by Emma Riley Sutton

Created on: June 02, 2008   Last Updated: June 25, 2008

Service animals come in all shapes and sizes, species and breeds. Most commonly known as guide dogs for the visually impaired, that is only a small portion of service animals. There are many other jobs service animals can do for their human charges. Depending upon whether specialized training is needed or not, the duties service animals provide are quite varied.

Guide dogs and guide miniature horses help those who are visually impaired and who have mobility issues. Miniature horses is the new trend in guide animals and aren't commonly seen yet. Guide dogs are usually larger breed animals that are fitted with a special harness and/or leads to assist people with their daily lives. They help those in wheelchairs and who use walkers. They are trained to retrieve items that are out of their handler's reach.

Alzheimer's dogs assist those suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is the primary of symptom of this disease. Those who have Alzheimer's tend to wander and the service dogs help to keep this from happening. Although any dog, regardless of size or breed, can be trained as an Alzheimer's dog, herding breeds are usually used. Because of their centuries of breeding, these dogs "herd" the person they are assisting, keeping them where they belong. They are also trained to alert others their owner is wandering and to stay with their person until help arrives. Many are trained to use the telephone, retrieve items, and operate appliance.

There is a large and varied group of "sniffing dogs." These animals are trained to sniff for medical conditions and problems and to alert others to them. Any breed of dog can be trained to do this. Cats and ferrets are also being tested to see if they are as effective at sniffing as dogs. These dogs can smell cancer, high and/or low blood sugar, the onset of seizures as well as many other conditions.

Any type of domesticated animal, usually dogs and cats though, can be trained as therapy animals. These animals are trained to befriend those with emotional and psychological disabilities. They can also be used to visit nursing homes, safe houses for abused/neglected adults and children, hospitals and homeless shelters. Many animals that were previously in animal shelters/rescues are used for this type of service. Horses are now being used to help people with special needs, especially children with physical and emotional conditions.

Animals can be used to assist those who are hearing impaired also. These animals, usually dogs, are trained

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