A service dog is a type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities including visual difficulties, hearing impairments, mental illness, seizures, diabetes, autism and more.  Keep in mind that not all disabilities are visible so it might not be readily apparent why one needs a service dog.

The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 is the applicable law covering places of public accommodation.  In 2010, the U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section issued "ADA 2010 Revised Requirements; Service Animals.

This revised definition excludes all comfort animals, which are pets that owners keep with them solely for emotional reasons that do not ameliorate their symptoms of a recognized "disability"; animals that do ameliorate the conditions of a medical disability, however, such as animals that ameliorate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, are included in the definition. Unlike a service animal, a comfort animal is one that has not been trained to perform specific tasks directly related to the person's disability.

This revised definition excludes all comfort animals, which are pets that owners keep with them solely for emotional reasons that do not ameliorate their symptoms of a recognized "disability"; animals that do ameliorate the conditions of a medical disability, however, such as animals that ameliorate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, are included in the definition. Unlike a service animal, a comfort animal is one that has not been trained to perform specific tasks directly related to the person's disability.

Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. For example, in a hospital it would be inappropriate to exclude a service animal from areas such as patient rooms, clinics, cafeterias, or examination rooms. However, it may be appropriate to exclude a service animal from operating rooms or burn units where the animal’s presence may compromise a sterile environment. For safety reasons, a service dog handler should take care and common sense into account when deciding if a questionable place is a safe place to bring their service dog, and make other arrangements for assistance if it is unsafe for the dog to be present (such as some extremely loud concerts, behind the scenes at zoos, work areas with a lot of heavy machinery or dangerous chemicals, etc.).

The Department of Transportation's regulations enacting the Air Carrier Access Act permit "dogs and other service animals" to accompany passengers on commercial airlines.  The Fair Housing Act also requires housing providers to permit service animals (including comfort and emotional support animals) without species restrictions in housing.

Because there is no certification of service animals in the United States, businesses must take declaration of an animal's service status at face value, and furthermore are restricted in the questions they may ask about the animal:

When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Businesses may ask two questions:

• is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and
• what work or task has the dog been trained to perform.

Businesses cannot ask about the person's disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

Under the ADA, businesses are permitted to deny access to service dogs that are not behaving properly. They may also be excluded if the presence of the animal constitutes a fundamental alteration of the business or poses a direct threat. Persons with service dogs are not required to pay any additional fees on account of the service dog, though the owner is responsible for any damages caused by the dog.

Service dogs may wear special vests or ID tags, but they are not a requirement of the ADA.

Most owners expect their service dogs to be treated as a medical device while in public. The health and safety of the owner may depend on the dog's ability to focus and resist distraction. Many service dogs are trained to avoid distraction when wearing their gear, but relax and are friendly when the gear is removed. An owner will expect to be asked for permission before another individual interacts with the dog. It is advised not to pet a service dog unless having asked the owner permission. Distracting a service dog is considered disruptive.

Fleas and ticks are dangerous disease carriers and they can make you and your pet’s life miserable.  Fleas can transmit tapeworms, cause anemia and cause itchy allergic reactions, which can lead to scratching, hair loss and infection.  Ticks can carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, a serious condition characterized by lameness, swollen joints and fever.

Fleas are the insects forming the order Siphonaptera.  They are small wingless, external parasites, with mouth parts adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood.

Ticks are small arachnids in the order of Parasitiformes.  They are external parasites living on the blood or mammals birds and sometimes reptiles and amphibians.

There are a variety of different types of flea and tick medications, including topical treatments, oral mediation and flea and tick collars.  The medications rely on chemicals that paralyzes and/or kills fleas or ticks at their various life stages.

Topical treatments tend to be the most popular form of flea and tick prevention and are used by applying the medication between your pet’s shoulder blades or at the base of their neck.  They are absorbed by the animal’s oil and sweat glands in the skin and help your pet repel fleas and ticks within 24 hours.  These medications are waterproof but need a full day to dry after being applied.

Pets treated with these medications can still pick up fleas and ticks.  The flea or tick must bite your pet to ingest the chemical that has spread throughout your pet’s skin glands.

Vaccines help prepare the body's immune system to fight the invasion of disease causing organisms.  Vaccines contain antigens, which look like the disease causing organism to the immune system but don't actually cause the disease.  When a vaccine is introduced to the body, the immune system is mildly stimulated.  If exposed to the real disease, the immune system is now prepared to recognize and fight it off entirely or reduce the severity of the illness.

In 2006, the American Animal Hospital Association’s Canine Task Force published a revised version of guidelines regarding canine vaccinations. The guidelines divide vaccines into three categories-core, non-core and not recommended.

• Core vaccines are considered vital to all dogs based on risk of exposure, severity of disease or transmissibility to humans. Canine Parvovirus, Distemper, Canine Hepatitis and Rabies are considered core vaccines by the Task Force.
• Non-core vaccines are given depending on the dog’s exposure risk. These include vaccines against Bordetella bronchiseptica, Borrelia burgdorferi and Leptospira bacteria.

Your veterinarian can determine what vaccines are best for your dog.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the Academy of Feline Medicine (AFM) Advisory Panel on Feline Vaccines, have developed recommendations for the selection and administration of vaccines for cats.  Feline vaccinations fall into two basic categories-core and ancillary vaccines, or those that are only recommended for a small percentage of cats.

Your veterinarian can determine what vaccines are best for your cat.

Rabies is a virus that may affect the brain and spinal cord of all mammals, including dogs, cats and humans. Though preventable, there is good reason that the word “rabies” evokes fear in people. The disease has been reported in every state except Hawaii, and everywhere throughout the world except for Australia and Antarctica. Annually, rabies causes the deaths of more than 50,000 humans and millions of animals worldwide. Once symptoms appear, the disease results in fatality.

Since animals who have rabies secrete large amounts of virus in their saliva, the disease is primarily passed to dogs through a bite from an infected animal. It can also be transmitted through a scratch or when infected saliva makes contact with mucous membranes or an open, fresh wound. The risk runs highest if your dog-or any pet-is exposed to wild animals. The most common carriers of the rabies virus in this country are bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes. In the United States, rabies is reported in cats more than in any domestic species. If there are also cats in your household, it’s important to make sure they are vaccinated and kept indoors.

Distemper is an extremely contagious viral infection can be deadly, especially in puppies or in dogs weakened by other illnesses, stress or old age. A dog with distemper generally looks very ill, with runny eyes and nose, coughing and a fever. He will usually also have diarrhea and vomiting. Eventually the disease affects the nervous system, causing seizures, confusion and partial paralysis.

Hepatitis is a very contagious virus that infects the liver and other internal organs. Often the first sign of hepatitis in a dog is when a cloudy blue layer forms over his eyes. He may show other signs of liver failure as well. The disease is difficult to treat once contracted, and is often fatal.

Leptospirosis is a disease that both pets and people can get.  It bacteria, not a virus. It can be transmitted through bodily fluids or through the consumption of infected food or water. The first symptoms are fever, aches and pain, but eventually kidney failure sets in, and an infected dog will be extremely thirsty. It can be fatal, but leptospirosis is not a problem in all parts of the country, so some vets recommend against including this in your dog’s routine shots.

While it is highly contagious, parainfluenza is not normally deadly and can be successfully treated. The symptoms of coughing, sneezing and a runny nose can make your dog very miserable for awhile, but it will eventually go away.

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious viral disease that can produce a life-threatening illness. The virus attacks rapidly dividing cells in a dog's body, most severely affecting the intestinal tract. Parvovirus also attacks the white blood cells, and when young animals are infected, the virus can damage the heart muscle and cause lifelong cardiac problem.

Canine Coronavirus is a contagious intestinal infection that usually produces a mild disease. However, it can be severe in young puppies and dogs who are stressed by concurrent infections. The distribution is worldwide, and dogs of all ages are affected.

There are many different agents that can cause of tracheobronchitis. The most common are parainfluenza virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and mycoplasma. Canine adenovirus type 2, reovirus, and canine herpes virus are thought to possibly contribute to the disease, as well. Although any one of these organisms can cause symptoms of the disease, the majority of cases are the result of more than one organism.

The most common viral agent is parainfluenza virus. This common virus will cause mild symptoms lasting less than 6 days unless there is involvement of other bacteria, as is usually the case. Most 5-way vaccines and 'kennel cough' vaccines offer some protection against this virus.

Bordetella bronchiseptica is the most common bacteria isolated from dogs with tracheobronchitis. Clinical signs of infections occur 2-14 days after exposure, and if uncomplicated with other agents, symptoms will last around 10 days. However, after the infection has been resolved, the affected animal will continue to shed the bacteria for 6 to 14 weeks and can spread the disease to other susceptible animals during that time. Bordetella is one of the agents protected against through the use of intranasal 'kennel cough' vaccines. Parainfluenza and Bordetella most commonly appear together in infectious tracheobronchitis, creating a disease that normally lasts from 14-20 days.

Feline viral rhinotracheitis (FVR), is probably one of the most serious and contagious respiratory infections a cat can contract.  It's caused by a herpes virus that affects the upper respiratory tract and the virus is transmitted in all respiratory secretions.

Feline calicivirus (FCV), a common viral disease that affects cat, is characterized by upper respiratory symptoms, pneumonia, oral ulceration (sores in the mouth), and occasionally arthritis. It is a fairly mild flu-like condition and rarely causes serious complications.

Panleukopenia is a viral disease of cats, and is often called feline distemper. It is highly contagious and can be fatal, especially in young cats.

Feline leukemia virus is a transmittable RNA retrovirus that can severely inhibit a cat’s immune system. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of disease and death in domestic cats.

If you have decided to buy a dog from a breeder, you will want to pick one who is a responsible breeder.  Responsible breeders give careful consideration to health issues, temperament, genetic screening as well as to the individual care and placement of puppies in responsible homes.  A responsible breeder will never sell dogs through a pet store or in any other way that does not allow them to meet with and thoroughly interview you to ensure that the puppy is a good match for your family and that you will provide a responsible, lifelong home.
Get a Referral

You can find responsible breeders by asking for referrals from your veterinarian, trusted friends, local breed clubs, or visiting professional dog shows.  The American Kennel Club (AKC) also provides a Breeder Referral Search.

What to Look For

Look for a breeder who, at a minimum, does the following:

• • Keeps dogs in the home as part of the family, not outside in kennel runs.
  • Has adult dogs who appear happy and healthy, are excited to meet new people, and do not shy away from visitors.
  • Shows you where the dogs spend most of their time, which should be a clean, well-maintained area.
  • Encourages you to spend time with the puppy’s parents (at a minimum, the puppy’s mother) when you visit.
  • Does not allow the puppy to leave its mother or the litter before a minimum of 8 weeks, preferably 12 weeks.By VA law, animals cannot be sold under 7 weeks.

                    Code of Virginia Table of Contents » Title 3.2. Agriculture, Animal Care, and Food » Chapter 65.
                    Comprehensive  Animal Care » § 3.2-6510. Sale of unweaned or certain immature animals prohibited,
                    vaccinations required for dogs and cats;

                    § 3.2-6510. Sale of unweaned or certain immature animals prohibited, vaccinations required for dogs and cats;                     penalty.A. No person shall sell, raffle, give away, or offer for sale as pets or novelties, or offer or give as a prize,                     premium, or advertising device any living chicks, ducklings, or other fowl under two months old in quantities                         of less than six or any unweaned mammalian companion animal or any dog or cat under the age of seven                             weeks without its dam or queen. Dealers may offer immature fowl, unweaned mammalian companion animals,                     dogs or cats under the age of seven weeks for sale as pets or novelties with the requirement that prospective
                    owners take possession of the animals only after fowl have reached two months of age, mammalian
                    companion animals have been weaned, and dogs and cats are at least seven weeks of age. Nothing in this
                    section shall prohibit the sale, gift, or transfer of an unweaned animal: (i) as food for other animals; (ii) with the
                    lactating dam or queen or a lactating surrogate dam or queen that has accepted the animal; (iii) due to a                             concern for the health or safety of the unweaned animal; or (iv) to animal control, a public or private animal  
                   shelter, or a veterinarian.

                    B. Dealers shall provide all dogs and cats with current vaccinations against contagious and infectious
                    diseases, as recommended in writing and considered appropriate for the animal's age and breed by a licensed
                    veterinarian, or pursuant to written recommendations provided by the manufacturer of such vaccines at least
                    five days before any new owner takes possession of the animal. For dogs, the vaccinations required by this
                    subsection shall include at a minimum canine distemper, adenovirus type II parainfluenza, and parvovirus. For
                    cats, the vaccinations required by this subsection shall include at a minimum rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and
                    panleukopenia. Dealers shall provide the new owner with the dog's or cat's immunization history.

                    C. A violation of this section is a Class 3 misdemeanor.

                    1984, c. 492, § 29-213.40; 1987, c. 488, § 3.1-796.70; 1993, c. 174; 1995, c. 625; 2006, c. 503; 2008,
                    c. 860; 2014, c. 148.

• • Only breeds one or two types of dogs and is knowledgeable about the desired characteristics of the breed, such as size, proportion, coat, color, and temperament.
  • Has a strong relationship with a local veterinarian. Explains the puppy’s medical history and what vaccinations your new puppy will need.
  • Provides a copy of the puppy’s vaccination records.  At a minimum, the puppy should have been dewormed and received its first round of vaccinations (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza).
  • Explains in detail the potential genetic problems inherent to the breed and provides documentation that the puppy’s parents and grandparents have been tested to ensure that they are free of these genetic problems.
  • Offers guidance for caring and training your puppy and is available for assistance after you take your puppy home.
  • Recommends that you promptly take your puppy to your veterinarian for an exam. The responsible breeder’s veterinarian will have already examined your puppy.
  • Is willing to provide references from other families who have purchased puppies if you ask.
  • Feeds high quality, premium brand pet food.
  • Does not always have puppies available.
  • Is actively involved with local, state, and National clubs that specialize in the specific breed. Good breeders may compete with their dogs in conformation (which judge how closely dogs match their breed standard), obedience trials (which judge how well dogs perform specific sets of tasks on command), or tracking and agility trials.
  • Encourages multiple visits and wants your entire family to meet the puppy.
  • Provides you with a written agreement, contract, and/or health guarantee and allows plenty of time for you to read it thoroughly.

The breeder will probably ask you to:

• • Explain why you want a dog.
  • Explain who in your family will be responsible for the puppy’s daily care and attend training classes, where the dog will spend most of his/her time, and what rules have been decided upon for the puppy -- for example, whether or not the dog will be allowed on the furniture.
  • Provide a veterinary reference.
  • Provide proof from your landlord or condominium board that you are allowed to have a dog.
  • Sign a contract that you will spay or neuter the dog unless you will be actively involved in showing him/her. (Applies to show quality dogs only.)
  • Sign a contract stating that you will return the dog to the breeder should you be unable to keep the dog at any point in the dog’s life.

If a breeder doesn’t meet most of these minimum requirements – WALK AWAY.  Do not be tempted, regardless of the circumstances, to purchase your puppy from an importer, broker, middle man or pet shops.  Most of these puppies come from mass breeding facilities known as puppy mills. Too often, the result of these puppy mills are puppies with poor health or temperament problems that may not be discovered until years later.