Puppy Placement Interview and Definitions
Part 1: Definitions of Assistance and Support Roles
Service Dog vs. Support Dog: Finding the Right Path to Healing
At Duty Danes, we believe in Healing Hearts one paw at a time. Understanding the differences between a Service Dog (SD) and other support roles is the first and most crucial step on your journey. These definitions are condensed for quick reference.
Service Dog (SD)
A Service Dog is a dog specifically trained to perform tasks that mitigate an individual’s disability (physical, mental, or sensory).
• The Job: Must perform a specific, trained task (e.g., deep pressure therapy for anxiety, mobility support).
• Public Access: Protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). An SD is generally allowed everywhere the public is permitted.
• The Standard: The dog’s training and performance of its task are the key factors, not a certificate.
Facility Dog
A Facility Dog is trained to work as a therapy dog but operates solely and consistently in one location, such as a hospital or school.
• The Job: Works full-time at a single location, providing comfort under the guidance of a professional staff member.
• Public Access: Not granted public access under the ADA outside of the established facility.
• Work Environment: Tends to work full-time at that single location, providing comfort and support under the guidance of a staff member or professional handler.
• Public Access: Public access outside of the established facility is generally not granted under the ADA.
Therapy Dog (THD)
A Therapy Dog’s purpose is to provide comfort to many different people in professional settings outside of its handler.
• The Job: Provides structured comfort and support during visits to hospitals, schools, or care facilities.
• Public Access: Not protected by the ADA. Access is granted only with the facility owner’s permission.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA)
An ESA provides comfort and emotional support simply by its presence, but is not trained to perform a specific task for a disability.
• The Job: Companionship and a calming presence.
• Public Access: Not protected by the ADA. While often allowed in “no-pet” housing under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), they do not have the same public access rights as a Service dog.
Part 2: Essential Placement Questions (Service Dog Prospect)
This section helps us ensure a Duty Danes Great Dane is the perfect match for a working life and the long, rewarding road of service dog training.
Questionnaire Instructions
Please download the application file below. Complete the form and return it to us via email at contact@dutydanes.com or by mail to: Duty Danes, 8354 West Pleasant Valley Rd, Blanchard, MI 49310.