HISTORY119 - Service Animals

The history of service animals has been on my possible blog list for a long time.  My last blog on the history of pets got close, but since service animals are not pets, they didn’t make the cut.  So, this blog will cover the history of service animals.

 

After a short introduction, I will cover the history of service animals from antiquity through the present.  I will also highlight the special training required of service animals today and how to acquire a service animal.

As usual, I will list my primary sources at the end.

 

Introduction

Service animals are working animals that have been trained to perform specific tasks that assist disabled people.

The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act was a landmark civil rights law that established the right for people with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in public places.

Under the 2011 revision of the Americans with Disabilities Act, only dogs and miniature horses (under certain conditions; see below) are legally recognized as service animals.  

Service dog tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf to sounds, pulling wheelchairs, and providing mobility support.  Other tasks can involve medical alert dogs (alerting to seizures or blood sugar changes), psychiatric service dogs (interrupting anxiety attacks or harmful behaviors), and general assistance like retrieving items or opening doors.

Other “helpful-dog” categories (but are not service animals) include emotional support dogs and therapy dogs.  An emotional support dog is an untrained pet who emotionally supports their handler.  A therapy dog is a specially trained animal that brings calm or comfort to people in the aftermath of serious trauma or in stressful places like hospitals and courthouses. 

Service, emotional, and therapy dogs have different roles.

Today there are about 500,000 service dogs helping people in the United States.  In comparison, there are fewer than 200 miniature horse service animals in the U.S. today.

Service animals have played a vital role in human societies for thousands of years, improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

 

History

The history of service animals stretches from ancient times to today, evolving from informal assistance for the blind to specialized training for a wide range of disabilities.  Legal protections, notably the Americans with Disabilities Act, have cemented their place in society. 

Antiquity to 17^th Century:  Informal Aid/Informal Training. Dogs' service roles were not formally organized.  Rather, individual dogs likely provided companionship and general guidance to people with disabilities. 

The earliest evidence of dogs assisting people with disabilities appears in art.  In ancient Egypt, dogs were depicted as protectors and guides in tomb paintings and hieroglyphs.  A fresco in the Roman ruins of Herculaneum, dated to the 1^st century A.D., depicts a dog guiding a blind man.

Evidence from medieval texts and art suggest that dogs served as guide dogs for the blind, though their role wasn’t as formalized as modern service dogs.  Medieval wood carvings and Chinese scroll paintings also show dogs leading people with visual impairments. In 16^th-century Europe, historical records describe blind individuals using dogs to navigate busy streets.

Illustrated document from the 13^th century depicting a dog guiding a blind man, probably a beggar.

 

Late 18^th to Early 20^th Century:  Formal Training Begins. In 1789, the first school for the blind, the Parisian hospital for the blind, Les Quinze-Vingts, began training dogs for its patients.

In 1819, Johann Wilhelm Klein, who founded the Institute for the Education of the Blind in Vienna, wrote a book detailing a systematic method for training guide dogs.  However, his ideas didn't become widely popular at the time. 

It took until after World War I for the modern guide dog movement to be developed.  War dogs were retrained from their battlefield duties to assist thousands of soldiers who lost their vision to combat and mustard gas.  The success of these dogs in giving soldiers back their independence led to the establishment of formal guide dog training programs.

·     Germany (1916): Dr. Gerhard Stalling opened the first formal guide dog school in Oldenburg, Germany to train German Shepherds for blind veterans.  The school and its branches trained hundreds of dogs annually.

·      United States (1929): American dog trainer Dorothy Harrison Eustis was inspired by the German model and wrote about it in The Saturday Evening Post.  In 1929, she and a visually impaired man, Morris Frank, co-founded The Seeing Eye in New Jersey, America's first guide dog school. 

In 1940, Pat’s uncle suffered an automobile accident that left him blind.  He was able to get a German Shepherd guide dog, Falcon, from The Seeing Eye guide dog school in New Jersey.  After graduating from training together, Falcon helped him attend law school - guiding him everywhere, sitting quietly beside him in all of his classes and meals, and accompanying him on bus trips.   Falcon continued his service during Pat’s uncle’s law career before Falcon’s death in 1953.

 

The Seeing Eye guide dog school’s first graduating class:  three instructors, two canine students.

In 1942, during World War II, Guide Dogs for the Blind was established in California, prompted by the many American veterans who were blinded in combat.

Since then, guide dog schools have opened all round the world, and more open their doors every decade.  There were approximately 2,299 dog training service businesses in the U.S. as of 2024.

1970s - Early 21^st Century:  Expanded Roles. In the 1970s, the role of service dogs began to expand from just guiding blind people:

In 1975, American canine researcher Dr. Bonita Bergin founded Canine Companions for Independence, which pioneered the training of dogs for people with mobility impairments, officially using the term "service dog" for this broader scope. 

Following the success of a German Shepherd named Skippy, who naturally began to assist her deaf handler, the American Humane Society established the first hearing dog training program in 1977.

The American Humane Society is an American animal welfare organization founded in 1877 committed to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of animals.

By the early 21^st century, organizations were training dogs to assist with a long list of conditions.  The complete list of service dog capabilities is shown below: 

Guide service dogs help people who are blind or visually impaired.  The dogs are trained to identify and avoid potential obstacles. These dogs are sometimes called seeing-eye dogs.

Mobility service dogs improve life for people with dexterity disabilities by bringing objects to people, pressing buttons on automatic doors, and helping pull a wheelchair up a ramp.

Hearing service dogs help people with hearing impairments.  They alert their humans to alarms, doorbells, crying babies, traffic, or other noises. 

Psychiatric service dogs assist people who are suffering from issues like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, emotional disabilities, or mental disabilities. The service animals are trained to prevent or interrupt dangerous things like self-harm, anxiety attacks, or compulsive behaviors.

Examples of tasks that a psychiatric service dog can perform.

 

Diabetic alert service dogs alert people to chemical changes in their handler’s blood sugar and can help during blood sugar emergencies by retrieving food or medication.

Allergy detection service dogs can smell an allergen like peanuts or gluten, and alert their humans. 

Seizure alert service dogs may be able to alert their owner of an oncoming seizure, or activate an alert system that contacts emergency services.  Epilepsy alert dogs are also trained to bark or get help if their human becomes unresponsive in public.

Autism service dogs help increase safety and sense of security for people with autism spectrum disorders, while reducing isolation and comforting the person when they are stressed.

 

Mid-1980s - Present: Rights and Regulation.  Beginning in the mid-1980s, service animal rights have been protected and regulated.

The 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act was a landmark civil rights law that officially recognized service animals and established the right for people with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in public places.

Other laws also apply. The U.S. Air Carrier Access Act of 1986 permits trained service animals to travel with disabled people on commercial airplanes.  The Fair Housing Act of 1988 requires housing providers to permit service animals in housing without species restrictions.

In 2011, to address confusion over the definition of a service animal, the Department of Justice issued a revision to the Americans with Disabilities Act that limited the definition of service animals to dogs, although a separate provision allowed miniature horses under specific circumstances.

The most common service dog breeds are Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles - due to their intelligence, trainability, and stable temperaments.  Other breeds frequently used include Border Collies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Cocker Spaniels, and Doberman Pinschers, though any appropriately-sized breed can work well.  

Trained miniature horse service animals must be housebroken; under the owner's control; work in a facility that can accommodate the miniature horse's type, size, and weight; and whose presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility.

The push for inclusion of miniature horses as service animals was driven by people who observed miniature horses' ability to guide and navigate.

The Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act in 2021 authorized the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct a five-year pilot program where veterans with PTSD are involved in the training of service dogs, rather than receiving them directly.  This program allows veterans to work with certified trainers, which is intended to support their mental health through complementary therapy and potentially allow them to adopt the dog they helped train.

Also, most states and local governments have additional laws that protect service animals, and some even provide protections for animals in training.  These laws often establish fines or criminal charges for interfering with a service animal, intentional injury or assault of a service animal, and fraudulently representing a pet as a service animal. 

Responsibilities of a service animal handler include:

Control: A service animal must be under the handler's control at all times, typically with a harness, leash, or tether.  In cases where the handler's disability prevents this, control can be maintained through voice commands or signals.

Housebreaking: The animal must be housebroken.

Local animal laws: Handlers must comply with local licensing and vaccination laws that apply to all animals.

Damage: Handlers are responsible for any damage their service animal causes. 

Service animals have public access rights

 

Specialized Training Today

In the U.S., service dog training is customized to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities and is not federally regulated.  A person with a disability is legally permitted to train their own service dog without professional assistance.  However, many people still choose to work with a professional trainer or an accredited organization due to the complexity and cost of training. 

Professional training for a service dog typically takes 18 to 24 months, though it can range from several months to over two years.  This timeframe depends on the dog's age, temperament, health, the complexity of the required tasks, and the consistency of the training methods used.  Training is so intensive and specific that between 50% and 70% of service dog candidates do not make the cut. 

Service dog in training at Paws for Purple Hearts.

 

Cost. The approach and expense of training a service dog can vary significantly. 

Fully trained service dog: The most expensive option is acquiring a dog that has already completed professional training, with costs ranging from $15,000 to over $50,000, depending on the required tasks.  Some accredited non-profit organizations may provide these dogs for free or at a reduced cost, but often have long waiting lists.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 61 million people in the United States live with disability, fewer than 1% of them are able to work with service dogs. Obstacles like cost, availability, and legal barriers make it difficult to meet the demand for trained service animals. 

Another reason there are not enough service dogs in the U.S. is the issue of legitimacy: a rise in “fake” service dogs - pets who lack the official training or registration of certified service animals, or owners who fraudulently claim their dogs are service animals to get housing and transportation benefits.  This has forced new legislation to reduce the number of fake service animals and protect the rights of people with legitimate service animals.  In 2018 alone, 48 new measures were introduced to stop the rising number of fake service dogs

Hybrid training: This approach involves the handler training their dog with professional guidance.  Costs typically range from $7,000 to $15,000 and can be a rewarding way to build a strong handler-dog bond.  Hybrid training for a service dog typically takes 18 to 24 months, with some cases lasting over two years. 

Owner-trained: If you choose to train your dog independently, the cost is the lowest, potentially ranging from $0 to $7,000.  Expenses would include gear, vet visits, and potentially a few sessions with a professional trainer for specific tasks.  Training your own dog is extremely demanding and requires a strong commitment, and often takes over two years of consistent, intensive training.   Moreover, not every dog has the rare temperament and stamina required for service work.

Veteran programs: Disabled U.S. military veterans can receive service dog training at little to no cost through organizations like K9s For Warriors and Give Us Paws. 

Training Process. Regardless of the training method, a service dog must be individually trained to perform specific tasks directly related to a handler's disability. 

Foundation and obedience: All service dogs must master basic commands like "sit," "stay," "come," and "heel.”  Puppies begin with socialization and basic confidence-building exercises to prepare them for public access.

Task-specific training: This is the core of service dog training and is customized to the individual's needs. Examples include:

·         Mobility assistance: Helping with balance or retrieving objects.

·         Medical alert: Detecting changes in blood sugar or the onset of a seizure.

·         Psychiatric support: Performing deep pressure therapy or interrupting destructive behaviors.

Public access training: A service dog must be reliably well-behaved and focused on its handler in public, ignoring distractions.  Some handlers use a voluntary Public Access Test to ensure the dog can perform its duties in different environments. 

Legal standards and Identification.  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets the legal standards for service dogs.

No certification required: Neither the ADA nor the Department of Justice require service dogs to be professionally trained, certified, or registered.  Websites selling certifications are not legitimate.

Two questions:  When a dog’s competency for service is questioned (e.g., for public access or airline travel) only two questions are allowed: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.  Questioners cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card, or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

No special ID: Service dogs are not required to wear a vest, harness, or special ID, though many handlers use them to signal that the dog is working.

The Americans with Disabilities Act deliberately avoided strict certification requirements to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. The federal law emphasizes an animal's functional training over formal credentials - a policy designed to prevent discrimination and not create a financial barrier to obtaining a service animal. 

Behavioral standards: A service dog can be denied public access if it is out of control and the handler cannot manage it, or if it is not housebroken. 

Reputable Organizations and Certifications. While not legally required, accreditation by reputable organizations signifies a commitment to high standards. 

Accredited organizations: Example: Assistance Dogs International, Canine Companions for Independence, Service Dogs for America, and K9s For Warriors train and place service dogs.  Assistance Dogs International maintains a directory of accredited providers.

Professional certifications: For trainers, credentials like those from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers demonstrate knowledge and proficiency. 

 

How to Acquire a Service Animal

Acquiring a service animal involves several steps, starting with determining if you qualify and deciding on a training method. 

To qualify for a service dog, you must have a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.  While a doctor's note is not strictly required by the ADA, reputable service dog organizations will ask for documented proof of your disability from a healthcare provider.  This ensures a service dog is an appropriate and safe tool for you.  The dog must be trained to perform a specific task directly related to your disability.  You will select a training path from the options described in the training section above (already fully trained, hybrid training, and owner-trained). You will be trained to handle your service dog.  You must demonstrate that you can manage and care for a service dog, including providing for its daily needs, veterinary care, and ongoing training.  Many organizations require you to prove financial competency. 

 

Conclusions

Service animals have played an invaluable role throughout history, evolving from simple guides to highly trained companions that assist with various disabilities.  As laws and awareness continue to progress, the importance of these animals remains undeniable.

Personal Reaction:  I found two surprises in the research and writing of this blog.  First, I can’t believe that there was a “miniature horse lobby” strong enough to have miniature horses included as service animals.  Second, service dog legal standards, with respect to certification, questions allowed for public access, and identification, seem too liberal to me, although I appreciate the reasoning.

 

The Future of Service Animals

The future of service animals will likely feature applications of artificial intelligence for performance tracking and training, a potential for standardized training and certification to improve quality and safety, increased recognition of service animals for a broader range of disabilities, and new types of wearable technology for enhanced support.  While the Americans with Disabilities Act provides broad access to service animals, there is ongoing discussion about expanding the definition of service animals to include animals that provide assistance for psychological disabilities even without a specific trained task.
 

“Service dogs teach us the true meaning of partnership and unconditional support.” - Unknown

 

Sources

My principal sources include: “Service animal,” Wikipedia.com; “The History of Service Animals: From Ancient Times to Today,” nsarco.com; “A Short History of Emotional Support and Service Animals,” members.aagla.org; “Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals: History, Laws, and Training,” abilitycentral.org; “A Brief History of Service Dogs,” pawsforpurplehearts.org; plus, numerous other online sources, including answers to queries using Google in AI Mode.