Adopt a Service Dog in Texas
Animal shelters and rescue groups are a great place to find a canine companion who you can then train to become a service dog. Below are some shelters and rescues in the state of Texas where you can potentially adopt a new best friend.
- Montgomery County Animal Services – Conroe, Texas
- SPCA Of Texas – Dallas, Texas
- Humane Society of North Texas – Fort Worth, Texas
- Texas Humane Heroes – Killeen, Texas
- Animal Defense League of Texas – San Antonio, Texas
- Longview Animal Care & Adoption Center – Longview, Texas
Search these Texas area shelter’s websites to see if any puppies or dogs stand out and could possibly be your next best friend and part of your service dog journey! Their staff and volunteers will be able to help you find your perfect companion. Be sure to mention your disability and ask any questions you may have about this dog becoming your service dog. Volunteers and shelter staff will gladly answer all of your questions!
According to data, the state of Texas has some of the highest numbers of stray pets in the country. Be sure to search for local shelters to find your trusted canine companion and save a life.
Types of Psychiatric Service Dog Training
Once you have a dog, training begins. Assistance dogs go through extensive training. There are a few ways to do this.
- Self training: It is possible to train your own service dog, but it is not recommended. It is very tiring, extensive and can be confusing. Many people report a decline in mental state when they try it themselves. This method requires a lot of research and is a slower path to a service dog.
- Adopting an already trained PSD from an organization: This method requires a lot of money upfront, as training a service dog is expensive, but connects owners with an already trained dog that is ready to help them navigate the world. Trained service dogs can cost around $30,000, which is a large investment, but you are receiving a well trained dog with minimal time put in. There is often a waiting list for these organizations, so be sure to reach out soon for help with your disability.
- Partnering with a professional dog trainer: This is the most popular option because it allows for you to learn alongside your dog. It assures you are on the same page as your dog and maximizing what they can do for your disability. A trainer has experience and can help you train your dog to what you need it to do to help you with your impairment. They can answer questions, are familiar with the ADA and can help change both you and your dogs’ lives.
Psychiatric Service Dog Training in Texas
It’s overwhelming trying to find all the information you need to train your service dog. Once you have a dog in mind, find a training program that works for you. Service dog training is quite different from basic obedience, so keep that in mind during your search. You want a service dog training program specifically.
During training, your dog will be introduced to new situations and different environments. Some of these could be large crowds, different terrains, your home, walking well on a leash, fetching items, other dogs, etc. You will decide what skills your dog needs to know to help and support you anywhere. You can customize your plan to your disability and it will depend on what your dog already knows.
Look for a quality service animal training program in Texas. Big cities tend to have more programs, so try searching in San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, etc. Familiarize with the ADA and know what to look for in a program. Texas is a large state, so you have plenty of options. You and your dog are the clients here, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or be picky.
How Do I Get a Psychiatric Service Dog?
The first step in acquiring a psychiatric service dog is finding out if you need one. You should consult with a licensed mental health professional. This is the only legitimate way to acquire a service dog. Any sites claiming to be a registration console for your state are not legitimate. Psychiatric service dogs are only given to people who suffer from mental issues that disturb their quality of life, so you may benefit from just even an emotional support animal. Talk to a professional and ask questions to see what would be best for you.
If they recommend a service dog, the next step is finding a psychiatric service dog for you. There are a few various methods to this, but we’re big advocates of pet adoption, so let’s discuss that method.
Conclusion
Are you interested in getting a psychiatric service dog?
Here at CertaPet, we can help. CertaPet is an online telehealth platform that improves access to mental health care in the U.S. with a focus on providing services to individuals who are seeking animal assisted interventions as part of their treatment plan.
We are currently coordinating with dog trainers who specialize in the service animal space and who will soon work in tandem with our network of licensed mental health professionals to make the process of getting and training a psychiatric service dog affordable, convenient, and hassle-free. We’ll have more information available soon about our Psychiatric Service Dog Training options. In the meantime, you can take our FREE pre-screening below to see if you qualify for a PSD!
FAQs
What is a psychiatric service dog?
Psychiatric service dogs are ADA recognized service dogs that help their handler have a sense of independence in the world with their mental disorders or disabilities. Some common conditions these pups help with include PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, autism, etc.
What is an emotional support dog?
Emotional support animals are companion animals who simply provide support to their owner. They are pets and require no formal training, only a doctor’s notes. They do not have the same rights as service dogs.
Can my own dog become my service dog?
You can absolutely train your own dog to become a service dog! We recommend working with a certified service dog trainer, but you can also do it yourself if that is a route you want to go.
