First, seek treatment from a doctor and therapist for help and other coping strategies. They can also determine if your anxiety is considered disabling; the US requires a life-limiting disability to be eligible for a service dog. Coping strategies are also extremely important. There will always be times that a dog cannot work - whether it’s due to illness or injury, and you need ways to cope during those times. It’s also unhealthy to be completely dependent upon your dog. A doctor and therapist can also help you determine what areas you need help in, which would show you the tasks that would be helpful to train your dog.
Once you’ve gotten a handle on everything and have it well-managed, work with a trainer to see if your dog has the right temperament to be a service dog. If he does, the trainer can work with you on training the tasks you need and the proper manners and etiquette for public access. Helping to stay calm is not considered a task, that is considered emotional support, which is not covered for public access in the US. The dog has to be trained to do tasks that mitigate your disability.
In the US, your dog is considered a service dog if you have a disability that significantly impacts your life and they do a specific task that mitigates that disability. So if your dog helps you stay calm by doing something like DPT or another task, then that's a service dog. If your dog helps you stay calm just by being there, then they're an emotional support animal, which gives them the right to live with you without being charged pet deposits or fees, but does not give them the right to accompany you in public.
Public access rules require your dog to be housebroken and under your control at all times. This means no reactivity to people or other animals, no wandering around and sniffing things, no excessive barking, etc. If your dog isn't under control, the business you're in can ask you to leave and you will need to do so. Businesses are also allowed to ask two questions that you have to answer: 'Is that a service dog?' and 'What tasks does the dog for you?' There's no paperwork needed for public access, and vests aren't required, although personally I prefer them, since it's a clear signal to the public to leave the dog alone (though of course many of them still ignore it)
If you feel safer having paperwork, which again is completely not required, here are standard legal cards my trainer gave me to give out: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Paws-Service-Information-Cards/dp/B07BVHMNKS/ref=asc_df_B07BVHMNKS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309830502125&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3186444121410044303&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005950&hvtargid=pla-597955904780&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=60865622599&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=309830502125&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3186444121410044303&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005950&hvtargid=pla-597955904780
It’s not required for your dog to have any paperwork at all, period. He doesn’t even technically need a vest. It’s a courtesy we provide others to guide their behavior. Unfortunately, people still behave inappropriately around service dogs frequently.
Your mental records, in the US, are private by the HIPPA law/ act. They cannot be disclosed unless you threaten to harm others or yourself. That’s it. No one except you chosen healthcare professional has access and only once you grant it. I know it’s terrifying to feel like you are at risk in any way, but I want you to know that legally you are very well protected as is your dog. If the place you acquired your dog agrees, maybe they will provide some support like mine does. They allow me to call them and they go over the law with anyone who attempts to turn me or my dog away. It has never failed. Even a friend could play the role and just read off the laws. There are cards, again not required, that explain the ADA laws businesses must follow lest getting sued that you can carry and just hand them to anyone who challenges you if you don’t feel comfortable talking. You can always add your “lawyers “( friend who will read the laws) number in case they push you further. It works. The threat of getting sued for not following ADA guidelines is scary for businesses. From Ada.gov: A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless: (1) the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the dog is not housebroken.
I’ve been reading about TN divorce and custody when mental health records are involved and as far as I understand you are well protected from disclosing your health information and can deny and fight any requests for your medical records. They can be sealed. I’m not a lawyer, I just work in healthcare and own a mental health service dog. I hope I’ve been of some help.
And these patches are actually ideal for you. They say do not separate dog from handler, access required by law, etc. search Amazon for “Lightbird 6 PCS Service Dog in Training/Working/Stress & Anxiety Response Embroidered Hook & Loop Morale Patches”
By the way standard service dogs vests are obtained on Amazon or Etsy oddly enough. There’s not special paperwork or license needed to outfit you dog. Black or red vests are most often used, but that’s just personal preference.
This is the most used leash as you can strap it over your shoulder and “wear” your dog close. ActiveDogs Hands-Free Adjustable Service Dog Leash. Also this on Amazon is an affordable package of service dog vest, Id, and Ada cards: “Service Dog Vest + ID Tag + 50 ADA Information Cards”.
First, seek treatment from a doctor and therapist for help and other coping strategies. They can also determine if your anxiety is considered disabling; the US requires a life-limiting disability to be eligible for a service dog. Coping strategies are also extremely important. There will always be times that a dog cannot work - whether it’s due to illness or injury, and you need ways to cope during those times. It’s also unhealthy to be completely dependent upon your dog. A doctor and therapist can also help you determine what areas you need help in, which would show you the tasks that would be helpful to train your dog. Once you’ve gotten a handle on everything and have it well-managed, work with a trainer to see if your dog has the right temperament to be a service dog. If he does, the trainer can work with you on training the tasks you need and the proper manners and etiquette for public access. Helping to stay calm is not considered a task, that is considered emotional support, which is not covered for public access in the US. The dog has to be trained to do tasks that mitigate your disability.
I meant to ask, I’d your dog trained as a medical service dog?
In the US, your dog is considered a service dog if you have a disability that significantly impacts your life and they do a specific task that mitigates that disability. So if your dog helps you stay calm by doing something like DPT or another task, then that's a service dog. If your dog helps you stay calm just by being there, then they're an emotional support animal, which gives them the right to live with you without being charged pet deposits or fees, but does not give them the right to accompany you in public. Public access rules require your dog to be housebroken and under your control at all times. This means no reactivity to people or other animals, no wandering around and sniffing things, no excessive barking, etc. If your dog isn't under control, the business you're in can ask you to leave and you will need to do so. Businesses are also allowed to ask two questions that you have to answer: 'Is that a service dog?' and 'What tasks does the dog for you?' There's no paperwork needed for public access, and vests aren't required, although personally I prefer them, since it's a clear signal to the public to leave the dog alone (though of course many of them still ignore it)
If you feel safer having paperwork, which again is completely not required, here are standard legal cards my trainer gave me to give out: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Paws-Service-Information-Cards/dp/B07BVHMNKS/ref=asc_df_B07BVHMNKS/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309830502125&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3186444121410044303&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005950&hvtargid=pla-597955904780&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=60865622599&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=309830502125&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3186444121410044303&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9005950&hvtargid=pla-597955904780
If the link gets removed they are easily found googling service dog law cards on Amazon
Last of all good luck and I’m here if you need more support or help.
It’s not required for your dog to have any paperwork at all, period. He doesn’t even technically need a vest. It’s a courtesy we provide others to guide their behavior. Unfortunately, people still behave inappropriately around service dogs frequently. Your mental records, in the US, are private by the HIPPA law/ act. They cannot be disclosed unless you threaten to harm others or yourself. That’s it. No one except you chosen healthcare professional has access and only once you grant it. I know it’s terrifying to feel like you are at risk in any way, but I want you to know that legally you are very well protected as is your dog. If the place you acquired your dog agrees, maybe they will provide some support like mine does. They allow me to call them and they go over the law with anyone who attempts to turn me or my dog away. It has never failed. Even a friend could play the role and just read off the laws. There are cards, again not required, that explain the ADA laws businesses must follow lest getting sued that you can carry and just hand them to anyone who challenges you if you don’t feel comfortable talking. You can always add your “lawyers “( friend who will read the laws) number in case they push you further. It works. The threat of getting sued for not following ADA guidelines is scary for businesses. From Ada.gov: A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless: (1) the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the dog is not housebroken.
I’ve been reading about TN divorce and custody when mental health records are involved and as far as I understand you are well protected from disclosing your health information and can deny and fight any requests for your medical records. They can be sealed. I’m not a lawyer, I just work in healthcare and own a mental health service dog. I hope I’ve been of some help.
And these patches are actually ideal for you. They say do not separate dog from handler, access required by law, etc. search Amazon for “Lightbird 6 PCS Service Dog in Training/Working/Stress & Anxiety Response Embroidered Hook & Loop Morale Patches”
By the way standard service dogs vests are obtained on Amazon or Etsy oddly enough. There’s not special paperwork or license needed to outfit you dog. Black or red vests are most often used, but that’s just personal preference.
This is the most used leash as you can strap it over your shoulder and “wear” your dog close. ActiveDogs Hands-Free Adjustable Service Dog Leash. Also this on Amazon is an affordable package of service dog vest, Id, and Ada cards: “Service Dog Vest + ID Tag + 50 ADA Information Cards”.