Little Angels strongly believes in assisting those with psychiatric disabilities for both civilians and veterans. While this is a disability that is often overlooked, it is a condition which can be even more detrimental than some challenges which are strictly physical.

Recently, the public has received education regarding psychiatric service dogs with respect for our soldiers who are returning from war with PTSD. The trainers and volunteers of Little Angels work diligently to place dogs with our soldiers, as well as civilians who suffer from similar forms of PTSD, and other psychiatric conditions such as severe anxiety and depressive disorders.

Psychiatric Assistance Available:

  1. Medical Alert: Just as a dog can be trained to alert to seizures and other medical conditions, a dog can also be trained to sense the changes in a person’s body when they are beginning to have a panic attack, flash back, anxiety attack, or other psychiatric conditions. The dog is able to paw at the leg of their disabled recipient and interrupt what would otherwise be a debilitating and destructive behavior for the individual. This helps the handler to refocus on their dog and work through the problem.
  2. Deep Pressure Therapy: Just as medical wraps are used to alleviate anxiety in persons with psychiatric conditions, dogs can be trained to put the pressure of their body weight on their handler’s lap and abdomen to physically, and then mentally, relieve anxiety and induce a sense of calm.
  3. Non-Protective Boundary Control: When the individual suffers from anxiety due to the close proximity of others, or due to the claustrophobia in a crowded room, the dog can be trained to stand in between their handler and others to gain more personal space. The dog is not being protective, but is simply following a simple cue from their handler to move their body into the space surrounding their handler, in a down-stay position.
  4. Corners: A frequent problem for those suffering from PTSD is to negotiate corners without the fear of what is waiting on the other side. Our dogs can be trained to go around corners in front of their handler and the alert their handler if there is someone waiting on the other side. Over time this form of therapy can assist the disabled recipient when becoming more comfortable with going into public.
  5. Signal Alert: There are many situations when a recipient will need to excuse themselves from a classroom or meeting due to person psychiatric concerns. With a discrete signal to the dog, the handler can command his dog to paw at the leg, making it look like the dog is seeking attention. The handler is then able to comfortably leave the situation wit the excuse that his dog needs to relieve itself.
  6. Companionship: It goes without saying that any service dog’s greatest assistance is the emotional support they can offer their handler. Most disabilities present trials that can be relieved on a mental level simply by the dog’s presence. A well behaved dog can help to lower blood pressure and give a sense of ease to anyone who is near.

What We Don’t Do

We do not create unnecessary tasks for dogs to complete simply because we are looking for a way for dogs to “assist with a specific disability”. Public Access Laws state that a dog cannot be granted public access simply for emotional support, and that the dog must be trained in specific tasks to assist their disabled partner. Because of this, many are “looking” for tasks to train their dogs. We will not train a dog to pick items up off the floor if you can easily do this, etc. We will not train a dog to protect you – it is not safe. We WILL train a dog to assist you with actual tasks for actual needs.

Is a Little Angels Psychiatric Service Dog Right for Me?

In order to receive a Psychiatric Service Dog from Little Angels, you must:
  1. Have a life-inhibiting psychiatric condition, with documentation from your doctor supporting your diagnosis.
  3. Have a love for dogs.
  4. Have patience to work through problems (Even a trained dog is still a dog).

Handler Training




What are the Steps Involved for Receiving a
Psychiatric Service Dog?

  2. Submit a personal referral and medical documentation: If your initial applications looks like a good fit we will request these documents from you.
  8. Handler Training: During handler training we work with you, one-on-one and show you how to reinforce the training your dog has already had. Once you and your dog graduate our program we stay in daily contact for the first month, followed by monthly, and bi-yearly consultations for reports on your dog’s ability to continuously provide assistance to you and your child. Handler Training takes place in San Diego, California or Bartlett, New Hampshire.

We have partnered with:

The Anxiety Research Center and Curtis Hsia, Ph.D.

Dr. Hsia specializes in treating anxiety through cognitive behavioral therapy, and is an advocate in therapy through the use of Service Dogs through Little Angels.

Dr. Hsia is available for consultations by phone for those who reside outside of California.

For treatment or further information please contact: 

Anxiety Research Center
26800 Crown Valley Parkway Suite 455
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
California License #23359

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