Types of service dogs
GAV's main training areas and the functional tasks a service dog may be trained for.
1. What determines the program type
The program type is determined not by the name of a diagnosis but by the specific person's functional limitations. The dog must perform specific trained actions — emotional comfort by itself is not a special task.
One team may combine tasks from several areas at once. The final individual plan is drawn up only after the person and dog are assessed by the admissions committee and specialists.
2. Main areas
Eight training areas. Tasks within each area are selected individually.
Mobility Assistance Dog
Purpose: support with mobility and physical limitations.
Example tasks: carrying items, opening doors, help with everyday actions.
To confirm at assessment: safe performance of physical support tasks.
Limitations: physical support tasks require a separate assessment of safety and of the dog's condition.
Medical Alert Dog
Purpose: alerting to recognizable changes in a person's condition.
Example tasks: giving a signal before a change in condition, getting the owner's attention.
To confirm at assessment: repeatability of the signal in different conditions.
Limitations: guaranteed medical detection is not promised.
Medical Response Dog
Purpose: performing trained actions after an episode begins.
Example tasks: fetching an item, calling for help, pressing a button, providing a safe space.
To confirm at assessment: reliability of the action in a stressful situation.
Limitations: the action takes place after the episode starts, not instead of medical care.
Hearing Dog
Purpose: response to significant sound signals.
Example tasks: responding to the signal, leading the handler to the source of the sound.
To confirm at assessment: correct identification of the sound and a clear direction.
Limitations: does not replace hearing aids or other technical aids.
Psychiatric Service Dog
Purpose: support with psychiatric functional limitations.
Example tasks: interruption, grounding, finding an exit, creating distance, calling for help.
To confirm at assessment: stable and appropriate performance of the task in the right situation.
Limitations: tasks do not replace therapy or medication.
Autism Assistance Dog
Purpose: support within an individual plan.
Example tasks: navigation, interruption, safety, help managing the environment.
To confirm at assessment: tasks matching the individual plan and safe interaction.
Limitations: the plan is individual and is not automatically transferred to other people.
Seizure Response Dog
Purpose: performing actions after an episode begins.
Example tasks: calling for help, staying close, activating a means of communication.
To confirm at assessment: stability of the response at the moment of the episode.
Limitations: it is not claimed that the dog can predict a seizure in advance.
Diabetes Alert or Response Dog
Purpose: alerting or a trained response within a confirmed program.
Example tasks: signaling a change in condition, bringing a source of sugar or a means of communication.
To confirm at assessment: repeatability of the response within the program.
Limitations: does not replace medical devices and ongoing monitoring of the condition.
3. Combined programs
- A program may include several groups of tasks at once.
- The name of the program must not exaggerate the team's real skills.
- Each stated task must be separately trained and confirmed at assessment.
- Changes to tasks after certification must be recorded in the register.
- A significant change may require reassessment.
Psychiatric Service Dog + Medical Response Tasks
4. How a service dog differs from an ESA
Service dog
- Trained to perform specific actions.
- Actions are linked to the owner's functional limitations.
- Trained in behavior in public settings.
- Assessed as a team with the handler.
- Requires constant maintenance of skills.
Emotional Support Animal
- Helps through its presence.
- May have no special trained tasks.
- Is not automatically a service dog.
- Access rights depend on local law.
- A doctor's letter does not replace service dog training.
5. What is not a special task
- Simple presence.
- Friendly behavior.
- Sleeping together.
- Ordinary walks.
- Reducing anxiety merely through presence.
- General emotional attachment.
- Wearing a vest.
- Calmly staying nearby without a functional action.
- Having a certificate without confirmed training.
6. Requirements for a task
Each task stated in the program must be:
- Trained.
- Observable.
- Repeatable.
- Safe.
- Linked to a functional limitation.
- Performable in different conditions.
- Clear to the handler.
- Recorded in the training plan.
- Confirmed at assessment.
7. Limitations and safety
- Not every task is safe for every dog.
- The dog's size and health matter when choosing tasks.
- A dog must not be used as constant physical support without a separate assessment.
- A medical alert does not guarantee one hundred percent accuracy.
- A service dog does not replace medication, devices or emergency care.
- Tasks must not cause the dog pain or chronic overload.
- A trainer may refuse to train an unsafe task.
8. How the area is chosen
Describing the functional limitations
Identifying situations where help is needed
Drawing up a list of possible tasks
Assessing the dog's suitability
Checking safety
Drawing up an individual plan
Training
Confirming tasks at the final assessment
9. Changing a program
- New tasks cannot be automatically added to an existing certificate.
- The change must be documented.
- Additional training may be required.
- Reassessment may be required.
- The public register must show only the confirmed program type.
10. Legal note
Want to learn more about programs and tasks?
Training formats, the catalog of special tasks and GAV assessment standards.