Types of Service Dogs
A guide to service dog categories, their roles, common training approaches, and breeds often used for each job.
Find Compatible BreedsGuide Dogs
Assist individuals who are blind or have low vision with navigation, obstacle avoidance, and safe travel.
Hearing Dogs
Alert individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing to important sounds like alarms, doorbells, or a crying baby.
Mobility Assistance Dogs
Provide balance support, retrieve items, open doors, and assist with wheelchairs and transfers.
Medical Alert/Response Dogs
Detect or respond to medical events such as seizures, diabetic changes, or severe allergies.
Psychiatric Service Dogs
Assist with PTSD, anxiety, or other psychiatric disabilities via grounding, interrupting behaviors, or retrieving medication.
Autism Support Dogs
Provide safety, calming pressure, and routine support for autistic individuals.
Common Service Breeds
Training and Legal Basics
Service dogs require task-specific training to mitigate a disability. Public access laws and documentation requirements vary by jurisdiction—always consult local regulations and qualified trainers.