* From the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services
As defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, 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.”
The ADA limits the definition of Service Animals to dogs and miniature horses. Therapy dogs, emotional support dogs and companion dogs are not Service Animals and are not afforded the same privileges in public places. For more information, see the ADA’s list of Frequently Asked Questions here. See below for additional information and forms related to service animals in North Carolina.
Service Animal Registration Information
Just like us, our dogs need to be climatized and adjust to the changing weather and seasons. As a responsible dog owner, we need to pay close attention to our fur-goblins when they are outside in the cold. Much like humans, dogs tend to drink less in cooler temperatures, which in turn allows them to become dehydrated. We need to encourage them to drink plenty of water when outside in the cold weather. The most commonly susceptible body parts for frostbite are the dogs paws, ears and tail. We need to pay special attention to their paws, more specifically, their pads. Keep an eye on their metacarpal pad (the large heart shaped pad) and the digital pads (four smaller pads that support the dog's weight), the carpal pad (smaller pad higher up on the paw) and even the thin skin that is webbed between their toes. Some precautions we can take to help protect them are, fitting them with a good pair of boots (these make take some time to get use to) or when in a bind, you can use Vaseline to coat their pads. When you don't have any protective clothing available, its suggested that you limit their outside time to 20 minutes or less.
We get asked these questions a lot, "Why should I train my dog" or "What are the benefits to training my dog"? The answer may not be as simple as most people think. The need or desire to train a dog varies from person to person and breed to breed. But the one thing we have learned that is universal, is that a trained dog, truly has a better quality of life. When planning vacations or weekend get aways, most families have to make additional accommodations and arrangements to Board or Kennel their furry family member. With a trained and obedient dog, the only additional accommodations a family will have to make is, selecting a hotel or Air B&B that allows dogs. Instead of your dog spending "your" vacation looking at the world through the bars of a crate or kennel run, they get to experience "your" vacation with you. They get to enjoy the beach, lake, or hit the hiking trails with you. With a trained and obedient dog, you'll be able to enjoy a new found freedom of being able to take your furry family member with you everywhere. To accomplish this, it will require dedication, time and effort on your part. Keep in mind that they are willing to sacrifice themselves for us, so the least we can do is commit ourselves to getting them properly trained. Remember that they are just a part of our life, no matter how big or small, but we are their whole life and their world revolves around us. It's never too early or too late, to start training your dog. When you're ready to take your furry friend to the next level, let us help you achieve those obedience goals.
K9 Echo during his PPK (Personal Protection K9) Course