Chicago Veterinary Medical Association salutes service and emotional support dogs
International Assistance Dog Week (IADW), which was established in 2009, is celebrated annually beginning the first Sunday in August. It was founded to highlight the importance of assistance dogs and the essential roles they play in the lives of the humans they serve, in addition to recognizing the people who raise and train these animals to perform their unique and heroic responsibilities.
This year’s IADW will run from Sunday, August 4th – Saturday, August 10th and the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association is pleased to recognize and celebrate the work of assistance dogs and their handlers.
The term “Assistance Dog” describes two specific types of helping animals: service dogs and emotional support dogs. Service dogs, while not considered pets, are highly trained animals who assist their handlers with specialized tasks based on the individual’s needs or disability. Dogs can be trained to perform specific tasks like turning on a light, opening a cabinet or alerting their owner that it’s time to take their medication. By virtue of their extensive training, service dogs have access to public places, including transportation networks, so they can support their handlers in navigating errands, appointments, and daily life.
Conversely, emotional support dogs are pets that typically do not have special training, but they can provide helpful assistance and relief in coping with and navigating highly emotional situations like panic attacks, depression, and anxiety.
“Both service dogs and emotional support dogs offer significant benefits for the people they serve,” explained Dr. Marina Jaworsky, CVMA Board President. “CVMA is pleased to recognize all of the amazing animals that play an essential part in people’s everyday lives in addition to all of the humans who are responsible for the development and care of these fantastic, furry heroes that we love and trust.”
Press Release – CVMA Celebrates International Assistance Dog Week