What You Should Know About Service Dog Accreditation and the VA

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Written by K9 Partners for Patriots

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News | Veteran Resources

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June 13, 2018

Discover why flea markets may not be the best environment for service dogs.

Learn about risks, distractions, and considerations for handlers.

1. Crowded Environment: Flea markets are often bustling with crowds, which can be overwhelming for a service dog. The dog may become stressed or anxious in such a busy atmosphere.

2. Distractions: Flea markets are filled with various sights, sounds, and smells that can distract a service dog from its duties. This could potentially compromise its ability to assist its handler effectively.

3. Unpredictable Behavior of Other Animals: Other visitors to the flea market may bring their pets along, which can lead to encounters with unfamiliar animals. This may pose a risk to the safety and focus of the service dog.

4. Risk of Injury: With so many people moving around and browsing items, there’s an increased risk of accidental tripping or stepping on the service dog, which could lead to injury.

5. Exposure to Unsanitary Conditions: Flea markets may not always maintain the cleanest environment, and the service dog may come into contact with unsanitary surfaces or substances.

6. Lack of Accommodation for the Dog: Flea markets may not be equipped to handle service dogs properly, such as providing suitable resting areas, water, or relief spots for the dog.

7. Potential Stress for the Dog: A flea market’s constant stimulation and unfamiliar surroundings could cause stress or discomfort for the service dog, which may affect its overall well-being and ability to perform its tasks.

Given these factors, it’s important for service dog handlers to carefully consider whether taking their dog to a flea market is truly necessary and in the best interest of the dog’s welfare and effectiveness in assisting its handler.

There is a topic of much debate that comes up time and again regarding whether or not the Veterans Administration (VA) provides benefits to disabled veterans with PTSD service dogs. We’d like to take a moment to clarify and alleviate any confusion.

Will the VA Provide Funds for your PTSD service animal?

Yes and No. In some cases this is, in fact true. The main stipulation is that the organization that provides your service dog MUST BE accredited through Assistance Dogs International (ADI), in order to be eligible to receive those “benefits” for your service dog.

PLEASE NOTE: K9 Partners for Patriots, IS NOT accredited through ADI; therefore the VA WILL NOT provide you funding for your service animal (be it veterinary care, travel to the building for training, food, etc).

If you decide to “try it anyway”, and a representative from the VA calls us (this has happened before), know that we will of course be honest and tell them that we ARE NOT accredited through ADI.

If there are any questions, please feel free to contact our offices during normal business hours. Please understand that we do, in fact, keep up to date on these policies to ensure that we are providing the most relevant information at hand.

Please visit the following URL for the Code of Federal Regulations concerning SD’s and the VA.

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2017-title38-vol1/xml/CFR-2017-title38-vol1-part17.xml