Mental Health Assistance Dogs

Fantastic work. Well done and I hope this petition helps you get the support you need to help.

My dog helps me with cptsd and is allowed to go to hospital appointments and work with me. Would not be here if it wasn't for him

I have depression and anxiety and cannot leave the house without my dogs. If I could register my already perfectly well behaved greyhound it would open up new worlds for me. Also think about the abandoned greyhounds or lurchers like mine for e.g. either hung on a fence until dead - shot - or some exported to China to be boiled in oil (see Daily Mirror front page article). as a nation of supposed dog lovers, wd you not them rather be happily rehomed supporting victims of severe often unseen but deadly diseases instead??? we are beginning to support the idea of support animals - horses as therapy, hounds for heroes - autism, hearing etc etc - why are WE being ignored???

this programme makes so much sense!

I have a dig who goes everywhere with me because of my mental health problems. I feel that my dig should be afforded the same luxury as a guide dog because without her I would not be able to go out and live a more normal life.

Please put my signiture on this petition.

Because my wonderful dog helps me combat my agoraphobia.

I have had complex PTSD for 15 years. my pet dog acts as an Assistance Dog by licking me when I dissociate. She can tell when I am really low and brings me a ball asking me to play. I can use her as an excuse to leave if I am uncomfortable in a situation. Her presence has prevented me from acting on my suicidal thoughts. She is the only being I can truly trust at the moment.

I would rather take a dog out and stroke a dog. Than think in a small room wanting to self harm and suicide. Having a dog at my side would boost my confidence to go out into the world and think about looking after the dog. I would be responsible for a life. One that needs to go out for walks and socialite with others. Not to be scared. Must be brave for the dog. Dogs do not judge you for being ill.

I suffer from depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms which makes leaving the house difficult sometimes and I struggle with emotional relationships. A friend allows me to look after her dog once a week and on these days my mood is elevated. Not only does this make it easier to leave the house, but I have a companion who relies on me to look after them and in return they protect and cuddle up to me. I have a purpose, responsibility and a second shadow with a happy wagging tail. When we are out we meet other dog owners and having the dogs there makes for an easy conversation, whereas normally my social anxiety would overcome me.

As a doctor I am proud to support the healing benefits of dogs.

I totally support this cause.

Dogs For Depression, it is a must surely!

We need to have this over here, all too often we are treated badly because of an invisible disability and the stress of being separated from our support dogs is incredible.

Not enough is being done for this cause. Getting my dog meant I could finally leave my house, for the first time since I can't remember. The fact he is not seen as an assistant dog means he can't come with me when I need him the most.

I would not be here without my dog. They need recognition and support.

In the USA many people who have depression/anxiety problems have registerd dogs that they take with them,why not here?

This should be the same as any other disability service dog, so that emotional support and physiological assistance dogs should have the same status and any other service animal

The Mental Health facilities in the UK are poor, something like this is a step in the right direction

I actually bought myself a dg after a suicide attempt recently and he has improve my life drastically i only wish he would be treated like any assistant dog and i could take him more places with me like inside buildings.