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Need a service dog

Your Complete Guide to Service Dogs in the United States


Need A Service Dog is a free, U.S.-focused information and directory platform created to help people with disabilities, veterans, caregivers, and families understand, find, and apply for a legitimate service dog under U.S. law. Whether you are just starting to explore your options or are ready to apply, this guide is here to help you take the next step.

What you will find here…

  • Clear, plain-language explanations of what service dogs are and what they can do
  • A breakdown of the types of service dogs available in the United States
  • Information organised by disability type so you can find what is relevant to you
  • A directory of service dog providers across the country
  • Guidance on U.S. laws that protect you and your service dog
  • Answers to common questions about cost, training, and eligibility

What is a service dog?

A service dog is a dog that has been individually trained to perform specific tasks that directly help a person with a disability. The dog’s work must be directly related to the person’s disability.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are legally recognized and given broad public access rights. This means they can accompany their handler in most public places, including restaurants, stores, hospitals, hotels, and transportation.

Woman with guide dog and walking stick enjoying a stroll in a lush green park.

What service dogs can do?

Guiding a person who is blind or has low vision around obstacles
Alerting a person who is deaf or hard of hearing to important sounds
Pulling a wheelchair or opening doors for someone with a mobility impairment
Detecting and alerting to changes in blood sugar levels for a person with diabetes
Interrupting self-harm behaviours or panic attacks
Reminding a person to take medication
Providing balance and stability support when walking
Retrieving dropped items or emergency phones