Chewy Helping Train Autism Service Dogs

 

The pet supply retailer is welcoming puppies at its office who are being trained to one day be placed as service dogs with children on the spectrum. Read More >

Pet Ownership Brings 'Huge Benefits' To Adults With Autism, Study Finds

 Pet ownership leads to better mental health outcomes in adults with autism, new research suggests, and the gains exist no matter what type of companion animal an individual has. Read More >

Demand For Service Dogs Unleashes A 'Wild West' Market

 Service dogs can help people with conditions from autism to epilepsy, but with little oversight, poorly trained dogs and fraud are becoming more common. Read More >

Airlines Crack Down On Service Animals

 Multiple airlines are putting new rules in place surrounding service animals on planes following years of complaints. Read More >

Cats May Improve Social Skills In Kids With Autism

 Adopting a cat can make a big difference for kids with autism, new research suggests. Read More >

Restrictions Set To Take Effect For Service Animals On Planes

 Federal regulators are firming up a slate of new rules limiting service animals traveling on airplanes in a bid to ensure that the animals are truly assisting people with disabilities. Read More >

Justice Department Settles Dispute With School District Over Service Animals

 A school district is agreeing to pay up and change its ways after federal officials say a student with disabilities was denied access to her trained service dog in violation of the ADA. Read More >

The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Service Dog

There are many reasons dogs are known as man’s best friend—they have long been a source of unwavering loyalty and friendship to their human confidantes. Most people are also familiar with the fact that they have a history of providing service to those with severe sight issues or blindness, and some are aware that more and more dogs are being trained to provide support to those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. But what many people may not realize is just how many services therapy and companion dogs are providing for people with all kinds of disabilities, both physical and mental in nature.  https://www.rover.com/blog/getting-a-service-dog/  

Emotional-Support Ducks Likely To Remain With Boy With ASD

Officials are working out a plan to allow a 12-year-old with autism to keep two ducks that his therapist says help him after a dispute with neighbors over the animals made headlines. Read More;

Wis. school's therapy dogs help students

A speech-language pathologist and a social and emotional interventionist at a Wisconsin middle school both bring therapy dogs to school to work with struggling students. The professionals use the dogs to connect with students or to comfort students who have anxiety or other behavioral issues.

The Chippewa Herald (Wis.)

New Research Finds Animals May Help Kids On The Spectrum

A growing body of research suggests that animal-assisted interventions may help improve the lives of people with autism by addressing some of the disorder's more challenging symptoms. Read More ;

Following Delta's Lead, United Tightening Animal Policy

As a second airline issues a new policy on bringing animals on board, an industry group is asking the U.S. Department of Transportation to revise its service animal guidance. Read More >

Delta Cracking Down On Service, Support Animals

It may soon be a little harder to fly with a service or support animal as one of the nation's largest airlines looks to weed out biting, urination and other misbehavior on its planes. Read More >

Is That Service Dog A Fake? Under Federal Law, You Can't Even Ask

Fake service dogs have become the bane of those with disabilities who rely on trained animals. Yet, advocates say there's no push to cinch up loopholes that leave imposters largely unchecked. Read More >

States Tightening The Leash On Fake Service Dogs

A growing number of states are enacting laws designed to keep people from passing off their pets as legitimately trained service animals. Read More >

Service Dog Company Accused Of Scamming Customers

A company is under investigation for allegedly selling animals that are poorly and improperly trained, including some that lack the temperament to be service dogs. Read More ;

Rhodes Scholar Thrives With Service Dog's Help

Each year, 95 winners from around the world are chosen for their academic records, leadership skills and public service efforts to become Rhodes Scholars. This time, one has autism. Read More ;

Dog Ownership May Ease Stress In Autism Families

Having a pet dog around the house may markedly lower stress and offer other benefits for families of children on the spectrum, researchers say. Read More >

Unique Program Trains Service Dogs & Owners Together

A unique training program is keeping service dogs and their owners with disabilities together from day one so that their relationship starts off strong while the canines learn their jobs.
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/11/10/service-dog-trains-together/20946/

Supreme Court Asked to Weight in on Service Dog Case

A court case pitting a girl with cerebral palsy against school officials who tried to deny her access to her service dog may be headed to the U.S. Supreme Court. 
http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2015/10/30/supreme-service-dog-case/20915/