In a 2017 research by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-fourth of Americans
have a particular type of disability, and 22% of it is from Nebraska. From these
percentages, it can be said that many people can benefit from the use of
therapy dogs.
Have you been searching on the web for therapy dogs nebraska? Then you might be
wondering how to get one and what are the requirements. Here are the answers to
your queries.
How
to get a therapy dog?
Having therapy dogs
in Nebraska is not as difficult as it was before because the
state now recognizes the importance of these animals for people with disabilities.
The Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) allows residents of Nebraska with disabilities to get a
therapy dog. These dogs may accompany them anywhere they go, such as
restaurants, hotels, theaters, and other public places.
To qualify for an
assistant dog, pet centers require a screening process to ensure that the dogs
will also be in good hands. The process requires you to pass an emotional
support letter that has the following details:
- Your
diagnosed disability with a certification from your doctor; - The
type of service dog that you need; and - An
explanation of how the service dog can be of help.
Once you pass this
letter and the screening process, the company will contact a licensed medical
health practitioner to certify your eligibility. Afterward, a therapy dog will
then be provided to you.
Policies
on Having a Service Dog in Nebraska
The protection
against discrimination from service dogs has expanded. Many public areas are
not allowed to dismiss or reject a person from using their services because
they have an accompanying service dog. Here are some laws passed for the
protection of service dogs.
Airport Carrier Access Act
The Department of
Transportation has issued an act wherein airports are not allowed to bar a
person from flying with his service dog.
Additional
documentation may be required, which may come in any form. This document must
state your disability, the need for your service dog to accompany you in
traveling, and the certification from your doctor.
The Fair Housing Act and Assistance Animals
Landlords and
universities are required to provide reasonable accommodation to tenants and
students who need their therapy dogs with them. The same with airports, there
may be a need to provide additional documentation. Also, the requirement for a
pet fee is waived since they are not generally considered as ‘pets.’
Employment
The federal law of
the ADA prohibits employers from preventing an employee from bringing their
therapy dog to work. As long as the dog does not pose any threat or harm to other
employees, they should be allowed inside the workplace.
If a particular
employee is allergic to the animal, the law states that the employer must find
a reasonable accommodation for the dog. A reasonable accommodation is where
both the employer and the employee must find common ground where one is not
unduly burdened by the other. It must be discussed between the two parties
accordingly.
If you know someone,
a friend or a loved one who can benefit from having a service dog, then you
should get them one as soon as possible.