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Blues City Service Dogs, Memphis, TN (2026)

02/20/2026

Service Dog Laws: State vs. Federal – Which One Do You Follow?

When it comes to service dogs, things can get confusing fast. There are federal laws and state laws, and sometimes they don’t say the exact same thing.

At the federal level, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sets the minimum standard. Under the ADA:
• A service dog is individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability.
• Businesses open to the public must allow service dogs.
• Dogs do not have to be registered, certified, or wear special identification.
• Staff may only ask two specific questions if the disability is not obvious.

The ADA applies nationwide and provides a baseline of protection. No state can create a law that gives less access than the ADA allows.

However, individual states can create laws that:
• Add additional protections for handlers
• Address state-level penalties for misrepresentation
• Clarify rules in housing or schools
• Include service dogs in training

If a state law gives more protection than federal law, you can generally rely on the stronger protection. But if a state law conflicts by trying to restrict access in a way that goes against the ADA, federal law prevails.

This is where confusion happens. Some states word things differently, define service animals slightly differently in certain contexts, or have additional requirements in specific settings. That doesn’t override federal access rights — but it can affect how situations play out locally.

The key takeaway:
👉 Federal law sets the floor.
👉 States can raise the ceiling — but not lower the floor.

Understanding both levels helps handlers advocate confidently while staying compliant.

💬 Discussion question:
Have you ever encountered a situation where someone quoted “state law” that conflicted with federal service dog law? How did you handle it?

02/20/2026

🚨 Scam Alert – Please Help Us Report This Page 🚨

We have been made aware of a fraudulent page that is stealing photos from our community — including content directly from our page — and using it in a fake ad for Morgan. They attached a picture that is NOT Morgan and are attempting to sell him.

To be absolutely clear: Morgan is not for sale. Any legitimate updates about our dogs will only come directly from this page.

This page is using stolen images and misleading information to try to scam people. Pages like this harm small programs, damage trust in our community, and take advantage of families both emotionally and financially.

Please take a moment to report this page:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/1BXbWAH2ej/

✔️ Click the three dots on their page
✔️ Select “Report”
✔️ Choose scam/fraud or fake account

Please do not engage with them — just report and move on. Sharing this post to spread awareness also helps protect others.

We appreciate our community more than you know. Thank you for standing with us and helping protect programs and the dogs we love. ❤️

02/20/2026

Psychiatric Service Dogs — Let’s Bring It All Together

Today we walked through psychiatric service dogs step by step. Let’s recap:

1️⃣ Definition Matters
We clarified the difference between a psychiatric service dog and an emotional support animal. A psychiatric service dog is task-trained to mitigate a psychiatric disability. An ESA provides comfort through presence but is not task-trained.

2️⃣ Legal Protection
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), psychiatric service dogs are federally protected in all 50 states. They have the same public access rights as other service dogs — and no special registration or ID is required.

3️⃣ Temperament Is Critical
Not every good dog is suited for psychiatric service work. We discussed stability, resilience, neutrality, and emotional awareness without emotional absorption. The dog must remain steady in the face of dysregulation.

4️⃣ Tasks Create Independence
From deep pressure therapy and interruption behaviors to room checks and guiding to exits, psychiatric service dogs perform trained tasks that increase safety and functional independence.

Psychiatric service dogs are not “just emotional support.” They are highly trained working partners supporting individuals with legitimate disabilities.

Education reduces stigma. Clear conversations reduce conflict. And informed advocacy protects real teams.

Thank you for following along with today’s series.

Discussion Question:
What topic within psychiatric service dog education would you like us to cover next?

Post 5 of 5

02/19/2026

What Tasks Can Psychiatric Service Dogs Perform?

We’ve talked about definitions, legality, and temperament — now let’s talk about function.

Psychiatric service dogs are task-trained to mitigate disability. Tasks are individualized, but may include:

• Deep Pressure Therapy during panic episodes
• Interrupting self-harm or dissociation behaviors
• Alerting to rising anxiety
• Guiding a handler to an exit
• Room checks for PTSD
• Nightmare interruption
• Medication reminders
• Creating space in crowds

These dogs are not “just comfort.” They are working partners that increase independence, stability, and safety.

Education reduces stigma. Clear information protects teams. And understanding strengthens advocacy.

Discussion Question:
Which psychiatric service dog task do you think is most misunderstood?

Post 4 of 5

02/19/2026

What Makes a Good Psychiatric Service Dog?

Now that we’ve covered legality, let’s talk temperament.

Not every loving dog is suited for psychiatric service work — and that’s okay.

Ideal qualities include:
• Stable nerves
• Low reactivity
• Confidence without pushiness
• Quick recovery from stress
• Strong handler engagement
• Neutral behavior in public

And let’s talk about emotional sensitivity.

Many people assume psychiatric service dogs need to be highly emotionally sensitive. In reality, we need emotional awareness paired with resilience.

A dog that absorbs anxiety, mirrors panic, or shuts down under emotional intensity will struggle long term. The goal is a dog who can step into dysregulation and remain steady.

This evening, we’ll finish this series by talking about the specific tasks psychiatric service dogs can perform.

Discussion Question:
What temperament trait do you think is most important in a working dog?

Post 3 of 5

02/19/2026

Are Psychiatric Service Dogs Recognized in Every State?

Earlier we talked about the difference between PSDs and ESAs. Now let’s talk about legal coverage.

We often hear: “Which states recognize psychiatric service dogs?”

Here’s the key:

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, psychiatric service dogs are federally protected in all 50 states.

Because they are task-trained service dogs assisting a person with a disability, they have the same public access rights as guide dogs, mobility dogs, or medical alert dogs.

Some states have additional laws addressing interference or fraudulent representation, but no state can override ADA protections.

This means:
• No special ID or registration is required
• Businesses may only ask the two ADA-approved questions
• Access applies nationwide

Up next this afternoon: what kind of dog actually makes a strong candidate for psychiatric service work?

Discussion Question:
Have you ever seen businesses confuse ESAs and service dogs?

Post 2 of 5

02/19/2026

Psychiatric Service Dog vs Emotional Support Animal

Let’s start today with one of the biggest misconceptions we see:

What is the difference between a psychiatric service dog and an emotional support animal?

A psychiatric service dog (PSD) is individually trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate a person’s psychiatric disability — such as PTSD, panic disorder, severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, or major depression.

An emotional support animal (ESA) provides comfort through presence alone, but is not task-trained.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
• Psychiatric service dogs have public access rights.
• Emotional support animals do not.

A PSD might interrupt self-harm behaviors, perform deep pressure therapy during a panic episode, or guide a handler to an exit during overwhelm. An ESA provides companionship — which absolutely has value — but it is legally and functionally different.

In our next post today, we’re going to talk about legal protection and how psychiatric service dogs are recognized across the United States.

Discussion Question:
Did you already know there was a legal distinction between PSDs and ESAs?

Post 1 of 5

02/19/2026

Please read this entire post before reaching out so you have a full understanding of the information shared below.

We are currently gauging interest in Keiko, a nine-month-old, 50lb standard poodle who was recently brought into our program. She did have a prospective match; however, the family decided that with a new baby on the way, now is not the right time to add a service dog to their household.

Keiko will be available in one of two ways:
• As a started service dog ($8,000) after additional training is completed
• As a fully trained service dog (income-based; financial details discussed after a submitted application)

Both options include payment plans.

She would be a great option for either an adult or minor handler.

In terms of task work, Keiko will not be suited for psychiatric service work. Handlers who struggle with significant anxiety would not be an appropriate match. She is a typical poodle and is sensitive to emotions.

That said, she has shown promising interest in scent-based games and some non-weight-bearing mobility tasks, primarily item retrieval.

Current Drives (but being built):
• Low to medium food drive
• Medium toy drive
• High praise drive
• High prey drive

🚨Please note these are our current observations and may evolve as she settles further into the program and continues her training. This post is strictly to gauge interest — not to announce active matching at this time.🚨

If you are interested in Keiko when she becomes available for matching, please email us directly. Our Facebook messages are unmonitored and will not be read.

BluesCityServiceDogs@gmail.com

02/19/2026

Please read this entire post before reaching out so you have a full understanding of the information shared below.

We are currently gauging interest in Keiko, a nine-month-old, 50lb standard poodle who was recently brought into our program. She did have a prospective match; however, the family decided that with a new baby on the way, now is not the right time to add a service dog to their household.

Keiko will be available in one of two ways:

• As a started service dog ($8,000) after additional training is completed
• As a fully trained service dog (income-based; financial details discussed after a submitted application)

Both options include payment plans.

She would be a great option for either an adult or minor handler.

In terms of task work, Keiko will not be suited for psychiatric service work. Handlers who struggle with significant anxiety would not be an appropriate match. She is a typical poodle and is sensitive to emotions.

That said, she has shown promising interest in scent-based games and some non-weight-bearing mobility tasks, primarily item retrieval.

Current observations:
• Low to medium food drive (we are actively working on building this higher)
• Medium toy drive (also being developed further within our program)
• High praise drive
• High prey drive

Grooming is actively being addressed within the program. The photos shared are from the day before her first grooming appointment with us. She is currently being conditioned to brushing, as her previous owners stated this was not something that had been worked on. It is a slow and patient process, but she has been doing amazing and continues to make steady progress.

Please note these are our current observations and may evolve as she settles further into the program and continues her training. This post is strictly to gauge interest — not to announce active matching at this time.

If you are interested in Keiko when she becomes available for matching, please email us directly. Our Facebook messages are unmonitored and will not be read.

BluesCityServiceDogs@gmail.com

02/18/2026

Service Dogs in Schools: Laws, Expectations & Access Rights

In Post 1, we discussed readiness.
In Post 2, we covered safety considerations.

Now let’s address the school environment — where things often become complicated.

---

⚖️ The Law: What Protects Service Dogs in Schools?

Public schools are covered under:
• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Under the ADA: A service dog is allowed in public schools if it is individually trained to perform tasks for a student with a disability.

Schools may ask ONLY two questions:

1. Is the dog required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

They cannot:
• Demand certification
• Require registration
• Ask for medical records
• Require the dog to demonstrate tasks
• Charge extra fees

---

🏫 What Type of Schools Can Deny a Service Dog?

• Public schools → Cannot deny access if ADA criteria are met.
• Private religious schools → Not always covered by the ADA. Some may legally deny access.
• Private non-religious schools → Often covered, but policies may vary.

Families should always review the school’s policies and consult disability rights resources if unsure.

---

📋 What Schools Can Legally Require

Schools can require that:
• The dog is housebroken
• The dog is under control
• The dog does not disrupt instruction

If the dog is aggressive, uncontrolled, or repeatedly disruptive, the school can require removal — but must still provide accommodations for the student.

---

📚 What Should Be Expected of the Service Dog at School?

A school-ready service dog should:
• Remain settled for long periods
• Ignore food and dropped items
• Remain neutral to children
• Be comfortable with noise, bells, lockers, crowds
• Maintain task reliability

School is not a training ground for unstable behavior.

---

👧👦 What Should Be Expected of Other Children?

Children should be taught:
• Do not pet without permission
• Do not call to the dog
• Do not try to feed the dog
• Respect space

Education reduces distraction and protects the working team.

---

🚨 How to Report Illegal Access Denials

If a public school unlawfully denies a service dog:

• Document everything in writing
• Request the denial in writing
• Contact the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
• File a complaint through ADA.gov
• Consult a disability rights attorney or advocacy group

Access is not a privilege.

It is a civil right.

---

Bringing a service dog into a school requires preparation, collaboration, and clear communication — but it is absolutely achievable when done correctly.

---

💬 Discussion Question:

What do you think is the biggest challenge families face when bringing a service dog into a school setting — administration, peer reactions, or preparation?

---

Just a goofy photo line up.

02/18/2026

Safety Considerations: Size, Energy & Task Appropriateness

In our last post, we talked about when a child may be ready and the difference between parent-led and child-led handling.

Now let’s talk safety — because readiness also includes physical compatibility.

📏 Size Matters

A 45 lb child should not be physically managing a 75 lb high-drive dog independently.

Consider:
• Can the child physically hold the leash during a startle response?
• Can they maintain balance if the dog shifts weight?
• Is the dog sturdy enough for proximity tasks without being overwhelmed?

Physical mismatch creates risk — not just inconvenience.

---

⚡ Energy Levels

Pairing a high-energy adolescent dog with a sensory-sensitive child can create chaos.

Dogs should match:
• The child’s pace
• The child’s tolerance for stimulation
• The home’s activity level

An overstimulated dog and an overstimulated child is not a functional team.

---

🛑 Safe vs Unsafe Tasks

There are tasks that can be unsafe for children:

🚫 Brace work
🚫 Momentum pulling without professional oversight
🚫 Tethering (dog physically attached to child to prevent elopement)
🚫 Tasks that create dependency instead of skill-building

Tethering in particular can be dangerous. If a child bolts or drops suddenly, the dog can be injured — or the child can be pulled off balance. It places physical strain and liability on both ends of the leash.

Safe examples may include:
✔️ Deep pressure therapy
✔️ Alert behaviors
✔️ Retrieval
✔️ Interruption tasks

Safety isn’t about limiting children.

It’s about protecting both child and dog.

In our next post, we’ll dive into one of the biggest questions families have:

What happens when you bring a service dog into a school setting?

And we’ll talk laws, expectations, and what schools can — and cannot — require.

---

💬 Discussion Question:

What safety factor do you think families overlook most — size, energy match, task type, or tethering?

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