Service Dog Evaluation FAQ

A handler is the individual who trains the Service Dog to perform a service. A user is the individual who has the condition and has a prescription to use a Service Dog.

An Emotional Support Animal is any animal whose presence can be comforting for a human being. This animal does not require any training, does not perform any services, and does not require a prescription. 

A Trained Service Animal will perform a service relative to the psychiatric or physical condition that the user has with a required prescription. 

Examples of services that Service Dogs perform are:  

• Anxiety Disorders-Service animals can be trained to recognize a panic attack and bring a medication bag to user, will seek emergency assistance if the user becomes incapacitated, will bring phone to conscious user to make emergency calls.

• Depressive Disorders-Service animals can be trained to recognize depressive episodes or hypersomnia [excessive sleeping/lying in bed] and encourage out of bed activities, bring medications to user, and seek medical attention in case of danger to self.

• Sleep Disorders- Service animals can be trained to protect/support head in cases where individuals fall asleep or pass out abruptly, can turn on medical equipment (CPAP machines, etc.), will seek medical attention for emergency circumstances.

If you are a User, please familiarize yourself with your prescription to understand your diagnosis, prescribing provider's name, and what service your animal performs. They can ask you what condition you have or what service your dog performs. Additional TSA forms will also be required to show proof of vaccination status.  

If you are a Handler, please familiarize yourself with the service you are training your animal to perform (i.e., "This animal is trained for psychiatric conditions like anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders. He/she can seek help in case of medical emergencies, can recognize panic attacks or manic episodes and can fetch medication bags, can protect the head to minimize head injuries if their user loses consciousness."

Yes, if you are a Handler, please have the TSA form handy. You will not need a copy of the prescription. Your purpose of traveling with the dog at that point is to facilitate training so that the dog is prepared to be of service to its User.

Yes, all airlines are functioning under TSA guidelines and are abiding by federal ADA (American Disability Act) laws to permit the use of Trained Service Dogs at the airport. If the airline has additional paperwork that is required to verify or approve travel with your Service Dog, please contact our office at (214) 432-4119 or information@sfpspllc.com and a staff member will assist you with this process.

If you are a Handler, yes, as your role is that of a trainer and socialization is a part of the training process.

If you are a User, this is not common, as Users are assigned one Trained Service Animal at a time. If you have registered more than one Service Dog on file, please note that you cannot travel with two dogs at once UNLESS you are traveling with your Handler, in which case, you are only traveling with one and the other is with the Handler.

Yes, most airlines require this. The vest with harness is encouraged for canines who are dog-aggressive.

Please note that Solution Focused Psychological Services does not sell Service Dog Vests. Additionally, while we are not endorsers of any vendors, we recognize that vests can be purchased from Amazon and Petco.

Yes, if your Service Dog is observed excessively barking, attacks another individual, defecates/urinates in unauthorized areas, becomes unleashed and is unable to be controlled, TSA can determine that the animal is not permitted to fly regardless of a prescription.

Solution Focused Psychological Services is not responsible for the behavior of untrained animals and appointment fees are not refundable due to revoked travel.