those with physical disabilities.
Assistance Dogs International: Certified service dog training in Oregon.
Americans with Disabilities Act: Section on Service Animals.
Autism Anchoring Dogs: Information about autism anchoring dogs
When considering an emotional support animal, be aware that:
Emotional support animals may be exempt from landlord rules about pet deposits, size or breed limits, or increased rent unless they damage the property. Read here for information about laws that apply to fair housing, service dogs,emotional support animals and disabilities. Some Emotional support animals can fly with you but you must let the airline know at least 48 hours in advance and there are special conditions for flying with an emotional support animal. These regulations change so make sure to check the regulations for your airline before booking a flight.
Disclaimer
Inclusion of resources on our site does not imply endorsement nor does exclusion mean we do not think it is valuable. We work to keep our list of resources current and relevant but it is not exhaustive.
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