At that time, he really did help me move past the horrible depression. Years later, I also took all three of my dogs to therapy which was very comforting. Hank, my Aussie cross, was originally trained as a psychiatric service dog for someone with dissociative identity disorder. It did not work out, and eventually, I took him as my own.

Anyway, there is a big difference between a service dog of any type (and there are many) and an emotional support animal which is similar to a therapy dog, therapy cat, therapy bird, etc. Sometimes people do get confused about service dogs versus therapy dogs, and it’s important to remember the distinctions, as there are different rules and requirements applied. Now, I have heard some doctors literally “prescribe” getting an animal to help someone.

Also, you are seeing dogs being utilized in many different ways. Service dogs for autism is big right now as well as anxiety, PTSD, and social phobia. Animal-assisted therapy is being implemented in a variety of programs. I think you’re seeing a shift with people using animals, because it works. People feel calmed by the presence of animals (as long as they are not afraid of them), and there are lots of good feeling hormones released as well. Plus, with those of us who need something to take care of, it helps to remind ourselves to take care of ourselves as well.

There is an organization for psychiatric service dogs. Sounds like it would be hard to get a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD), but not too hard to get an Emotional Support Animal.

When my dog was really little, I brought him into Target a couple of times. No one ever said anything to me, but I decided it was only a matter of time. I would love to legally be allowed to let him come and sit in the cart.