Can anyone explain to me the difference between a service dog and a companion dog? I have a “no pet” clause in a second floor apartment lease but I’m having people tell me they have a service dog and when I ask if they have documentation, they say “the Dr will will write you a letter because my girlfriend is nervous and a dog calms her down.” I don’t know what is protected by law but I’m tired of people trying to sneak in a dog when they want an excuse to have a pet.

I’ll likely start researching this subject in the next few months since I’ll have to make this decision again very soon. However, as of right now I’ve only spoken to a handful of trainers and vet techs who are for sterilization vs spay/neuter. I’m going to have a chat with my vet next time I’m in the office. Let me know if you find any new information on this subject.

I’d be interested in the sterilization info also, our chocolate lab puppy is now 9 months old, not sure when or if to neuter. I’d love to see your info
Thanks

Thanks for stopping by. Since posting this information earlier this year I’ve been talking to vets, dog trainers, and other experts and I’m finding very mixed opinion on the subject. However, at this moment I am in agreement with you on waiting until later before thinking about neutering. Another option that I’m going to look into is sterilization instead of spay or neuter. If you have any links to relevant information on spay/neuter please share with us as I’d like to learn more on the subject.

Hi Lillian, if you didn’t get a chance take a look at the link provided by Shannon in the comment above.

Hi Lindsay, take a look at the link from Shannon: http://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2011/02/17/dangers-of-early-pet-spaying-or-neutering.aspx Some interesting stuff there.

Thanks for sharing the link. I also spoke to one of my friends who’s currently in vet tech school and she said some of the studies she read about recommended waiting until 18 months.