q: can ferrets be services animals?
a: No, but they can be "therapy pets"
A “Service Animal” is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as: “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability.”
However, many different types of animals---including ferrets, are used as “Emotional Support Animals”, “Comfort Animals”, or “Therapy Pets.” Non-canine animals are often used as part of a medical treatment plan as therapy animals, but they are not recognized as “Service Animals.”
Ferrets as “Therapy Pets” can be trained to deliver comfort and affection to people with or without a disability. Ferrets have been known to provide comfort to those individuals who are in retirement homes, hospitals and disaster areas, and in school settings. As “Therapy Pets” they deliver many benefits, including lowering blood pressure, reducing depression anxiety and feelings of emotion isolation. They can provide comfort to those in pain or who are chronically ill, and increase socialization and communication of those who suffer from disabilities. They have helped children focus better in schools.
However, many different types of animals---including ferrets, are used as “Emotional Support Animals”, “Comfort Animals”, or “Therapy Pets.” Non-canine animals are often used as part of a medical treatment plan as therapy animals, but they are not recognized as “Service Animals.”
Ferrets as “Therapy Pets” can be trained to deliver comfort and affection to people with or without a disability. Ferrets have been known to provide comfort to those individuals who are in retirement homes, hospitals and disaster areas, and in school settings. As “Therapy Pets” they deliver many benefits, including lowering blood pressure, reducing depression anxiety and feelings of emotion isolation. They can provide comfort to those in pain or who are chronically ill, and increase socialization and communication of those who suffer from disabilities. They have helped children focus better in schools.
Photo - PFS: Oliver visits nursing homes, libraries and schools. He helps with humane education. He also helps with the "thought for the day" on FB daily.
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for further reading
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Service Animals Booklet: adata.org/publication/service-animals-booklet
Paws for Ferrets: https://www.facebook.com/Paws-Ferret-Sanctuary-537357576331015/
Paws for Friendship: www.pawsforfriendshipinc.org
