Should I Get a Psychiatric Service Dog as a Teen?
The short answer is that it depends. But for most teens, the honest answer is no.
This is not meant to discourage you. It is meant to help you make a choice that protects both your well-being and the well-being of the dog. A psychiatric service dog is not just a pet. It is a working partner with years of training, thousands of dollars in care, and daily responsibilities that never go away.
Here is what you need to know before deciding if a service dog is the right fit for you.
What a Service Dog Can and Cannot Do
Psychiatric service dogs can be trained to perform helpful tasks. They can interrupt repetitive behaviors, remind you to take medication, apply deep pressure, or guide you out of a crowd.
But some challenges are outside a dog’s ability to help.
A dog cannot stop suicidal thoughts. A dog cannot prevent self-harm if you are throwing things or hitting yourself. These situations can be dangerous for the dog. Even if you do not mean to, the dog can get hurt during an episode. You need to ask yourself honestly if you are in a place where you can keep a dog safe during your hardest moments.
If you want a dog for comfort or emotional support, an emotional support animal might be a better option. They do not require public access training and can still provide important companionship without the pressure of working full time.
What It Is Like to Have a Service Dog in Public
Service dogs do not make you invisible. In fact, they can make you more visible.
Strangers may stare at you. They may ask questions, make rude comments, or try to touch your dog without permission. Some people will challenge whether you are disabled at all. They may follow you or take pictures. You must be ready to speak up for yourself and your dog.
This can be extremely hard for teens who struggle with anxiety or agoraphobia. Some people find it empowering over time. Others find it makes things worse. Only you and your therapist can decide if this level of attention is manageable for you.
Are You Willing to Choose a Breed That Has the Best Chance of Success?
Not every dog has what it takes to be a service dog. Even dogs with wonderful personalities may not have the right structure, health, or trainability for this level of work.
If you are serious about getting a service dog, you need to be open to the breeds that are most successful in this role. Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are the two most commonly used breeds for psychiatric service work. They are chosen because of their temperament, trainability, size, and ability to adapt to many environments.
These breeds come from long lines of dogs bred for teamwork and task training. They are not perfect, but they give you the best possible chance of success.
If you already have a different breed or have your heart set on a dog that is not commonly used in service work, be prepared for a higher risk of failure. You may still try, but it will be more difficult. You will need to work with experienced trainers who understand how to evaluate dogs for work suitability. Even then, not all dogs make it.
Being willing to choose a Labrador or Golden from proven service lines can make a huge difference. It does not guarantee success, but it greatly increases your chances.
Service Dogs Are Expensive and Time-Consuming
Getting a service dog is not as simple as adopting a puppy and teaching it tricks. A fully trained psychiatric service dog usually costs between ten and twenty thousand dollars. This does not include food, vet bills, training gear, or emergency care.
Most psychiatric service dogs are owner trained. That means you are the one responsible for teaching everything. It takes two or more years of consistent effort. Training never really stops.
If you are already struggling to care for yourself, it will be very difficult to also care for a dog who relies on you. You will need to exercise the dog, take them to classes, attend crowded events, and maintain training even when you are exhausted.
You must also have support from everyone in your home. If your family does not agree that you need a service dog, or if they do not follow your training rules, your dog is very likely to fail and will need to stop working.
The Reality of Having a Service Dog at School
Many teens ask about bringing a service dog to school. This may sound like a good idea, but it often leads to problems.
Other students may throw things at your dog. They may make fun of you, bark at you, or accuse your dog of doing something wrong. Some students may even try to distract or harm the dog on purpose.
Even if your dog is doing everything right, it may still be blamed. If your dog becomes fearful after a bad experience, they may no longer be able to work. If you lose your service dog, it may take years and thousands of dollars to try again.
Some teens are able to handle this. Others find it overwhelming. Think carefully about what your school environment is really like and how your mental health might be affected by these situations.
Important Questions to Ask Yourself
Before pursuing a psychiatric service dog, ask yourself:
What specific tasks do I need a dog to perform for me
Am I able to consistently care for a dog, even on bad days
Can I afford the cost of training, supplies, and vet care
Is my home environment supportive and stable
Am I willing to choose a breed that has the best chance of success
Can I speak up for myself in public if someone interferes with my dog
If your answer to any of these is no or not yet, that is completely okay. A service dog may be a goal for the future. For now, focus on building skills and support that will set you up for success later.
What to Do Instead
If a service dog is not the right fit right now, you still have options. An emotional support animal can offer comfort at home. You can use tools like alarms or reminders to help with daily tasks. You can work with your therapist to build strategies that work for your unique needs.
If you are still interested in a service dog later, talk to professionals. Look for trainers who specialize in psychiatric service work. Ask about timelines, costs, and breed recommendations. Do not trust anyone who promises fast results or sells fully trained dogs without asking about your needs and situation.
You deserve help that fits your life right now. That might include a dog in the future. Or it might mean building your own skills first so that when the time comes, you are ready to support your dog as much as they support you.
Helping Howls offers honest guidance to teens, families, and individuals who are considering service dog training. If you have questions or want to explore what readiness looks like, we are here to help.
