Could a Service or Therapy Dog be Right for Your Child? — Part 2

Navigate Life Texas works to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the content on this site. This blog has been updated since its first publication to reflect changes with other organizations, links to other sites and other information. The substance of the article and the writer’s story have not been altered.

Read Part 1

Service and therapy dogs can provide a lot of help and joy for your child. But they are work. Adopting any pet — trained or not — creates more work for you as a caregiver. They need to be fed, groomed, taken to the veterinarian, and trained, among other things. 

And while many of these animals are highly trained, they can’t replace a human caregiver.

There’s a lot to think about when considering a service animal. It pays to do the research. Ask around for referrals from people in your community. Visit a child with their animal, so you can see them in action.

Call or email service animal organizations and ask questions. These organizations can give you all the information you need to make the right decision. Keep in mind they have a very thorough process when a service animal is requested, and you and your child will have to be approved.

Does my child even like dogs? 

If your child doesn’t like or is afraid of dogs, a service dog may not be a good choice. If your child is non-verbal or unable to communicate their feelings, show them movies or read stories about dogs and see how they react. Take them to visit the gentle dog of a friend. Or better yet, take your child to a service animal training facility if there’s one in your community. 

Dogs aren’t a cure-all, of course. But many parents see an almost magical transformation in their child after introducing a dog into their home. 

I personally have a friend whose daughter has Down syndrome. While their dog is not a service animal, he is a great companion. The two of them have an amazing bond. The dog lies with her and won’t leave her side when she’s sick. It’s her constant play partner and best friend. 

Here are a few resources that can help you decide if a service animal is right for your child:

• Service, Working, Therapy, and Emotional Support Dogs: What’s the Difference? This article explains the difference between service dogs and provides additional resources for specific types of support. 
• Considering a Therapy or Service Assistance Dog for Your Special Needs Child? Pros and Cons. This article is full of information, tips and ideas about the benefits of a service dog.
• 4 Paws for Ability trains and places task-trained service dogs with children with disabilities around the world. They specialize in placing animals with children who were turned down for a service dog because their disability was too severe or not severe enough.

You can also search for resources for service and therapy animals on this website.