For residents of Michigan, service dogs are indispensable companions that provide assistance, enabling individuals with disabilities to enjoy greater independence and engagement in daily life.  Whether they’re helping you cross the street, reminding you to take your medication, or providing support in crowded places, service dogs are heroes without capes. But here’s a question we often get: “Do I need to register my service dog in Michigan?”  While it’s not a requirement in Michigan, registering your furry friend can make your life a bit easier. Let’s dive into the ins and outs of se ..read more

In Indiana, service dogs play an essential role in assisting individuals with disabilities by enhancing their mobility, independence, and quality of life. While neither the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) nor Indiana state law requires service dogs to be registered, doing so can provide significant benefits for both the handler and the service dog.  This guide focuses on why you might consider registering your service dog, the benefits of registration, and how to complete the process in Indiana. Who can handle a service dog in Indiana? Service dog requirements in Indiana boil down t ..read more

Michigan warmly acknowledges the invaluable role service dogs play in supporting individuals with disabilities, ensuring their integration into public life is smooth and respectful.  The rights of service dog handlers in the Great Lakes State are well-protected under both federal and state law. In this guide, we’ll walk you through all of Michigan’s requirements for service dogs. We’ll also discuss Michigan’s voluntary ID program and a pivotal 2023 law expanding rights for service dogs in training. Health and Eligibility Criteria To qualify for a service dog in Michigan, an individual mus ..read more

If you’ve ever wondered if a therapist can help you get a letter for your emotional support animal (ESA), the answer is a big “Yes!” But it’s important to find a therapist who knows all about how special these animals are and the rules about them. Who Can Write an ESA Letter? To get an ESA, you need an ESA letter from someone who is allowed to say you need one. Therapists who are dedicated to helping people with their mental and emotional health difficulties are allowed to write these letters under state and federal laws.  A therapist can include professionals like a psychologist, counsel ..read more

Residents of Virginia who need a service dog are legally protected under federal law and state-specific statutes. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Virginia Code §51.5-44 safeguard the rights of service dog owners in the Old Dominion. In Virginia, service dogs must be granted access to public areas, regardless of general prohibitions against pets. This article provides an in-depth look at service dog requirements in Virginia. Handler Health Requirements To qualify for a service dog in Virginia, an individual must have a recognized physical or mental disability. The ADA defines a “d ..read more

Las Vegas, known for its vibrant nightlife and entertainment, is also a haven for dog lovers who don’t want to leave their furry friends behind. Here’s a guide to the top 5 dog-friendly hotels in Las Vegas, each offering unique amenities and benefits for your canine companion. 1. Vdara Hotel  Our top choice for dog owners in Vegas is Vdara. Walking a dog in Vegas can be tough, particularly during the brutally hot summer months. Our favorite amenity at Vdara is the enclosed dog park just across from its main lobby. This unique park offers an incredibly convenient way for your dog to get so ..read more

Do you have a pacemaker, or do you know someone that does? If you’re on this site, we already know you love furry friends, and now you can make a difference in a dog’s life. We’re not allowed to donate pacemakers to people, but you may be surprised to find out they can be donated to a dog. You see, dogs can use pacemakers just like humans, and a human pacemaker works in dogs.  Best of all, humans can leave a note in their will to allow the pacemaker to be removed and donated to save a dog’s life. And there are plenty of dogs that need pacemakers. According to this article, 10% of all dogs ..read more

For many residents of Indiana, service dogs play an invaluable role in enhancing their quality of life. This article provides a simple guide to service dog requirements for anyone wondering how their dog can qualify as a service dog in Indiana.  Federal and Indiana State Service Dog Laws Service dogs in Indiana are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Indiana Code § 16-32-3-1.5. These two laws protect service dogs throughout the Hoosier State.  Service Dog Disability Requirements To be a service dog handler in Indiana, you must have a physical, sensory, psych ..read more

New Year’s Eve can be stressful for dogs due to fireworks and changes in their environment. Understanding and preparing for these challenges can help ensure a safe and comfortable holiday for your furry friend. Why Dogs Fear Fireworks Dogs’ fear of fireworks is mainly due to their loud and unpredictable nature. Dogs have more acute hearing than humans, making the intense sound of fireworks particularly startling and distressing. The unexpectedness of fireworks – sudden loud noises and bright flashes without a discernible pattern – can also trigger a dog’s instinctual flight response. However ..read more

Understanding when your service dog is stressed is crucial for both their well-being and their effectiveness in assisting you. Let’s delve into the signs of stress in service dogs, with illustrative examples, and explore what steps you can take to alleviate their stress. Recognizing Stress in Service Dogs Physical Signs of Stress Change in Body Language: A stressed dog might have a lowered head, a tucked tail, or flattened ears. For example, if your dog, who normally stands alert, starts showing a hunched back, it could be a sign of discomfort. Health Symptoms: Keep an eye out for physical sym ..read more