Service Dogs
Dogs can be used for social, guide and service. Dogs trained to be service dogs are often trained when they are young. Training often includes assistance with wheelchairs, mobility, retrieving dropped or selected items, assisting in dressing and undressing, pulling wheelchairs, bracing for balance or transfers, turning lights on and off, and opening and closing a variety of different types of doors. Common breeds are typically Labradors, Golden Retrievers, or a mix of the two. Agencies often have wait lists for service dogs. Dogs that are not trained to mitigate someone’s disability is not considered an assistance dog. These include companionship and comfort dogs. Dogs not meeting full requirements, can serve as companions and are also matched with families.
Assistance Dogs include:
Guide dogs: dogs that are trained and tested to guide the blind
Alert dogs: dogs that alert those who are hard of hearing
Service dogs: dogs who are trained to perform tasks for those with physical disabilities.
Psychiatric service animals: manage mental and emotional disabilities
Seizure alert animals
The law states that the service dog has to be either harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless the device interferes with “the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
Statute: 39-1108. Same; use of service dog by person with disability. Every person with a disability shall have the right to be accompanied by a service dog, specially selected, trained and tested for the purpose which shall include, but not be limited to, pulling a wheelchair, opening doors and picking up objects, in or upon any of the places listed in K.S.A. 39-1101, and amendments thereto, in the acquisition and use of rental, residential housing and in the purchase and use of residential housing without being required to pay an extra charge for the service dog. Such person shall be liable for any damage done to the premises by such dog. Laws 1989, ch. 127, § 1; Laws 1992, ch. 205, § 14; Laws 2003, ch. 64, § 6.
People with disabilities who have service dogs cannot be discriminated against for housing accommodations. “No pets” provision does not apply to a service animal. Housing must allow for service dogs and emotional support animals if there is a disability and they have a disability-related need for the animals.
Service Dogs can cost about $17,000 to purchase, train and care for the dog. Funding comes from private donations and grants. Volunteers assist with the process. Some programs charge and some do not.
For a list of advocacy and resource organizations