We all heard about having an emotional support animal or a service dog, but did you know that many people get rid of their bully breeds because they are not aware of the laws. I live in an apartment that does not allow what they consider aggressive breeds, but this did not make me want to get rid of my pitbull. I did some research and learned she qualified to be a psychiatric service dog. This placed her under the service dog umbrella. Having a total of 5 they are considered Emotional Support Animals (ESA).
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
ESA are animals that provide emotional support to their owners, I had 5 dogs that were ESA and it was great to have them around especially with depression and bipolar disorder. They would comfort me when I would have panic attacks and keep me safe from others as well. These are animals that do not need to be trained in a specific area to provide this service. if you ever realized when you pet a dog you end up calm, this is due to the endorphins that are released while you petting them. ESA are allowed in apartments not dog-friendly as long as you do the accommodation paperwork. In most states, these are not considered pets and therefore you cannot be charged any upfront fees. just make sure the animal is still obedient trained in my opinion because you can be responsible for damages later. People with ESA are allowed to fly with there pets in the plane main cabin as well, but ESA is not allowed in all public places and is deed unethical and illegal in some states. I recommend doing your research in your state if you looking to make your bully breed an ESA.
Service Animals
Service animals are any dog trained to do a specific job that assists its handler in daily activities. this includes:
physical
sensory
psychiatric
Intelectual
other mental disabilities
This is where I was very lucky to know about my condition of having Borderline Personality Disorder. I now have 5 Pitbulls and they are psychiatric services dogs. this means they are capable of preventing panic attacks and is I am overwhelmed they will provide the need for security and protection from others for me. I am a cutter and one of my dogs is trained to stop me from performing a cutting motion by placing their paw on my hand to stop me. Service animals are allowed anywhere except in surgery or a burn unit in a hospital, meaning I can take my babies to eat with me which is a good thing and I can take them into any store I go in. This is not saying I have not been discriminated against by an employee, you must understand your laws, and if this happens file a complaint with the ADA so they can do an investigation.
In conclusion, Pitbulls are great dogs to be either ESA or service dogs, because of their drive to want to please they are easy to train. If you have a pitbull, I recommend you take the test to see if he/she provides you with emotional support, this will give you the protection you need to have your baby accepted in any housing units.
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