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In a previous article, I discussed what a service animal is. The benefits are tremendous, however, a service animal is a highly trained entity and not a “pet” in the sense that we use the term. Therefore, it bears considering if a service animal is right for your family.
Does the child need a service animal? Many of the organizations listed in the previous article had guidelines for application. Though there may be little or no cost to you, the costs to the sponsoring, placing, or training organization are substantial. Is the disability or need great enough to warrant the use of such a trained animal? Consider emotional needs as well, since the animals do provide comfort to the children cared for.
Is the child with the impairment able to assist with the care of the animal (or is the family able to assume care of the animal, if not)? Caring for an animal is a great responsibility. The service animal will need grooming, feeding, bathing, walking, feeding, in addition to cleaning up behind messes and elimination needs. Though the animals usually arrive housebroken, many municipalities have “dog laws” for cleaning up behind animals in public areas. Knowing who will assume these tasks is crucial before the animal ever arrives.
Does the child have the temperament for such an animal? Can others in the home co-exist with a service animal? You will need to examine fears and attitudes about animals. Some people are afraid of animals. Some have never shared space with an animal. All these things need to be considered prior to applying (in fact, most applications ask about this).
Do you have room for a service animal? Due to the nature of having a service animal, the animal will need to share quarters with the child. Is there adequate space?
Do other children in the home understand the concept of a service animal versus a pet? Children get exuberant around animals. Do the other children in the home realize the animal has a special job and that “playing” with the animal can interfere with the job or even confuse the animal? Service animal organizations usually state the child in need of the animal should feed and command the animal as much as possible to establish authority and eliminate confusion.
Can your lifestyle accommodate a service animal? This animal will be with you all of the time. Though ADA laws prohibit discrimination in terms of where service animals may be used, you will still need to consider whether the lifestyle your family leads is conducive to having a service animal (e.g. frequent travel by airplane (service animals are allowed to remain unconfined), etc.).
Can your child handle bereavement? Some of the organizations listed in the Service Animal article had information on pet loss. Just as animals bring joy and comfort, the death of a beloved animal can be a source of trauma and pain. Does your child have the requisite emotional resources to deal with such an eventuality?
This is by no means and exhaustive list of things to consider, but knowing the answers to these questions will go a long way in determining whether having a service animal is a good fit for your family. In fact, most reputable service animal agencies will engage in a screening process to determine many of these issues during the application, evaluation and placing process.
Photo credit: Stock Xchng
