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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-02-20 PACKET 05.A.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA MEETING ITEM # DATE 2/20/13 � A 0 PREPARED BY Community Development ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT $ N/A ACTUAL AMOUNT COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST: Receive response to Open Forum: Miniature Potbelly Pig Certification /Registration. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Receive response and provide additional time for further research with City Attorney. BUDGET IMPLICATION $N /A BUDGETED AMOUNT ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION: ❑ PLANNING ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY ❑ PUBLIC WORKS ❑ PARKS AND RECREATION ❑ HUMAN SERVICES /RIGHTS ❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS DATE Jennifer Levitt STAFF AUTHOR N/A FUNDING SOURCE REVIEWED APPROVED DENIED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ® MEMO /LETTER: Memo from John McCool dated 2/13/13 ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: ® OTHER: Information on therapy animals ADMINISTRATOR'S COMMENTS City Administrator Date COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: ❑ APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER CITY OF COTTAGE GROVE MINNESOTA TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council Ryan Schroeder, City Administrator FROM: John McCool, Senior Planner DATE: February 12, 2013 RE: Tessa Anderson's Request — Miniature Potbelly Pig Certification /Registration Introduction At the City Council meeting on February 6, 2013, Tessa Anderson, 8230 Ivywood Avenue, re- quested that the City Council consider an exception from city ordinance regulations to allow a miniature potbelly pig in their home as a therapy animal. Ms. Anderson stated that it is her in- tention to purchase a miniature potbelly pig and have it certified and registered as a therapeutic animal once it is one year of age. This matter was referred to the Community Development Department to research and respond to the City Council and Tessa Anderson. Ordinance Requirements The City's Zoning Ordinance and Animal Control Ordinance do not provide any special provision for service animals, therapy animals, working animals, animal- assisted therapy animals, or sei- zure alert animals. Miniature potbelly pigs are considered to be a farm animal and are not al- lowed on Ms. Anderson's property because the property is less than five acres. Cottage Grove's ordinance regulations allow farm animals in all zoning districts, but the property must be a minimum of five acres. The number of farm animals allowed on property greater than five acres is limited by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's recommended animal units per acre. Discussion Reference Materials Tessa Anderson has provided a variety of reference materials pertaining to "service animals" and the registration process for "therapy pets." A document titled "Service Animal Basics" and "Service Animal Frequently Asked Questions" from the Pet Partners website are attached. More information can be viewed by visiting www.petpartners.org The League of Minnesota Cities' resource center references "service animals" as being a police dog or an animal that has been trained to assist a person with disability. This material merely states that a city cannot prohibit a person who has a physical or sensory disability from taking a service animal into a public place. The animal must be properly harnessed or leashed so that the person can maintain control of that animal. Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Ryan Schroeder Miniature Potbelly Pig — Exception to City Ordinances February 13, 2013 Page 2 of 3 The National Autism Association, Autism Science Foundation, American Society of Autism, and the Autism Society of Minnesota websites were accessed to obtain information concerning ser- vice animals. No specific information was found relative to certification or registration of service animals. These websites did acknowledge that animal therapy may include horseback riding or swimming with dolphins. These forms of therapy generally provide physical and emotional benefits, improving coordination and motor development, creating a sense of well- being, and increasing self- confidence. Service Animals There are many other animal species that provide therapeutic benefits to people. The Ameri- cans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifically defines a service animal as a "guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability." In March 2011, the ADA definition of service animal changed as a result of a revision made by the Department of Justice. Under the revised regulation, a "service animal" means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual's disability. Other Assistance Animals The most commonly recognized assistance animals are dogs. Due to their social nature, dogs are wonderful pets, companions, and protectors for many people. Dogs work closely with people in a variety of areas including law enforcement, search and rescue, and farming. Dogs also pro- vide comfort for some people suffering emotional difficulties. Some other animals that assist people with disabilities are monkeys, birds, pigs, dolphins, and horses. A "therapy animal" is not legally defined by federal law. Some states have laws defining therapy animals; Minnesota is not one of them. A therapy animal provides people with contact to ani- mals, but is not limited to working with people who have disabilities. It is usually the personal pet of their handlers (who may be therapists, physicians, rehabilitation professionals) and works with their handler to provide services to others, such as in nursing homes and hospitals. Ther- apy animals are usually not service animals and are not protected under the ADA and cannot enter restaurants, airplanes, or other public places where animals are not usually allowed. It is important that therapy animals meet specific criteria for health and behavior to ensure the safety of the people they meet and their own safety. A "companion or emotional support animal" assists people with mental or emotional disabilities who use the assistance of this type of animal to function independently. A companion animal is generally not legally defined, but is accepted as another term for "pet." A pet is not specifically trained to provide a service to a person with a disability. Certifying a Service Animal Ms. Anderson referred to a service animal webpage titled "Pet Partners" (www.petpartners.org). This website reports that ADA does not require service animals to be "certified." This type of assessment and identification is not a legal requirement under ADA and other federal non -dis- Honorable Mayor, City Council, and Ryan Schroeder Miniature Potbelly Pig — Exception to City Ordinances February 13, 2013 Page 3 of 3 crimination laws, but is preferred by some handlers. Some service animal trainers and programs evaluate the animal they train and provide the handlers with some type of identification card. Some trainers will test animals they have not trained before providing the owner /handler with an identification card. Most evaluations require that the animal obeys basic commands, is comfort- able interacting with strangers in various settings, has an exceptional temperament, tolerates other animals, and wants to be with people. There are instructor -led and home -based courses toward getting an animal certified. A certified evaluator will test the animal and register the owner /handler and animal as a team. The Pet Partners website states that the only way an animal can be recognized as a true "ser- vice animal' under ADA is when the following conditions are met: • The owner or handler has a documented disability as defined under the ADA, "...a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities." • The animal must be trained to perform a task or tasks that alleviate that disability. The mere presence of the animal (for example, "s /he gives me a reason to get up every morning ") does not qualify an animal as a service animal. • The animal must not alter the environment for others. This means that the animal must be kept on a leash and under the control of the handler at all times in public, must not show signs of aggression, and must be kept quiet and clean. Action Requested Staff and the City Attorney have researched this issue and are continuing to evaluate the certifi- cation process and criteria for service animals. Additional research is necessary before deter- mining how specific rules could be drafted for various scenarios that can be presented to the City Council. Staff discussed this with Tessa Anderson. Even though Ms. Anderson is anxious to begin training with the miniature potbelly pig as a service animal, she understands the unique- ness of her request and details that should be addressed if an ordinance amendment is to be prepared. The City Council is asked to grant city staff additional time to complete this information for purposes of providing appropriate options for your consideration. Shriners Hospitals for Children - Frankie the Pig Provides Therapy at Shriners Hospitals f... Page 1 of 1 Shriners Hospitals for Children' Love to the rescue:" Featured Story Frankie the Pig Provides Therapy at Shriners Hospitals for Children Frankie is one of 32 pets that volunteer at the hospital. "Right now we have 27 dogs, 1 cat, 2 bunnies, 1 pig and 1 rat," says Cathy Bones, pet therapy coordinator at the hospital. "There is almost always an animal visiting every day, including evenings and weekends." Fully credentialed as pet therapy volunteers, Frankie and Bonnie drive regularly from their hilltop home in Vallejo to visit the kids at the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Sacramento. Frankie steps from the backseat of the car into a red wagon and rides through the front doors of the hospital, up the elevator and into the central activity area. Within seconds, patients and parents gather around the wagon to be near Frankie and feel his coarse black hair. Frankie returns the affection with a "click" of his cheeks. A human resource specialist by profession, Bonnie also volunteers at an Alzheimer's facility in Berkeley and an assisted living facility in American Canyon. But seeing how Frankie brings smiles to young faces is an inspiring experience, says Bonnie who treasures the opportunity to be part of the pet therapy program. "Pigs are an interesting species — very intelligent and clean, unlike most livestock and barnyard critters," says Bones, who Interviews all volunteer pets and their handlers. "One of the goals of pet- assisted therapy is to increase communication with other people, and Frankie –just by being Frankie – has a way of bringing people together. Kids and adults alike are excited to meet Frankie when he is here, and perhaps learn something about pigs," says Bones. At home, Frankie fits in just like a family dog. He climbs up and down the stairs, watches television with Bonnie and her husband, Jim, and goes for walks in the neighborhood. "Exercise is very important because they do like to eat and can gain weight easily," says Bonnie. In the photos: Top: Frankie get a treat from his handler, Bonnie Morgan. Right: Kids and adults are excited to meet Frankie as he makes his rounds at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California. Copyright 2012 Shriners Hospitals for Children® Featured Partner: 1' Shift4' Secure Payment P --sing http: / /www. shrinershospitalsforchildren. orglHospitalsI Locations INorthernCalifomialFeatu... 2/12/2013 Bonnie Morgan adopted her first pig in 1985, shortly after reading a Newsweek magazine article _ on how pot - bellied pigs make great pets for people who don't have yards. wa, 1r First came Hamlet. Oliver was next. Now there is Frankie, the only one of the Morgan's three pigs �} to volunteer at Shriners Hospitals for Children ® — Northern California. _. "It is such a privilege to be a part of this," says Bonnie, who put Frankie through the stringent Delta Society evaluation so she could volunteer at the children's specialty hospital In Sacramento. ( - The Delta Society is an international, not - for - profit organization of pet owners, volunteers, therapists, educators, veterinarians and other health professionals dedicated to improving human health through service and therapy animals. All animals registered as pet therapy volunteers are evaluated and registered by the Delta Society. Frankie is one of 32 pets that volunteer at the hospital. "Right now we have 27 dogs, 1 cat, 2 bunnies, 1 pig and 1 rat," says Cathy Bones, pet therapy coordinator at the hospital. "There is almost always an animal visiting every day, including evenings and weekends." Fully credentialed as pet therapy volunteers, Frankie and Bonnie drive regularly from their hilltop home in Vallejo to visit the kids at the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Sacramento. Frankie steps from the backseat of the car into a red wagon and rides through the front doors of the hospital, up the elevator and into the central activity area. Within seconds, patients and parents gather around the wagon to be near Frankie and feel his coarse black hair. Frankie returns the affection with a "click" of his cheeks. A human resource specialist by profession, Bonnie also volunteers at an Alzheimer's facility in Berkeley and an assisted living facility in American Canyon. But seeing how Frankie brings smiles to young faces is an inspiring experience, says Bonnie who treasures the opportunity to be part of the pet therapy program. "Pigs are an interesting species — very intelligent and clean, unlike most livestock and barnyard critters," says Bones, who Interviews all volunteer pets and their handlers. "One of the goals of pet- assisted therapy is to increase communication with other people, and Frankie –just by being Frankie – has a way of bringing people together. Kids and adults alike are excited to meet Frankie when he is here, and perhaps learn something about pigs," says Bones. At home, Frankie fits in just like a family dog. He climbs up and down the stairs, watches television with Bonnie and her husband, Jim, and goes for walks in the neighborhood. "Exercise is very important because they do like to eat and can gain weight easily," says Bonnie. In the photos: Top: Frankie get a treat from his handler, Bonnie Morgan. Right: Kids and adults are excited to meet Frankie as he makes his rounds at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Northern California. Copyright 2012 Shriners Hospitals for Children® Featured Partner: 1' Shift4' Secure Payment P --sing http: / /www. shrinershospitalsforchildren. orglHospitalsI Locations INorthernCalifomialFeatu... 2/12/2013 Animal- assisted therapy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 1 of 9 Animal- assisted therapy From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation , search Animal- assisted therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy that involves animals as a form of treatment. The goal of AAT is to improve a patient's social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. Advocates state that animals can be useful for educational and motivational effectiveness for participants u A therapist who brings along a pet may be viewed as being less threatening, increasing the rapport between patient and therapist. Animals used in therapy include domesticated pets, farm animals and marine mammals (such as dolphins). While the research literature presents the relationship between humans and companion animals as generally favorable, methodological concerns about the poor quality of the data have led to calls for improved experimental studies. Wilson's (1984) biophilia hypothesis is based on the premise that our attachment to and interest in animals stems from the strong possibility that human survival was partly dependent on signals from animals in the environment indicating safety or threat. The biophilia hypothesis suggests that now, if we see animals at rest or in a peaceful state, this may signal to us safety, security and feelings of well -being which in turn may trigger a state where personal change and healing are possible U Dogs are common in animal- assisted therapy. Contents hide 1 History . 2 Modern Animal - Assisted Therapy . 3 Physical health . 4 Benefiting children . 5 Mental Institutions. Hospitals and Nursing Homes o 5.1 Nursing Homes . 6 Types of Animal Assisted Therapy 0 6.1 Dolphin Therapy 0 6.2 Equine therapv . 7 Criticisms of animal- assisted therapy . 8 See also 9 References . 10 External links [ edit ] History Animal- assisted therapy sprouted from the idea and initial belief in the supernatural powers of animals and animal spirits. First appearing in the groupings of early hunter gatherer societies. In modern times Animals are seen as "agents of socialization" and http: //65.5 5.72.13 5 /att/GetAttachment. aspx ?file =406c 1 b8 l - 1261 -4b23 -b5 l 1- ba3176cea3 a... 1/25/2013 Animal- assisted therapy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 2 of 9 as providers of "social support and relaxation." 151 Though animal assisted therapy is believed to have began in these early human periods it is undocumented and based on speculation. The earliest reported use of AAT for the mentally ill took place in the late 18th century at the York Retreat in England, led by William Tuke W Patients at this facility were allowed to wander the grounds which contained a population of small domestic animals. These were believed to be effective tools for socialization. In 1860, the Bethlem Hospital in England followed the same trend and added animals to the ward, greatly influencing the morale of the patients living there. L 6 l Sigmund Freud kept many dogs and often had his chow Jofi present during his pioneering sessions of psychoanalysis He noticed that the presence of the dog was helpful because the patient would find that their speech would not shock or disturb the dog and this reassured them and so encouraged them to relax and confide. This was most effective when the patient was a child or adolescent L71 The theory behind AAT is what is known as Attachment theory [ edit ] Modern Animal - Assisted Therapy Golden Retrievers are often trained as assistance dogs. Animals can be used in a variety of settings such as prisons, nursing homes, mental institutionsu and hospitals and in the home. Assistance dogs can assist people with many different disabilities; they are capable of assisting certain life activities and help the individuals navigate outside of the home. Steps in animal- assisted therapy include three stages for physical and psychological health improvement. Stage One: Patient goes to session with therapist without animals present to assess therapy needs. The next session the animal is introduced to the client and interactions between the animal and client begin. Stage Two: Developing a bond between the animal and client by developing motor skills. Examples include feeding the animal treats or grooming. Then an introduction of verbal skills using verbal commands such as stay and sit. Therapist use animals as a form of motivation for the client. The client is asked to perform tasks like getting water and food for their animal to improve motor functions like walking. Positive social interactions with animals is translated and generalized to positive human interactions. Stage Three: Therapist monitors improvement with animal interaction and human interaction and judges positive social situation. Patients are then given power and independence with the freedom to make choices for the animal assisted therapy partner. After client can interact with humans as well as they can with animals treatment is complete. ill As with all other interventions, assessing whether a program is effective as far as its outcomes are concerned is easier when the goals are clear and are able to be specified. The literature review identified a range of goals for animal assisted therapy programs relevant to children and young people. They include enhanced capacity to form positive relationships with others increased feelings of self -worth increased personal competence and mastery increased empathy (for children and young people who are assessed as lacking empathy) a reduction in anxiety reduced depression reduced anti - social behaviouru [ edit ] Physical health The therapeutic effects of human- animal relationships can be related to changes in physical health as well. A 1988 study, conducted by Julia K. Vormbrock and John M. Grossberg, reviewed the physiological effects of petting and talking to dogs. The patients were first selected for positive or neutral opinions of dogs. The researchers discovered that blood pressure was http: //65.55.72.13 5 /att/GetAttachment.aspx ?file =406c lb8l - 1261- 4b23- b511- ba3176cea3 a... 1/25/2013 Animal- assisted therapy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 3 of 9 lowest while petting the dogs, slightly higher when talking to the dogs, and highest when speaking with the experimenter. The researchers believed that this finding might be helpful for individuals with hypertension.LW A study on coronary heart disease patients published in 1980 suggested that pet owners lived longer than people who did not own pets. The researchers believed this occurred because owning an animal demands a lot of work and a regular routine. The sense of responsibility was thought beneficial for individuals who are retired and did not have any kind of scheduled activity for the day. Furthermore, pets can provide full love and attention unconditionally, unlike humans that often bring negative emotions to a relationship. Humans also demand speech in interactions, while communication with pets can often occur without a spoken word. Finally, maintaining one's attention on a fish or an animal playing can have a relaxing effect in the same way as holding attention in meditation. Overall, there is a sense of companionship and stress- relief in pet ownership. Marcus et al. conducted a study using therapy dogs in an Outpatient Pain management clinic. Patients sat in either a waiting room, or a room with a therapy dog in it. Results demonstrated that there were significant improvements on pain, mood, and other distressful measures when patients or family members were placed in the therapy dog room. The study took place over a 2 month time period. They concluded that patients visited by these therapy dogs have a reduction in their pain rating and an improvement in their mood, with this in mind, there have been many nursing homes and hospitals that elicit the help of cats and dogs as a comfort for patients in their time of need. Patients in these scenarios report elevated mood and comfort when the animal is around. It is also thought that animals create a more positive environment for the hospital or clinic itself, with staff member also reporting elevated moods, as well as creating a more positive appearance of the clinician to the patient. Another example is Cole's 2007u study on patients who were in critical care after experiencing heart failure. The patients were visited three different times over a period of three months by either a volunteer with a therapy dog, a volunteer by themselves, or the usual care that they had been receiving. The results showed a significant decrease in the cardiopulmonary pressure, nuerohormone level, and anxiety level of those patients who received the twelve minute visit by the therapy dog. Cole cites many other resources such as Blascovich,u and Shykoff U where AAT has helped reduce blood pressure and stress among individuals, however these studies focus more on pet ownership as a method rather than AAT. Pets may promote kindness in children. [ edit ] Benefiting children Children also can receive positive benefits from Animal Assisted therapy in the class setting. FriesonLL (20 10) conducted a study with children and therapy dogs in a class room setting and found that the animals provide a social and emotional support system for the child, with assumptions that because the animal seems non judgmental to the child, it is perceived as comforting, raises the child's self - esteem and makes it easier for the child to express themselves. [ edit ] Mental Institutions, Hospitals and Nursing Homes A 1998 study looked at the use of AAT in reducing anxiety levels of institutionalized patients. They determined that anxiety levels were significantly reduced in patients with mood disorders and psychotic disorders after a session of AAT. In fact, for the patients with psychotic disorders, those who participated in AAT had twice the reduction in anxiety scores as those who participated in some other form of recreational activity. This suggests the low demands of human -animal interaction was effective for individuals with psychotic disorders as compared to traditional therapy. 1191 A controlled study of 20 elderly schizophrenic patients found significant improvements through the use of cats and dogs as companions, indicating that this population may benefit from the companionship of an animal, especially if they do not have access to friends or family. http: //65. 55.72.135 /att/GetAttachment.aspx ?file =406c 1 b8l - 1261- 4b23 -b5l 1- ba3176cea3 a... 1/25/2013 Animal- assisted therapy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 4 of 9 [medical citation needed) pets may also provide an opportunity for fun and relaxation. Another example can be seen with the famous case of Oscar the cat and a Providence, Rhode Island nursing home. Patients and family member reported a sense of calming when the cat would enter their room. Although the cat was a sign that the patient was dying, family members were thankful for the comfort that the cat seemed to instill in their loved one. The cat would jump on the patients lap and stay with them until they passed. In 1? 1 1 National Capital Therapy Dogs Inc., a non - profit, all- volunteer organization that provides animal- assisted therapy to many people in health facilities, shelters, schools and libraries, has more than fifty teams of pet/human therapist combinations that work with patients that have severe medical conditions. They are able to improve morale for people who are undergoing intense medical treatments, reducing depression and anxiety as well as chronic pain. Walking with the dogs can improve circulation as well, especially for patients who spend most of their day in bed. [cirarr'on needed) [edit] Nursing Homes Animal assisted therapy draws on the bond between animals and humans in order to help improve and maintain an individual's function and is being used to assist in the process of enhancing the individual's quality of life in nursing homes. Ll Psychologists and therapists notice increasing unfavorable behaviors of elderly people that are transferred to nursing homes. Once the patients become settled into their new environment, they lose their sense of self - efficacy and independence. Simple, everyday tasks are taken away from them and the patients become lethargic, depressed, and anti - social if they do not have regular visitors. Ll Animal assisted therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy that incorporates animals in the treatment of a person; especially elderly people in nursing homes or long term care (LTC) facilities. The goal of using animals as a treatment option is to improve the person's social, emotional, and cognitive functioning and reduce passivity. When elderly people are transferred to nursing homes or LTC facilities, they often become passive, agitated, withdrawn, depressed, and inactive because of the lack of regular visitors or the loss of loved ones. Ll Supporters of AAT say that animals can be helpful in motivating the patients to be active mentally and physically, keeping their minds sharp and bodies healthy. 1251 Therapists or visitors who bring animals into their sessions at the nursing home are often viewed as less threatening, which increases the relationship between the therapist/visitor and patient. U There are numerous techniques used in AAT, depending on the needs and condition of the patient. For elderly dementia patients, hands on interactions with the animal are the most important aspect. Animal assisted therapy provides these patients with opportunities to have close physical contact with the animals warm bodies, feeling heartbeats, caress soft skins and coats, notice breathing, and giving hugs. Animal assisted therapy counselors also plan activities for patients that need physical movement. These planned tasks include petting the animal, walking the animal, and grooming the animal. These experiences seem so common and simple, but elderly dementia patients do not typically have these interactions with people because their loved ones have passed or no one comes to visit them. Their mind needs to be stimulated in the ways it once was. Animals provide a sense of meaning and belonging to these patients and offer something to look forward to during their long days. The AAT program encourages expressions of emotions and cognitive stimulation through discussions and reminiscing of memories while the patient bonds with the animal. Many of the troubling symptoms in elderly dementia patients include decreased physical functioning, apathy, depression, loneliness, and disturbing behaviors and are all positively affected by AAT interventions. Animal assisted therapy is very useful in helping these negative behaviors decrease by focusing their attention on something positive (the animal) rather than their physical illness, motivating them to be physically active and encouraging communication skills for those with memory loss. Ll Numerous researchers found that communication with animals have a positive effect on older adults by increasing their social behavior and verbal interaction, while also decreasing tense behavior and loneliness. 1271 [ edit ] Types of Animal Assisted Therapy There are many types of AAT ranging from the use of dogs, to cats, even to small animals such as fish and hamsters. The most popular forms of AAT include Canine therapy, Dolphin therapy, and Equine therapy. [ edit] Dolphin Therapy Dolphin assisted therapy refers to the practice of swimming with dolphins. Proponents claim for such encounters "extraordinary results of the therapy and breakthroughs in outcomes ", 28 however this form of therapy has been strongly criticised as having no long term benefit, and being based on flawed observations. F 301 Psychologists have cautioned that dolphin assisted therapy is not effective for any known condition and presents considerable risks to both human patients and the captive dolphins. 13 http: //65. 55.72.135 /att/GetAttachment.aspx ?file =406c lb8l - 1261- 4b23 -b5 l 1- ba3176cea3a... 1/25/2013 Animal- assisted therapy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [edit] Equine therapy Hippotherapy can be used as a treatment for people with physical or mental challenges. Main article: HippotherWy Page 5 of 9 A distinction exists between hhi potherapv and therapeutic horseback riding The American Hippotherapy Association defines hippotherapy as a physical, occupational, and speech - language therapy treatment strategy that utilizes equine movement as part of an integrated intervention program to achieve functional outcomes, while the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATHI) defines therapeutic riding as a riding lesson specially adapted for people with special needs. According to Marty Becker, hippotherapy programs are active "in twenty -four countries and the horse's functions have expanded to therapeutic riding for people with physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and behavioral problems ". Hippotherapy has also been approved by the American Speech and Hearing Association as a treatment method for individuals with speech disorders. L 321 In addition, equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) uses horses for work with persons who have mental health issues. EAP often does not involve riding. 3I 41I351 Additional information pertaining to equine assisted therapy can be seen with Laira Gold's open clinical study of EAT u [ edit ] Criticisms of animal- assisted therapy Although animal assisted therapy has been considered a new way to deal with depression, anxiety, and childhood aliments such as Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and Autism there has been criticism as to the effectiveness of the process. According to Lilienfeld and Arkowitz animal- assisted therapy is better considered a temporary fix. They point to the lack of longitudinal data or research to see if there is evidence for long term improvement in patients undergoing the therapy. They then suggest that this further supports the idea that AAT is more of an affective method of therapy rather than a behavioral treatment. They also state the dangers of these therapy programs in particular the Dolphin assisted therapy. Dolphin assisted therapy has not been shown to have significant results when dealing with a child's behavior. Instead Lilienfeld suggest that again animal assisted therapy might be a short term reinforcer, not a long term one. They also suggest that studies dealing with children should look into more balanced measures, such as having one group of children in the Dolphin group and the other in a setting where they still receive positive reinforcement. It is also suggested that DAT is harmful to the dolphins themselves; by taking dolphins out of their natural environment and putting them in captivity for therapy can be hazardous to their well being. Heimlich discussed in her study of AAT's effect on severely disabled children that without evidence that this type of therapy works outside a laboratory setting, assumptions can not be made that it is an effective form of therapy.l,338 funAe weight? — discuss [ edit ] See also • Care farming • Human- canine bond • Service animal [ edit ] References 1. ^ "Animal Assisted Therapy " . American Humane Association. hqp:// www. americanhumane .orp/interaction/programs /animal- assisted - therapy 2. ^ n b `- d Beck, Alan (1983). Between Pets and People: the Importance of Animal Companionship. New York: Putnam. ISBN 0- 399 - 12775 -5 3. ^ Chur- Hansen, A.; Winefield, H. (2010). "Gaps in the evidence about companion animals and human health: some http: //65.5 5.72.13 5 /att/GetAttachment. aspx ?file =406c 1 b8 l - 1261 -4b23 -b5 l 1- ba3176cea3 a... 1/25/2013 Animal- assisted therapy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 6 of 9 suggestions for progress ". International Journal of Evidence -Based Healthcare 8 (3): 140 -146. doi: I 1I/j.1744- 1609.2010.00176.x See also: Serpell (1990), Walsh (2009), and Wilson (2006). 4. ^ Schaefer K (2002) Human - animal interactions as a therapeutic intervention Counseling and Human Development, 34 (5) pp.1-18. 5. ^ Serpell JA. 2006. Animal- assisted interventions in historical perspective. In: Fine AH, ed. Handbook on Animal - Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice. San Diego: Elsevier. p 3 -17 6. ^ 4 b Serpell, James (2000). "Animal Companions and Human Well- Being: An Historical Exploration of the Value of Human - Animal Relationships ". Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy: Theoretical Foundations and Guidelines for Practice: 3 -17. 7. ^ Stanley Coren (2010), "Foreword ", Handbook on Animal - Assisted Therapy, Academic Press, ISBN 978 -0 -12- 381453 -1 8. ^ Barker, Kathryn S.; Dawson (1998). "The Effects of Animal- Assisted Therapy on Anxiety Ratings of Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients " Psychiatric Services 49 (6): 797 -801. http: / /ain.nsvchiatryonline.or article.aspx ?articleid= 81469 Retrieved 2012- 03 -18. 9. ^ hgp:Hsethhilleiy.wix.com /animal- assisted - therapv #! aat- timeline /page -1 10. ^ RHMSS Pty Ltd. (2003). Animal assisted therapy and young people. Menzies Inc., Retrieved from http: / /www.menzies.org au/Uploads /Animal- Assisted- Therapy-Report.pdf 11. ^ Vormbrock, Julia; Grossman, John M. (1988). "Cardiovascular Effects of Human -pet Dog Interactions ". Journal of Behavioral Medicine 11 (5): 509 -517. doi: 10. 1007/BF00844843 PMID 3236382 12. ^ Friedmann E, Katcher AH, Lynch JJ, Thomas SA (1980). "Animal companions and one -year survival of patients after discharge from a coronary care unit " Public Health Rep 95 (4): 307 -12. PMC 1422527 PMID 6999524 // www. ncbi. nlm. nih .gov /pmc /articles/PMC1422527 /. 13. ^ Marcus, Dawn; Berstein. C., Constantin. J.M., Kunkel F.A., Breuer P., & Hanlon R., (2012). "Animal- assisted therapy at an Outpatient Pain management clinic ". Pain Medicine 13 (1): 45 -57. doi: 10.1111 /j.1526- 4637.2011.01294.x PMID 22233395 14. ^ Cole, Kathie; Anna Gawlinski, Neil Steers, Jenny Kotlerman (2007). "Animal- Assisted Therapy in Patients Hospitalized With Heart Failure " . American Journal of Critical Care 16 (6): 575 -85; quiz 586; discussion 587 -8. PMID 17962502 http:// aicc. aacnioumals .org /content/16 /6/575.full 15. ^ Blascovich, Allen; Tomaka J, Kelsey R (1991). "Presence of human friends and pet dogs as moderators of autonomic responses to stress in women ". JPers Soc Psychol 61 (4): 582 -589. doi: 10.1037/0022- 3514.61.4.582 PMID 1960650 16. ^ Shykoff, Allen; Izzo JL Jr (2001). "Pet ownership, but not ACE inhibitor therapy, blunts home blood pressure responses to mental stress ". Hypertension 38 (4): 815 -820. PMID 11641292 17. ^ Friesen, L (2010). "Exploring Animal- Assisted Programs with Children in School and Therapeutic Contexts ". Early Childhood Education Journal 37 (4): 261-267. 18. ^ Reichart. "Trauma/Sexual Abuse " http:// www .childfamilytherapyofdenver.com /animal Retrieved 27 June 2012. 19. ^ Barker & Dawson 1998 pp. 797 -801. 20. ^ Barak, Yoram; Savorai, Osnat; Mavashev, Svetlana; Beni, Avshalom (2001). "Animal- Assisted Therapy for Elderly Schizophrenic Patients: A One -Year Controlled Trial " . American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 9 (4): 439 -442. http:// journals. lww.com /ajgponline /Abstract/2001 /11000 /Animal Assisted Therapy for Elderly Schizophrenic. I3.asnx Retrieved 2012- 03 -18. 21. ^ "Nursing home cat can predict impending g eath " New york post. hqp://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/nursin2 home cat can predict impending_ X4oLhF13oAjRhcGdw6pExN Retrieved 24 April 2012. 22. ^ Martindale, B., P. (2008). Effect of animal- assisted therapy on engagement of rural nursing home resident. American journal of recreation therapy, 7, 45 -53 23. ^ - b c .Buttner, L. L., Fitzsimmons, S., & Barba, B. (2011). Animal- assisted therapy for clients with dementia. Journal of gerontological nursing, 37 24. ^ .Sutton, D., M. (1984). Use of pets in therapy with elderly nursing home residents. Toronto, Canada: American Psychological Association 25. ^ . "Animal Assisted Therapy." American Humane Association. Retrieved from: http: / /www.americanhumane .ore, /interaction/programs /animal- assisted - therapv /Date October 20, 2012 26. ^ .Marx, M., S., Mansfield, J., C., Regier, N., G., Dakheel -Ali, M., Srihari, A., & Thein,k. (2010). The impact of different dog - related stimuli on engagement of persons with dementia. American journal of alzheimer's disease and other dementias,25, 37 -45. 27. ^ .Kawamura, N., Niiyama, M., & Niiyama, H. (2009). Animal- assisted activity: Experiences of institutionalized japanese older adults. Journal of psychosocial nursing and mental health services, 47 28. ^ "Dolphin Assisted Therapy Essentials " http: / /www.dolphinassistedtherapco 29. ^ Nathanson, David E. (1998). "Long -Term Effectiveness of Dolphin - Assisted Therapy for Children with Severe Disabilities ". Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals 11 (1): 22 -32. doi 30. ^ Marino, Lori; Lilienfeld, Scott O. (2007). "Dolphin- Assisted Therapy: More Flawed Data and More Flawed Conclusions ". Anthrozoos: A Multidisciplinary Journal of The Interactions of People & Animals 20 (3): 239-249. do is 1 0.2752/0892793 07X224782 http: //65.5 5 .72.13 5 /att/GetAttachment. aspx ?file =406c l b 81- 1261 -4b23 - b511- ba3176cea3 a... 1/25/2013 Animal - assisted therapy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 7 of 9 31. ^ "Dolphin 'Therapy' A Dangerous Fad, Researchers Warn " Science Daily. 2007- 12 -18. hM: / /www.sciencedaily.com/ releases /2007/12/07121810113 Lhtm Retrieved 2012- 03 -18. 32. ^ -° b Becker, Marty (2002). The Healing Power of Pets: Harnessing the Amazing Ability of Pets to Make and Keep People Happy and Healthy. New York: Hyperion. ISBN 0- 7868 - 6808 -2 . 33. ^ Becker 2002, p. 124. 34. ^ "What is EAP and EALT' Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. hM:// www.eagala.org /Information/What Is EAP EAL Retrieved 2012- 03 -18. 35. ^ Quiroz Rothe et al. (2005). " From kids and horses: Equine facilitated psychotherapy for children ". International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology. 5 (2): 373 -383. ISSN 1697 -2600 36. ^ Klontz, B; Bivens, A., Leinart, D., & Klontz, T. (2007). "The Effectiveness of Equine-Assisted Experiential Therapy: Results of an Open Clinical Trial. ". Society & Animals 15 (3): 257 -267. 37. ^ Lilienfeld, Scott. "Is animal assisted therapy really the cat's meow ? " Scientific American. http:// www. scientificamerican .com/article.cfin ?id =is- animal- assisted - therapy &offset =2 Retrieved 4/10/2012. 38. ^ Heimlich, K (2001). "Animal- Assisted Therapy and the Severely Disabled Child: A Quantitative Study " Journal of Rehabilitation 67 (4): 48 -54. hU:Hfindarticies.com /p /articles /mi m0825 /is 4 67 /ai 81759719/ [ edit ] External links . 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See Terms of Use for details. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. a non - profit organization. • Contact us • Privacy policy • About Wikipedia • Disclaimers • Mobile view Wikimedia • Powered http://65.55.72. 135 /att/GetAttachment.aspx ?file= 406elb8l - 1261- 4b23- b511- ba3176cea3a... 1/25/2013 The Legal Center for People with Disabilities � ;and Older Peole Colorado's Protection c& Advocacy System KEEPING YOUR SERVICE ANIMAL WITH YOU IN YOUR HOME. A GUIDE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN COLORADO WHO BENEFIT, OR MAY BENEFIT, FROM THE ASSISTANCE OF SER VICE ANIMAL [In some cases, different rules or laws will apply regarding "public accommodations ". This paper covers only housing issues.] This guide is not legal advice. It is intended as an informational introduction to the topic of service animals in housing. Anyone anticipating or experiencing disability discrimination should contact an attorney or advocate with expertise in disability discrimination law. Prepared by the Protection and Advocacy for Individual Rights Program at The Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People. A REMINDER: ALL LAWS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGEAT ANYTIME. 1. What laws apply? Four federal laws and one state law protect persons who need the assistance of a service animal from disability discrimination. Colorado statutes protect the use of "assistance dogs" that aid persons with physical disabilities'. The laws are: The Fair Housing Act Amendments of 1988 (FHA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Section 227 of the Housing and Urban -Rural Recovery Act of 1983 (Section 227), and Colorado statutes" 2. What is a service animal? Under federal law a service animal is a dog or any other animal individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability "` State law, however, protects only a person's right to the services of a dog, "specially trained for that person." Although a service animal's guardian may also consider their animal a pet, the law makes a distinction between "service animal" and "pet ". Companionship may be a service provided by the animal, but the laws discussed in this guide do not recognize the term "companion animal." The term'service animal' helps to avoid confusion and includes animals providing companionship. Service animals in the home Other than specific training to provide assistance to an individual with a disability, there is no minimum training required to qualify an animal as a service animal. Companionship is among services that inherently require no training. 3. Will I need to certify or license my service animal? In the past, Colorado statutes made reference to "certification" of assistance dogs. These references have been removed. Currently in Colorado, there is no such thing as state certification of an assistance dog. The federal government does not certify service animals. Despite this, federal law governing federally- supported housing allows property managers or owners to request that a guardian "certify" that their service animal is in fact a service animal and that the animal has been trained for such purposes. This certification is your "word" that the animal has been appropriately trained. If there is a conflict over a service animal, it is helpful (but not necessary) to have papers documenting that the animal was appropriately trained. It is also helpful to have physician's statements documenting the guardian's disability and the guardian's need for the service animal. Given the appropriate training, animals are considered service animals regardless of whether they have been licensed by a state or local government. It is a guardian's responsibility to obtain the licenses (different from "certifying ") necessary for their animal, regardless of the "service" label. Under Colorado law, an individual with a physical disability may not be required to pay any licensing fees. 4. Who may have a service animal? The laws protecting guardians of service animals protect only persons with disabilities. These laws protect persons whose disability substantially limits one or more major life activities. In the event of a dispute over whether a person is covered by a specific statute, it is very helpful to have medical documentation of a disability and a physician's statement that the guardian requires the services of the animal. 5. What types of housing are affected by the service animal laws? Apartments are covered by the service animal laws. This includes federal and state subsidized housing. Privately owned homes and townhomes may be covered if housing covenants or zoning laws prohibit persons with disabilities from having service animals in their homes. 6. Are extra charges allowed such as deposits, fees, or increased rent? No. Not if the animal is trained to provide assistance to an individual, and is providing that service. An exception to this rule is when a guardian fails to clean up animal waste. The property manager may fine a person who fails to clean up after his or her animal. The property manager may initiate other proceedings against a guardian, including eviction proceedings, if the guardian fails to meet his or her obligations. Importantly, if an animal is not acting as a service animal, federal regulations may still limit the amount of charges, fees, or deposits. 7. Who is responsible for the service animal's behavior? OA Service animals in the home The service animal's guardian is always responsible for the service animal's behavior. 8. What are specific responsibilities of a service animal's guardian? - License the animal if your local municipality requires it. -Clean up after your service animal. -Keep your service animal under control and on a leash if appropriate. -Keep your service animal from making too much noise. - Provide for your service animal's health and safety. -Keep records of your service animal's medical treatment, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and names of those who may assist with the animal's care in an emergency. -Keep records of all training, including general training and training specific to your service needs. If a service animal's guardian cannot keep their animal from annoying or threatening neighbors, the property manager may attempt an eviction. 9. How do I request that my service animal stay with me when my landlord, housing association, or property manager tells me that I may not have my service animal live with me - -or that I must pay an extra amount? Write a letter to the property manager, and send it by certified mail (if time allows), since this will give you proof that the manager received your letter. The FHA requires property managers to make a "reasonable accommodation" to persons with a disability so that they may fully and equally enjoy their home'". The letter should include the following: - request a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. - describe disability- related limitations. - describe the accommodation requested: keeping the service animal, and /or not paying an extra fee. - describe how the service animal will provide assistance. - describe how the service addresses disability - related limitations. - describe how this service is necessary to fully use and enjoy your home. - describe how the service animal is adequately and appropriately trained, or whether the animal inherently possesses the skill necessary to provide service. - describe how you will be responsible for the service animal's noise, waste, and cleanliness. - inform the property manager that you will supply medical documentation regarding your limitations (and, if possible, supply medical documentation supporting your need for a service animal) upon his or her request. - request a reply within a certain number of business days. -date the letter. -copy the letter and retain the copy for your records. 10. What can I do if my service animal is not permitted to accompany me in my home despite an appropriate, lawful request? Service animals in the home You have administrative and court- oriented options. You may make a complaint to the Colorado Civil Rights Division, at 1- 800 - 262 -4845. You may make a complaint to the Fair Housing Enforcement Center, at 1- 800 - 669 -9777. If your housing is federally subsidized, you must make the complaint within one hundred and eighty days of the discrimination (the denial of permission to keep your service animal). If the housing is not federally subsidized, you must make a complaint within one year of the discrimination. These administrative agencies may be able to assist in helping both parties reach a settlement. You do not need to make these complaints to pursue a remedy. You may sue in state or federal court. To do so, you should seek the assistance of an attorney who is familiar with disability discrimination law. Lawsuits must be brought within two years if there is no federal financial assistance involved, or if the lawsuit is brought under Colorado law. It may be possible to file a lawsuit regarding housing involving federal financial assistance within a three -year timeline, but a two -year timeline will assure meeting all filing deadlines for Fair Housing claims. 11. How do I avoid a conflict with my landlord, the property manager, or the homeowners association? It is not always possible to avoid a conflict. However, two effective approaches include: Be diplomatic in your discussions about your need to keep your service animal, and take care of all of your responsibilities regarding the animal. 12. What agencies offer assistance? The Colorado Cross Disability Coalition (Denver), 303 - 839 -1775, TTY 303 - 839 -0015 The Animal Legal Defense Fund (California), 707 - 769 -7771 The Doris Day Animal League (Massachusetts), 202 -546 -1761 The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law (Washington, D.C.), 202 - 467 -5730, TTY 202 - 467 -4232 The Delta Society (Washington), 206 - 226 -7357, TTY 1- 800 - 809 -2714 'Colorado law provides for accompaniment by an assistance dog to persons, "with a disability, including but not limited to a blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or otherwise physically disabled person...." Colo. Rev. Stat. § 24 -34 -803 (2002). The "not limited to" language in the statute may allow for a colorable claim that persons with mental impairments may benefit from the protections of the statute. "The FHA is at 42 U.S.C. § 3 60 1, the ADA is at 42 U.S.C. § 12131, Section 504 is at 29 U.S.C. § 794, Section 227 is at 12 U.S.C. § 1701r -1, and the Colorado Revised Statutes are § 24 -34 -501, 502, 502.2, 803, 804 (2002). See U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section publication, "Commonly asked questions about service animals in places of business ". 4 Service animals in the home " 24 Code of Federal Regulations § 100.204 (2002). THE POT BELLY PIG AS A THERAPY ANIMAL The Pot Belly Pig is a miniature pig that has become popular as a pet due to its docile nature, smaller size and relative ease in training. The pet pot belly pig, raised properly as a companion animal can be a good choice for Animal- Assisted Therapy (AAT) programs. Pet Partners is the only Therapy Animal Registry that allows pigs as therapy animals Characteristics of a Pot Belly Pig: 1. Miniature pig as an adult (150 # or lesson average yet about the size of a medium -sized dog) 2. Small, upright ears 3. Straight tail 4. Swayed back and pot - bellied How a Pet Pig (raised in the home as a family pet) is different from a Farm Pig (raised in crowded, unnatural conditions for food production): • The pig raised as a companion animal is conditioned to see people as the source of food, comfort and companionship in its life. • The pig raised to work as a therapy animal is raised in the owner's home so the pig is used to the sights, sounds, smells and activity of an indoor facility and is acclimated to the lifestyle of the people it lives with. • The pet pig is housetrained • The pet pig (much like the pet dog) learns many skills, boundaries and basic obedience training from the owners. • The pet pig has a positive relationship with the family members it lives with. • The pig must learn to ride in a vehicle (in a crate/ or behind a barrier) calmly. • The pet pig will learn to walk on a harness and leash and be willing to go where the owner leads it. • The pet pig will learn boundaries and manners much like that of a pet dog. What a Therapy Animal goes through during the testing process (including the pig): • Basic (and later -more advanced) obedience skills training. (Sit; Walk on a Loose Lead; Stay; Leave -it; Come and Lay down; taking a treat gently from a person; politely greeting strangers) • Aptitude training; (A full, restraining hug; clumsy petting; being surrounded by no less than 3 people talking to and petting the pig all at once; a loud noise and a visual distraction such as a person running in front of the pig; walking through a crowd with people who have disabilities /medical support equipment; being near a couple having an angry conflict. ) • Being exposed to a'neutral' dog ( one who is calm and friendly) What a Therapy Animal Handler must complete in order to attain the registration: • Complete the skills and aptitude test with the animal- showing control and support. • Completing an online Handler Course or attending a workshop taught by a licensed Pet Partner instructor • Passing a written test online • Taking the pig to a veterinarian to verify that it is healthy, parasite free (internal and external), current on vaccinations and qualified to visit others as a therapy animal. • Paying for all the associated fees. Once completed, the title of Pet Partners Therapy Animal Team will be issued via a letter and also an identification badge for the handler and an identification tag for the pet. The team must renew their registration every 2 years to remain a current Therapy Animal Team with Pet Partners- the only registry that allows animals outside of dogs (domestic farm animals, cats, rabbits, domestic birds and pocket pets) Written by; Sherry J. Eddy CVT 320 - 420 -2046 Pet Partners Therapy Animal Handler Pet Partner Licensed Team Evaluator (Lic. # 32971) Certified Veterinary Technician Owner of Animal Inspirations, LLC Professional Animal Training and Therapeutic Animal Programming www.animalinspirationsllc.com 2 Service Animal Basics - Pet Partners Therapy Animals Service Animals Pets Ways to Help Page 1 of 3 About Us Online Courses Shop Home Service Animal Basics Srvc Dog Trainer Directory Use the " Facts You Should Know About Service Dogs brochure to learn more about service dogs and to educate businesses in your area about the access rights of people with disabilities and their Service Animal Basics service dogs. Please feel free to download, print, and copy the brochure in its entirety to share with others. Denied Access, Now What? Scroll down the page to find answers to the following questions. What Is a Service Dog /Animal? Getting a Service Animal How can I make my dog a service animal? Minimum Standards for Service Animals Training Programs Other Terms Used to Refer to Service Dogs /Animals The Difference between Service, Therapy, Companion and "Social /therapy" Animals Service Animals & Housing Travel with your Service Dog What Is a Service Dog (Animal)? Children with Disabilities According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990), a dog is considered a "service dog" if it has been "individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability." Also according to the ADA, a 'disability' is a "mental or physical condition which substantially limits a Service Animal FAQs major life activity" such as: Trainers & Products Articles & Resources • caring for one's self • performing manual tasks • walking • seeing • hearing • speaking • breathing • learning • working • as well as some disabilities that may not be visible, such as: deafness, epilepsy, and psychiatric conditions To be considered a service dog, s /he must be trained to perform tasks directly related to the person's disability. Example: Chris has a hearing disability and can't hear sounds such as a smoke alarms, doorbells, sirens, or her name being called. Chris is otherwise able to function with no other assistance. Chris has a dog named Dusty. If Dusty is trained to let Chris know when a sound occurs (e.g., smoke alarm, doorbell), Dusty is considered a service dog. On the other hand, if Dusty is only trained to retrieve items around the house and does not know how to alert Chris to sounds, Dusty is not considered a LOGIN MAKE A DONATION! http : / /petpartners.org /page.aspx ?pid =303 2/7/2013 Service Animal Basics - Pet Partners service dog for Chris, because the task of retrieving is not directly related to Chris' disability How can 1 make my dog a service animal? The most frequent question posed to our Service Dog Resources representatives is, "How can I make my dog a service dog so that I can take him /her everywhere I go ?" The only way that a dog can be recognized as a true "service animal" under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is when the following conditions are met: • The owner or handler has a documented disability as defined under the ADA, "....a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities ". • The dog (or miniature horse) must be trained to perform a task or tasks that alleviate that disability. The mere presence of the animal (for example, "s /he gives me a reason to get up every morning ") does not qualify a dog as a service animal. The dog (or miniature horse) must not alter the environment for others. This means that s /he must be kept on a leash and under the control of the handler at all times in public, must not show signs of aggression, must be kept quiet and clean. Unfortunately, there is considerable lack of knowledge among the public regarding the rights of the disabled. Many people believe that without a "Service Dog" vest or tag, a dog cannot be a legitimate service animal — and there are several unethical companies that profit by this ignorance. They sell these forms of identification without requiring proper proof of the level of training a dog has had, nor medical documentation of a person's disability. If a dog does not meet all the requirements listed above, but a person misrepresents their dog as a service animal, they are in violation of a federal law and subject to a heavy fine and/or imprisonment. Minimum Standards for Service Animals The Minimum Standards for Service Dogs, were developed by a team of service dog trainers, animal behaviorists, people with disabilities, and veterinarians to guide the development of the Service Dog Education System. The Minimum Standards includes only those recommended characteristics and minimum behaviors required of all service dogs. The characteristics and specialized behaviors required of individual dogs should vary, based on the individual requirements of the person for whom the dog is trained. Download and Print the Minimum Standards for Service Animals Purchase a soft -bound copy of the Minimum Standards for Service Animals Other Terms Used to Refer to Service Dogs /Animals To be consistent with the legal definition in the ADA, Pet Partners uses the following terms: Service Animal Any DOG (or, in some cases, minature horse) that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. Service Dog Adapted from the term service animal, service dog is a species - specific term to generically describe any dog in the role of a service animal. The terminology used to label specific types of work dogs perform for people with disabilities has not been standardized. For example, a dog trained to help a person walk might be referred to by different sources as a 'mobility dog', a 'walker dog', or a 'support dog'. In addition to the wide variety of terms used, many service dogs are cross - trained to perform more than one category of work (such as guide and mobility for a person who is blind and has severe arthritis) and labeling them by the work they do http://petpartners.org/page.aspx?pid=303 Page 2 of 3 2/7/2013 Service Animal Basics - Pet Partners Page 3 of 3 becomes cumbersome. Many individuals choose to identify their service animal generically because it identifies the roles of the animals without disclosing the nature of the persons' disabilities, and it is consistent with the terminology of the laws that protect them. The Difference between: Service, Therapy, Companion and "Social /therapy" Animals Service Animals are legally defined (Americans With Disabilities Act, 1990) and are trained to meet the disability - related needs of their handlers who have disabilities. Federal laws protect the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in public places. Service animals are not considered 'pets'. Therapy Animals are not legally defined by federal law, but some states have laws defining therapy animals. They provide people with contact to animals, but are not limited to working with people who have disabilities. They are usually the personal pets of their handlers, and work with their handlers to provide services to others. Federal laws have no provisions for people to be accompanied by therapy animals in places of public accommodation that have "no pets" policies. Therapy animals usually are not service animals. A Companion Animal is not legally defined, but is accepted as another term for pet. 'Social /therapy' Animals have no legal definition. They often are animals that did not complete service animal or service dog training due to health, disposition, trainability, or other factors, and are made available as pets for people who have disabilities. These animals might or might not meet the definition of service animals. To enlarge the content on our website, please press and hold down the Ctrl and + keys until it is large enough for you. ABOUT US - PROGRAMS • RESOURCES• WAYS TO HELP• SHOP PET PARTNERS CONTACT US © 2012 PET PARTNERS I PRIVACY POLICY 875 124th Ave NE, Suite 101 • Bellevue, WA 98005 U.S.A. Web site design by : Uptown Studios http : / /petpartners.org /page.aspx ?pid =303 2/7/2013 Service Animal FAQs - Pet Partners Page 1 of 5 r► Pet Partners Touching Lives, Improving Health Improving fives through positive human - animal interactions. Service Animal FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) Scroll down the page to get answers to these questions. How can I get a service dog /animal? How can I make my dog a service animal so I can take him /her everywhere I go? How can I get my service dog /animal certified /registered? How much does a service dog cost? Can I train my own dog to be a service animal? How do I find out what my state's laws are regarding service animals? How do I find out what federal laws apply to service animals? What should I do if I am discriminated against because I have a service animal? I was denied access with my service dog /animal. What can I doT How can I get my service doglanimal allowed in housing? I want to get a service doglanimal for my child. Is this Possible? How does a dog /animal quality to become a psychiatric service dog /animal Can my service dog /animal ride in the airplane cabin with me? What is required? How can I identifv if an animal is a service animal and not must a pet? What can I do if my service animal is injured by another animal or by a person? I need legal help. How do I find it? Where can I get a vest for my service animal? How do I find a veterinarian who understands my animal's work - related needs? Where can I get help if my service animal has to retire or dies? How do I become a service dog trainer? How do I become a puppy raiser for, or donate an animal to, a service dog training organization? How can I get a service animal /dog? There area variety of ways you can go about getting a service animal. Some organizations raise, train and place service animals, while others solely train the animal for you or assist you in training the animal yourself. Although Pet Partners does not train or place service dogs, we do maintain an extensive online directory of trainers. This directory of Service Dog Trainer Directory is a great place to start your researct This directory is not a complete list of every service dog trainer or training program, nor is it a guarantee of quality. The entry for each trainer or program includes information of what kind of dogs they train (e.g., guide, hearing, mobility, etc.) and what services they offer (e.g., train for multiple disabilities, train own animal, train handler, test and provide ID, etc.). We also suggest you read our section on Service Animal Consumer Considerations You must be an educated consumer when looking for a service dog. How can I make my dog a service animal so I can take him /her everywhere I go? The most frequent question posed to our Service Dog Resources representatives is, "How can I make my dog a service dog so that I can take him/her everywhere I go ?" The only way that a dog can be recognized as a true "service animal" under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is when the following conditions are met: The owner or handler has a documented disability as defined under the ADA, ......a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities ". The dog (or miniature horse) must be trained to perform a task or tasks that alleviate that disability. The mere presence of the animal (for example, "s/he gives me a reason to get up every morning ") does not qualify a dog as a service animal. The dog (or miniature horse) must not alter the environment for others. This means that s /he must be kept on a leash and under the control of the handler at all times in public, must not show signs of aggression, must be kept quiet and clean. http:// www .petpartners.org/page.aspx ?pid =304 1/24/2013 Service Animal FAQs - Pet Partners Page 2 of 5 Unfortunately, there is considerable lack of knowledge among the public regarding the rights of the disabled. Many people believe that without a "Service Dog" vest or tag, a dog cannot be a legitimate service animal —and there are several unethical companies that profit by this ignorance. They sell these forms of identification without requiring proper proof of the level of training a dog has had, nor medical documentation of a person's disability. If a dog does not meet all the requirements listed above, but a person represents their dog as a service animal, they are in violation of a federal law and subject to a heavy fine and/or imprisonment. How can I get my service animal /dog certified /registered? The ADA does not require service animals to be "certified ". This type of assessment and identification is not a legal requirement under the ADA and other federal non - discrimination laws, but is preferred by some handlers. Some service dog trainers and programs evaluate the dogs they train and provide the handlers with some type of identification card. Some trainers will test dogs they have not trained and provide the owner with identification cards. Refer to our directory of Service Animal Trainers and Training Programs and look for those that provide the service "Test and Provide ID" Note: Delta Society's directory of service animal trainers and training programs is not a complete list of service dog trainer or training program, nor is it a guarantee of quality. Some areas provide a special lic for service dogs. The animal licensing department in your state or county should be able to tell you the requirements for getting a special service dog tag. How much does a service animal cost? Trainer and acquisition fees may range from no cost to thousands of dollars. Each service animal trainer or training program sets their own fees. Some people choose to look for sponsorship for their service animal from local organizations such as businesses, churches, and civic groups. By helping sponsor a service animal, local organizations give back to their community, much like sponsoring a youth sports team. The Assistance Dog United Campaign (ADUC) raises funds in support of the assistance dog community. ADUC accepts voucher applications for new assistance dog partnerships. Vouchers are issued once a year and the decision of to whom to give the vouchers is based on disability and financial needs. Contact ADUC at info@ assistancedogunitedcampaign .org. Can I train my own dog to be a service animal? One of the big challenges for people training service dogs is getting the dog adequately trained for public access. Not all dogs have the temperament to handle the stress of working in public. Remember that you must meet the ADA definition of having a "disability" and, to be considered a service dog, your dog must be trained to perform tasks directly related to your disability. The Minimum Standards for Service Dogs documents the recommended characteristics and minimum of skills required of all service dogs. The Minimum Standards also address the health and safety of the public, handler, and dog. Refer to our directory of Service Animal Trainers and Training Programs and look under Services Provided for "Train Handler." These trainers and programs will help you train your own dog to be a service dog, if it is appropriate. Trainers and programs that do not list this service will not train your own dog. Teamwork, A Dog Training Manual for People with Physical Disabilities, Book One: Basic Obedience and Teamwork II, A Dog Training Manual for People with Physical Disabilities (Service Exercises) (both availa from Dogwise.com) are books written for people with disabilities to teach them to train their own dog to perform service dog mobility skills. Teamwork, Book One teaches basic commands such as down, down stay, wait, and leave it. Teamwork II goes into skills such as retrieve, under, brace, light pull, and others. You may also contact Dogwise.com at (800) 776 -2662. Assistance Dogs International has developed a Public Access Test that reflects what they feel a service dog team should know to be safe in public. How do I find out what my state's laws are regarding service animals? Laws vary from state to state. Some are in compliance with federal laws, and some are not. Many have been recently revised or are in the process of revision. Find out the current provisions of state laws by contacting your state Attorney General's office. Since the language in state laws varies, you might have to explain that you want the laws that apply to service dogs - guide dogs, hearing dogs, etc. Specify if you neec laws that apply to particular situations, such as housing, transportation, etc. When state or local laws conflict with federal laws, the law that provides greater protection for the person with the disability is the law that takes precedence. How do I find out what federal laws apply to service animals? Please refer to the Denied Access, Now What? page. What should I do if I am discriminated against because I have a service animal? http:// www .petpartners.org /page.aspx ?pid =304 1/24/2013 Service Animal FAQs - Pet Partners Page 3 of 5 If you think you have been unreasonably prevented from accessing a business' goods and services or feel you have been otherwise discriminated against because you have a disability and are accompanied by a service animal, you can refer to the Denied Accees, Now What? page for information on how to document and present your complaint to the service provider. In addition, you can file complaints with appropriate state and federal agencies. If you think a state law has been violated, you can file a complaint with the enforcement agency for that law. Often this is the state Human Rights Commission; you can find out the enforcement agency by contacting your state Attorney General's office. Formal complaints about violations of federal laws can be filed with the federal agency responsible for enforcing the applicable law and with the state agency that enforces nondiscrimination laws (often the Human Rights Commission). I was denied access with my service dog /animal. What can I do? CLICK HERE to be provided with a full overview of how to overcome being denied access with your service animal. The following is a list of places where you can get additional help: • Access to public places with a service dog and other rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Department of Justice at (800) 514 -0301; TTY (800) 514 -0383; www.usdoa.gov/crtladaiadahoml.htm Housing with a Service Animal: Department of Housing and Urban Development at (202) 708 -1112; TTY (202) 708 -1455; www.hud.gov • Traveling with a Service Animal: Department of Transportation at (202) 366 -4000; www.dot.gov Bringing your Service Animal to Work: Job Accommodation Network, a free service of the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the Department of Labor, at (800) 526 -7234; ianweb.icdi.wvu.edu Assistance Dogs International's Guide to Assistance Dog Laws (2005) Santa Rosa, CA Assistance Dogs International; 144 pages; visit www.adionline.org • State laws that apply to people with service dogs: Contact your State Attorney General's office and request that they direct you to the appropriate state agency. How can I get my service dog /animal allowed in housing? Landlords, tenants and owners in multifamily housing, housing management associations and realtors often have questions about service animals in housing that traditionally has had no -pet policies. In many areas, despite federal and some state laws that protect people with disabilities to have service animals in housing, confusion about rights and obligations persist. This can lead to discrimination. The Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act is the law that most often helps to provide the guidance necessary to answer the questions that arise about service animals in housing. This article is not legal advice, but is informal technical assistance to help answer some of the most frequently asked housing questions. Advice about individual circumstances and about the legal interpretation of the Fair Housing Act can be obtained from the local Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office. How the Fair Housing Act Protects Individuals with Disabilities with Regard to Service Animals. Click the following link for more information about Service Animals in Housing 1 want to get a service dog /animal for my child. Is this possible? Some service dog trainers will train a service dog for children under 18 year old. Trainers usually will train a dog for a child based on a certain age or the maturity of the child. Pet Partners' directory of Service Animal Trainers and Training Programs will indicate under Services provided if a trainer will consider placing a service dog with a child. Note: Delta Society's directory of service animal trainers and training programs is not a complete list of every ' service dog trainer or training program, nor is it a guarantee of quality. Some areas provide a special license for service dogs. The animal licensing department in your state or county should be able to tell you the requirements for getting a special service dog tag. How does an dog /animal qualify to become a psychiatric service animal? The Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990, (ADA), defines service animal as: "any animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability." The ADA defines a disability as: "a mental or physical condition which substantially limits a major life activity such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working." To be considered a service animal, the animalsmust be trained to perform tasks directly related to the person's disability. "Comforting" or "giving love ", although clinically proven to be beneficial for people, would not be acknowledged as a trained "task" by the Department of Justice, which enforces the ADA. http: / /www.petpartners.org /page.aspx ?pid =304 1/24/2013 Service Animal FAQs - Pet Partners Examples of trained tasks performed by psychiatric service dogs can be found at www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.htmi. Can my service dog /animal ride in the airplane cabin with me? What is required? Service dogs are allowed to ride in the airplane cabin with their handler. CLICK HERE to go to the'Travelin with your Service Animal' articles on our website. For more information contact the Department of Transportation at (202) 366 -4000; www.dot.gov How can I identify if an animal is a service animal and not just a pet? The simple answer is to ask the handler, "Is this a service dog ?" You may also ask what tasks the dog has been trained to do for the handler. A service dog can be any breed or size. There is no Federal requirement that the dog wear any special gear or identification. Also, there is no requirement that the handler carry any certification papers showing that the dog has been trained as a service dog. You may not ask the person about the nature or extent of his or her disability. For more information, read Service Animal Basics What can I do if my service animal is injured by another animal or by a person? Federal laws do not address injury to service animals, but some states and localities have such laws. Additionally, many states and localities have laws about the humane treatment of animals. To find out if , situation is covered by existing law, contact your State Attorney General's office. The law will identify the agency that enforces the law and any recourse you may have under the law. I need legal help. How do I find it? You can get legal referrals from your local or state Bar Association. Other sources for referrals include: people you know whose opinions you trust. state's Protection and Advocacy agency. disability advocacy agencies. legal clinics or legal aid programs, often connected with law school. Specify the type of situation you are dealing with so you can locate an attorney with expertise in that area. Consult an attorney for guidance regarding whether you have additional legal options. Where can I get a vest for my service animal? Download our directory of Service Animal Product Suppliers Product suppliers help people with service dogs obtain necessary equipment and supplies. Please contact the supplier directly for prices and other information. How do I find a veterinarian who understands my animals's work - related needs? It will be important for the veterinarian to be able to address not only your service animal's needs, but also your disability - related needs as they affect the accessibility of his or her services. When you interview potential care providers, discuss how your animal works for you. If you have any ADA needs (accessible parking, alternately formatted materials, etc.), make sure they are available. Where can I get help if my service animal has to retire, or dies? Delta Society has information about dealing with this type of loss. Information about Pet Loss and Bereavement, including the bibliography, a list of counselors, support groups and hotlines that are available to help people through the transition of separating from a service animal, are available on this web site. Additional articles are available on our Service Animal Articles & Resources page. How do I become a service dog trainer? If you are looking for training to be a service dog trainer, you might consider the following resources: • Assistance Dog Institute in Santa Rosa, CA. They have classes to become an assistance dog trainer. (Some people use the term "service dogs" and others use the term "assistance dog ".) ADI grants Associate of Science and Masters of Science degrees in Assistance Dog Education. Their contact information is: Web site: www.assistancedog.org Email: info @assistancedog.org Phone: (707) 545 -3647 East Coast Assistance Dogs operates a state -of -the art training facility in partnership with The Children's Village of Dobbs Ferry, NY, where regularly scheduled Train - the - Trainer programs for adults interested in assistance dog careers take place. Their contact information is: Web site: www.ecadl.org Email: ecad1 @aol.com Phone: 914 - 693 -0600, ext. 1952 or 1953 Page 4 of 5 http://www.petpartners.org/page.aspx?pid=304 1/24/2013 Service Animal FAQs - Pet Partners NEADS (National Education of Assistance Dog Services, Inc.) gives one session each per year for learning how to train mobility and hearing service dogs. Their contact information is: Web site: www.neads.org Email: neadsdogs@aol.com Phone: (978) 422-9064 Another approach to becoming a service dog trainer is to contact service dog training organizations, and a if they have an apprenticeship program. Refer to the Service Animal Trainer Directory and training programs and look for those that provide the service "Apprenticeship" in the Services Provided Section. These trainers and programs will have apprenticeship programs. Note: Delta Society has a list of service dog trainers and training programs that asked to be listed on our web site. This list is not a complete list of every service dog trainer or training program, nor is it a guarantee of quality. How do I become a puppy raiser or donate an animal to a service animal training organization? Donors and puppy raisers (people who house and socialize a young dog before it receives specialized training) can follow the same guidelines as people who are evaluating trainers (See How Do I Know If The Trainer or Organization is Legitimate ?). To find out more contact a service animal trainer you. http://www.petpartners.org/page.aspx?pid=304 Page 5 of 5 1/24/2013