A 2019 study published in Disability and Rehabilitation evaluated the impact of service dogs on psychosocial health among individuals with physical disabilities or chronic conditions. The research included 154 participants, of whom 97 had already been placed with a mobility or medical service dog and 57 were on a waitlist.
Using validated psychological tools—including the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory and PROMIS scales—the study assessed domains such as emotional wellbeing, social functioning, work/school performance, anger, companionship, and sleep disturbance. Results showed that individuals with a service dog experienced significantly better emotional, social, and occupational functioning compared to those on the waitlist.
Interestingly, no significant improvements were found in anger levels, perceived companionship, or sleep quality. Furthermore, the researchers found that among those with service dogs, the strength of the human–animal bond (as measured by the Monash Dog–Owner Relationship Scale) and the length of time since receiving the dog were only weakly associated with outcome differences. This suggests that the presence of the dog itself—rather than the depth of the bond—may drive the benefits.
Lead researcher Kerri E. Rodriguez and her team emphasized that healthcare professionals should recognize service dogs not only for their task-based roles but also as contributors to psychosocial support. These findings support expanding the use of service dogs in rehabilitation planning for individuals with physical limitations, especially in enhancing social and emotional dimensions of health.
Source: Rodriguez, K. E., Bibbo, J., & O’Haire, M. (2019). The effects of service dogs on psychosocial health and wellbeing for individuals with physical disabilities or chronic conditions. Disability and Rehabilitation, 42, 1350–1358. Published January 11, 2019.
