Service dog

[Frenchie1977 262]

I have a service dog for a severe anxiety disorder, I'm extremely close with my service dog. I have considerable difficulty leaving the house and going out in public without her. I am worried that come surgery day I won't be able to leave the house because I can't take her with me or that while in the hospital my severe panic attacks without her will hinder my recovery. Any suggestions? I only learned to combat the severe anxiety and panic attacks and agoraphobia with the help of my wonderful dog

[ShelterDog64 2,364]

If your animal is truly a service dog, not an emotional support dog, the ADA requires that the animal be allowed to be present with you in the hospital. You must have someone come in to bathroom and feed the animal, but SERVICE animals can't be excluded from hospitals.

https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.pdf

[Frenchie1977 262]

Oh I didn't know that, she is a true service dog. I had always thought that hospitals were one of the off limits places. Thank you that makes me feel better I will do a little more research

[KristenLe 5,980]

@@Frenchie1977 Call your hospital to see what you need to do. Will someone be with you that could wait with your dog during the operation and in recovery room? There's some issues with the law that require the handler to be in direct control. Find out how your hospital handles this type of issue. Best of luck!

[Frenchie1977 262]

Yes my parents will be with me and my father is a trained handler for her too so she could wait with him during the surgery and recovery

[theantichick 2,204]

There are some things that have to be observed in sterile/clean areas, but I worked in an ICU that allowed visits by a dog (wasn't a service animal) provided they had up to date shots, a recent vet visit, and professional grooming the day of or the day before they came in. So there should be some mechanisms, you'll just have to find out the details.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

@@Frenchie1977, the others have given you the basics. As a passer-by in your topic, I suggest that you check with the hospital itself in advance. It may be that, as long as they adhere to the ADA requirements, hospitals have leeway to implement procedures as they see fit. Better to know ahead of time than run into surprises on the day of your surgery.

All the best to you.

Edited July 26, 2016 by WLSResources/ClothingExch

[glitter eyes 1,398]

I am an administrator at a hospital in Florida and we absolutely allow service dogs. Having your dog with you is your right. I am sure if you call ahead and speak with administration you will find that it will be fine to have your dog.

One time we even had a patient that had a service monkey- he was cute little thing and even had on clothes. Brought a smile to everyone's face!!

Edited July 26, 2016 by glitter eyes

[Frenchie1977 262]

Thank you all for your replies, I will call the hospital when it gets a little closer to the surgery