Service dogs aren’t just for people with vision loss: they can offer valuable support for people living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), too. Making a service animal a part of your family is a big decision, but one that can mean more independence.
What are service animals?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service animal as “a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability.” They receive two years of training before being placed. Service dogs are permitted to enter public spaces such as restaurants, public transport, shops and healthcare facilities. Service dogs usually wear a vest or harness whenever they are “working.”
How a service dog can help with DMD
Service animals are trained to provide assistance with specific tasks, such as:
- Pushing buttons to open automatic doors and elevators.
- Flipping switches to turn lights on and off.
- Fetching certain items, such as a phone or medication.
- Assisting in balance and mobility.
- Picking up dropped items.
- Opening and closing drawers or doors.
- Alerting caregivers to a medical crisis.
Though service dogs can help with many of the tasks of daily living, that isn’t their only benefit. Service dogs can also mean more companionship, especially for children:
- Provide friendship: Service dogs are not pets, but they are still good company. A service dog is a constant friend for someone with DMD.
- Reduce social isolation: Almost everyone loves saying hi to a dog (though they should always ask the dog’s handler for permission first). Service dogs can help those with DMD start conversations and engage with others.
- Give emotional support: Service dogs can be a source of support during medical visits or in unfamiliar surroundings.
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Considerations before getting a service dog
Service animals need care, feeding, exercise and downtime, just like any other dog. They generally retire after eight years of service, when they can become a pet or be adopted by another family.
Not all service dogs provide the same kind of support, and patients and families will need to consider their needs before applying for one. For example, some children and adults who cannot handle a service dog on their own have a “companion dog,” which is a service dog who works with a caregiver or other handler to provide support for someone with a disability. Since companion dogs are supervised by their handler, they cannot go places where their handler won’t be present, such as accompanying a child with DMD to school.
Many nonprofits provide service dogs at little or no cost to recipients, but recipients and their families will need to pay for the dog’s care. Recipients also may need to travel to receive training in how to work with their dog. Some health insurance plans cover the cost of acquiring and maintaining a service animal, but you’ll need to check with your individual insurer.
How to find a service animal
In the United States there are many nonprofit organizations that train service dogs. However, demand is high and sometimes it can take months or years to be matched with a service dog. Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is the best place to start to find an organization near you.
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