Apply medical alert dog: What to do and more
In the United States, people who want to apply for a medical alert dog typically need to identify an accredited organization, check their eligibility, fill out an application form, and attend a training program.
Medical alert dogs are a type of service animal that provide different services depending on an individual’s medical needs.
For example, a person with epilepsy may benefit from a medical alert dog that detects seizures. In contrast, someone with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may benefit from one that detects panic attacks.
This article explores the application process for getting a medical alert dog as well as the legal considerations. It also answers some common questions about medical alert dogs.
Individuals who are considering getting a medical alert dog may first want to discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks with their doctor.
A doctor can identify when a medical alert dog may not be suitable for someone. For example, they may recommend that a person with allergy-related conditions, like asthma and eczema, take an allergy test to determine whether they are allergic to dogs.
When starting the application process for a medical alert dog, people can look for an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) Accredited Member Organization.
By choosing an ADI Accredited Member Organization, people can ensure that the company is following high-standard ethical training and treatment practices for clients, dogs, and employees.
A person can use the ADI’s online search tool to find ADI Accredited Member Organizations near them.
After finding a suitable organization, a person can contact the organization to check its eligibility requirements for having a medical alert dog.
After determining their eligibility for a medical alert dog, people need to complete a physical or online application form.
The application form may include questions about their lifestyle, medical condition, and other eligibility criteria.
Some organizations may also require individuals to provide documentation about their medical condition and how it affects their daily lives.
After an organization accepts a person’s application, it typically requests that they complete a medical alert dog training program.
The organization will help find a dog that matches the person’s personality and medical requirements. The training program itself will focus on the specific tasks the dog needs to do to help with the individual’s medical condition.
For example, the Epilepsy Foundation notes that seizure assistance dogs are trained to predict or respond to seizures in people with epilepsy.
Once a person and their medical alert dog have completed the training program, the organization will typically provide ongoing support. This may involve:
Depending on where in the United States a person lives and their lifestyle, they may need to consider additional legal aspects of owning a medical alert dog.
For example, the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division notes that while service dogs are allowed in the following locations, other laws apply to housing and airplanes:
Therefore, a person may need to check whether they are allowed to have a medical alert dog in their home or on a flight.
Additionally, some states or local governments may require that all dogs, including medical alert dogs, be licensed and vaccinated.
The exact cost of a medical alert dog may vary, depending on the type of training the dog requires and the organization selling it.
For example, the American Migraine Foundation notes that service dogs typically range from $10,000 to $20,000, but they may be available at a lower cost. The ADI notes that the majority of their Accredited Member Organizations provide service dogs at very low or no cost, but a person may need to cover application fees and other expenses.
People also need to consider ongoing costs, such as dog food and vet bills.
The exact cost of a medical alert dog may vary, depending on the type of training the dog requires and the organization selling it.
For example, the American Migraine Foundation notes that service dogs typically range from $10,000 to $20,000, but they may be available at a lower cost. The ADI notes that the majority of their Accredited Member Organizations provide service dogs at very low or no cost, but a person may need to cover application fees and other expenses.
People also need to consider ongoing costs, such as dog food and vet bills.
When a medical alert dog can no longer perform tasks or its health declines, a person and their veterinarian can decide whether it may be time for the dog to retire.
Some people may decide to keep their dog as a companion pet in their retirement, while others may decide to rehome their dog with the help of an organization like the ADI.
When a medical alert dog can no longer perform tasks or its health declines, a person and their veterinarian can decide whether it may be time for the dog to retire.
Some people may decide to keep their dog as a companion pet in their retirement, while others may decide to rehome their dog with the help of an organization like the ADI.
Many organizations also offer ongoing support after a person has completed the application process and training.
Anyone who wants to get a medical alert dog needs to also consider the legal requirements and financial costs. A healthcare professional can offer advice about whether a medical alert dog would be beneficial on an individual basis.