{"id":81,"date":"2018-11-29T18:18:41","date_gmt":"2018-11-30T00:18:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/new-blog\/service-dog-for-allergies"},"modified":"2026-04-30T13:11:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T18:11:36","slug":"service-dog-for-allergies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/service-dog-for-allergies\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Get A Service Dog for Allergies?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There are numerous illnesses, conditions, or disabilities that can greatly effect and individual\u2019s life. Sometimes harmful substances or situations aren\u2019t visible to us, or we are unaware of their presence. In a situation like this, it would be nice to have some kind of sixth sense to warn us of danger ahead. For people who suffer from certain allergies, a service dog can do just that \u2013 be your sixth sense.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The primary role for service dogs for a person who has allergies is to be able to sniff out allergy causing substances. <\/span>This is usually performed on food or drinks before they are consumed.<\/p>\n<p>What is incredible about a dog sniffing for allergens is that they are trained to recognize specific smells that are dangerous. A dog has a higher sensitivity to smells than us humans and they are able to pick up on hundreds of different scents. This is one of the reasons that dogs are able to pick up on the scent of their human so well.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, pair a dog&#8217;s genetically specialized scent of smell with some intense training and you will have yourself one amazing allergy companion.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What You Need To Qualify for a Service Dog for Allergies<\/h2>\n<p>In all cases, in order to qualify for a service animal, you will need to get approval from a physician. The physician will need to verify if you have allergies and how severe they are. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, service dogs are used when a condition severely impacts a person&#8217;s well-being. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Once you obtain qualification from a physician, you will be able to get a trained service dog. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, service animals can be very expensive so it is important to strongly consider if getting one is a good option for you. Luckily, with US Service Animals, you can enroll in our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/service-dog-training\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">service dog training course<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to offset some of the costs.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Service Dog For Allergies<\/h2>\n<p>One of the tricky things about finding a service dog for someone with allergies is that they can often be allergic to the dog! There are specific breeds that are most commonly designated for service use, but others are used when allergies come into play. The most common service breeds for those with allergies are labradoodles and poodles. Hypoallergenic dogs are the way to go, but it is important to choose a breed that is intelligent enough for service work.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0If you\u2019re not sure where to start, take a look at our guide to the best <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/service-dog-breeds\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">service dog breeds<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>How A Service Dog Can Help Someone With Allergies<\/h3>\n<p>Allergen detection service dogs can be a game-changer for their owners. Service dogs are able to smell even the slightest traces of potential allergens. These can be masked within food or simply in the air. This is essentially a life-saving task because those who suffer from anaphylaxis can face life-threatening situations from the smallest amounts. Service animals that are trained for allergens will undergo personalized training to be able to recognize the problem allergens for their owner. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It isn\u2019t simply an occasional help; these dogs constantly scan foods and other areas for the scent of allergens.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>A service dog isn\u2019t just a companion, but it can be a lifeline. If somehow the owner ingests harmful allergens, the dogs are also trained to react or get help. The owners are able to live a more \u201cfree\u201d life without the constant stress of worrying over every meal or what the air quality is that day.<\/p>\n<p>Service dogs do tend to have a hefty price tag, but if you believe your life would be greatly altered by this furry companion, you shouldn\u2019t hesitate. If cost is an\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">issue, keep<\/span>\u00a0US Service Animals\u2019 training course in mind, or take a look at our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/service-dog-grants-resources\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">grants and resources guide<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to see if you qualify for cost coverage. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Service dogs are incredible animals that bring hope into their owner\u2019s lives. It is amazing the large difference a small animal can make on a human. Companionship alone is a nice quality to have, but pairing that with a life-saving friend is a true game changer.<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Service Dog for Allergies Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you still have questions about service dogs for allergies? Our FAQ below covers the most common questions and concerns about these companions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is an Allergy Dog a Service Dog?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, an allergy dog (or allergen detection dog) is a service dog under the ADA.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Breed of Dog Is Best for Allergen Detection?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to allergen detection, the poodle tends to be the best suited. The biggest reason why poodles are great for allergen detection includes their highly sensitive nose, which is essential for this task. The poodles\u2019 intellect and trainability also consistently make them among the most popular service dog breeds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Dog Breed Is the Worst for Allergies?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog breeds like the golden retriever, Labrador retriever, and German shepherd that are known for heavy shedding and lots of drooling tend to be the worst for allergies. If you have pet dander allergies in addition to food allergens you\u2019d like a dog to detect, keep this in mind when choosing your service dog breed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Medical Issues Qualify for a Service Dog?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many medical issues qualify for a service dog. All you need to get a service dog is a diagnosis from a licensed practitioner for a disability, which can include severe allergies. Take a look at our guide for more on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/what-disabilities-qualify-for-a-service-dog\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">qualifying disabilities for a service dog<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Is an Allergy Dog a Service Dog?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes, an allergy dog, also known as an allergen detection dog, is considered a service dog under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What Breed of Dog Is Best for Allergen Detection?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Poodles are often considered one of the best breeds for allergen detection due to their highly sensitive sense of smell, intelligence, and trainability. However, other breeds may also be suitable depending on temperament and training.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What Dog Breed Is the Worst for Allergies?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Breeds that shed heavily or produce more dander, such as golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and German shepherds, are generally less suitable for individuals with allergies.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What Medical Issues Qualify for a Service Dog?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"A variety of medical conditions may qualify for a service dog, as long as the individual has a diagnosed disability and the dog is trained to perform tasks that mitigate that disability. This can include conditions such as severe allergies.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In all cases, in order to qualify for a service animal, you will need to get approval from a physician. The physician will need to verify if you have allergies and how severe they are [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/usserviceanimals.org\/blog\/service-dog-for-allergies\/\">Read More&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":10528,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v20.3 (Yoast SEO v20.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Can You Get A Service Dog for Allergies?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"In all cases, in order to qualify for a service animal, you will need to get approval from a physician. 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