Service Dogs for ADHD: Benefits, Considerations, and Application Process

Living with ADHD can be challenging, but effective coping tools can greatly improve quality of life. Some people with ADHD wonder if a service dog could be beneficial for managing their symptoms.

How Can a Service Dog Help with ADHD?

• Provide Support: There is limited scientific evidence to support the use of animal-assisted services for ADHD, but many people find that service dogs help them stay focused, stick to routines, and burn off excess energy.
• Emotional Assistance: Service dogs can also provide emotional support during times of distress, helping to redirect attention and reduce anxiety. For children with ADHD, service dogs can be especially helpful in preventing wandering or getting lost.

Service Dog Application Process

• Qualifying:
  • A service dog is for individuals with physical or mental disabilities that hinder their daily activities.
  • Written documentation from your clinician confirming your current ADHD symptoms are debilitating is necessary to qualify.
• Training:
  • Training a service dog requires extensive training, either by the owner or a professional trainer.
  • Organizations like Little Angels Service Dogs and Doggie Does Good specialize in training psychiatric service dogs.
• Registration and Identification:
  • Register your service dog and ensure it has identification. Identification is not legally required, but it can be helpful.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Service Dog

• Service dogs are not pets, but animals with a job. They must provide assistance directly related to the owner's disability.
• Training and caring for a service dog requires significant money and time.
• Carefully consider how a service dog would help you perform essential tasks that your ADHD diagnosis prohibits you from doing physically.

Alternatives to Service Dogs

If you're unable to get a service dog, there are other ways to manage ADHD:

• Seek Mental Health Support: A licensed mental health professional can provide valuable guidance and support. Medication may also be helpful for managing symptoms.
• Mindfulness Techniques: Learning mindfulness techniques can help you become more conscious of your thoughts and behaviors, leading to increased calmness and focus.
• "Chunking": Break down tasks into smaller, manageable pieces to make them less overwhelming.
• Support Groups: Joining a support group can provide a sense of community and validation for people living with ADHD.

A Word from Verywell

Coping with ADHD can be challenging, but there are a variety of resources available to help. Don't suffer in silence – reach out for support if you're struggling.