Service Animals & Disability
Service animals may include your neighbor's service dog, service monkeys, parrots who are trained to help individuals manage psychotic episodes, or, recently, service donkeys. Regardless of the type of service animals involved, however, people with disabilities have come to rely on professionally-trained animals to help them live more independent lives. Find out more about service animals, including service dog training and how to work most effectively with your hard-working assistant, in the following articles.
His ears had been cut off and his body was scarred, but disabled dog Dagnabit became a loving companion. Now, owner Kim Dudek runs Doggone Wheels and Dag's House for disabled dogs to help other canines roll around.
Surprisingly to many, ADA service animal laws require a wide range of animals, including dogs, monkeys, cats and snakes, to be allowed in public places, including grocery stores and restaurants.
Trained for two-four years before being placed with a partner, Capuchin service monkeys can help with such tasks as turning lights on and off, scratching itches, or retrieving dropped objects. Living up to 35 years, they can become lifelong helpers.
Paraplegic Paralympian Muffy Davis won't go anywhere without her dark-haired, affectionate companion. After waiting eight years for her beloved service dog and loyal assistant "Liebe," Muffy won't let him leave her side.
Articles
1 2 
Service Dogs Help Disabled, Save Lives
Service dogs do much more than open doors. Find out how these amazing canines save lives and help their owners with tasks from hearing to subtle sniffing.
Guide Dogs for the Blind: Puppy to Partner
Guide dogs for the blind have a busy life, from their days in foster care to guide dog school. Find out how these gentle companions improve the lives of their blind partners.
Winter the Amputee Dolphin Brings Smiles
Animals with disabilities are a comfort to children with disabilities who can sometimes feel alone. Meet Winter, the amputee dolphin, who has been bringing smiles everywhere she swims.
Animals with Disabilities Find a Big Sky Home at Rolling Dog Ranch
Blind horses, convulsive cats, deaf dogs: all call Rolling Dog Ranch home. Animals with all types of disability come to the Colorado shelter for gentle, specialized care and the chance to find a...
Service Dogs Help People with Disabilities Gain Independence
Service dogs can assist with daily activities for a wide range of disabilities. Read about service dogs for people with blindness, deafness, and seizures, and the abilities of the dogs that are...
Guide Dog Opens New World of Mobility and Possibility
Alison Dolan is a visually impaired woman who found independence with her guide dog. Blind in her left eye and legally blind in her right eye, Dolan here details her vision loss experience and the...
1 2
