Service Dogs for Agoraphobia: Useful or Not?

Dealing with the symptoms of agoraphobia all by yourself can sometimes feel daunting and seem like an impossible task.

One option to help manage agoraphobia, is to use a service animal. Service animals are trained animals (typically dogs) that support individuals with a disability to manage their physical, emotional, and cognitive difficulties.

Below, we discuss the ins and outs of service dogs, including the pros and cons of a service dog for agoraphobia.

Service dogs can help people with agoraphobia in various ways, including making them feel calmer and safer in public and assisting with panic attacks, loneliness, and depression.

However, service dogs can be expensive and hard to come by, and they may attract unwanted attention, which may be detrimental for someone with agoraphobia.

The Ins and Outs of Service Dogs for Agoraphobia

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) states that service animals are allowed to accompany their handler in all public areas. In addition, businesses can’t charge an additional fee for the admission of a service dog.

Let’s explore what service dogs do, how much they cost, and where you can find a service dog for agoraphobia.

How Do Service Dogs Work?

Service dogs receive different training depending on the specific disability they will support.

For example, a service dog assisting someone with agoraphobia will need different training than one helping someone with vision impairment.

Service dogs for agoraphobia are classed as psychiatric service dogs; these can help people with various psychological conditions, typically including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• PTSD
• Bipolar disorder

A psychiatric service dog can help their handler feel safer, detect anxiety/panic attacks, and recognize when their handler is having flashbacks, among other things.

Further below, you’ll find a detailed list of the advantages and disadvantages of service dogs for agoraphobia.

How Much Do Service Dogs Cost?

When getting a service dog, you’ll need to consider the upfront cost of the dog and the cost of ongoing care, including vet bills, food, worming tablets, etc.

Training a service dog can cost over $40,000.

However, this depends on the dog’s personality and the trainer; some dogs will take years to teach while others just a few months. Specific organizations can help with grants and fundraising, but the waiting lists are lengthy.

Even if you apply for a service dog through your doctor’s practice, it isn’t free most of the time. However, some organizations provide a service dog for free.

Here are some organizations that may be able to help:

• National Education for Assistance Dog Services and Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans (NEADS)
• Paws With A Cause
• America’s VetDogs for US Veterans
• 4 Paws for Ability for children

It’s also worth looking locally, as local organizations may be able to offer you advice and support.

Where You Can Get a Service Dog for Agoraphobia

You’ll need an official agoraphobia diagnosis to qualify for a service dog under the ADA.

If you are yet to receive an official diagnosis, you’ll need to request an assessment before attempting to acquire a service dog.

If you have an official agoraphobia diagnosis, the first thing to do is talk to your doctor or mental health professional.

Then, you’ll need to approach an agency to find a service dog or seek a referral from your doctor.

Advantages of a Service Dog for Agoraphobia

Trainers can teach service dogs to help manage many difficulties associated with agoraphobia. This has many benefits for those with the condition, which are listed below.

Calming Effect

Service dogs can have a calming effect on those with agoraphobia. Alongside the support mentioned above, service dogs can be a calming distraction from anxiety-provoking stimuli: they may encourage you to pet them or brush up against you.

Helps to Manage Panic Attacks

A service dog can bring you medication and water, give you the phone to make a call, or lead you away from an overwhelming environment when you’re experiencing a panic attack.

They may also provide tactile stimulation by licking your hand or face; this can help you ‘snap out’ of emotional overload.

Other forms of tactile stimulation include adding pressure to your abdomen and chest or just being present with you.

You Feel Safer in Public

Having an animal you love and trust alongside you can improve feelings of safety when away from the comfort of the home environment.

As well as leading you away from anxiety-provoking situations, a service dog can guide you to a seat if you become dizzy or faint. If you’re worried about busy or crowded spaces, a service dog can block people from coming close.

Facilitates Openness in Psychotherapy

It’s not always easy for people with agoraphobia to open up to a therapist.

A service dog may help the individual feel comfortable enough to trust their therapist. They may also provide tactile reassurance, as described above, which can help to facilitate openness in the therapy room.

Reduces Loneliness and Depression

Service dogs can also make you feel less alone and depressed.

A 2019 study by Lloyd, Johnston, and Lewis, found that psychiatric service dogs reduced suicide attempts and the need for medication for people with various mental health conditions.

Furthermore, another 2019 study demonstrated that a psychiatric service dog could decrease anxiety, stress, and loneliness and increase independence, social relationships, self-esteem, and life satisfaction in their handlers.

Lessens the Life Limitations of Anxiety

The study by Lloyd, Johnston, and Lewis also found that participants whose anxiety and fear led to life limitations were better able to access public places, engage in social activities, and travel on public transport with their service dogs.

Therefore, a service dog may help overcome some of the life limitations of an anxiety disorder like agoraphobia.

Disadvantages of Using a Service Dog for Agoraphobia

While there are many pros to service dogs, there are also various cons. Let’s take a look.

Service Dogs Attract Attention

Dogs are a beacon for attention; when in public, people may stare at you or your dog.

This can be challenging if you like to blend into the crowd: there’s no ‘blending in’ with a service dog beside you.

People May Approach You

People will likely approach you wishing to pet the dog. You may also need to communicate with security to gain access to places.

Gatekeepers are allowed to ask whether your dog is a service dog and the tasks in which they assist you. While you must provide this information, you don’t need to disclose your disability.

You may have to communicate more with people in public than before.

This can be a help or a hindrance when it comes to anxiety disorders; you may find it worsens your agoraphobia; alternatively, it may help you build confidence to communicate more.

Access Issues

Some still do not understand the service dogs laws, so you may be refused entry to public places occasionally. Most often, stating that your dog is a service dog is enough. However, you may be required to provide additional information sometimes.

You can print off a service animal flyer from the Department of Justice if it calms your nerves around access issues.

Summary

Service animals are trained animals, usually dogs, that support people with disabilities. A psychiatric service dog for agoraphobia may calm you down, make you feel safer in public and the therapy room, and lead you away from crowded spaces.

However, service dogs are typically expensive and not always easy to get hold of. They are also likely to bring attention and unwanted conversations.

It’s worth considering the pros and cons before obtaining a service dog.