Reply from DogAcademyMar 8, 2026
Hi Alessio, thank you for sharing your experience, and we’re truly sorry for the frustration this has caused you and your family. We never want anyone to feel discouraged during this process, and we understand how much love and dedication you’ve put into Lucy’s training.
Regarding the vest, US Service Animals is more than happy to send a replacement to correct the defective item you received. You and Lucy deserve equipment that is accurate, durable, and reflective of the hard work you’ve both put in.
As for the course, a Psychiatric Service Dog certification requires a minimum of 120 training hours, and our affiliate training partner is committed to helping every client reach their goals. They offer support, guidance, and clarification at every stage so teams can progress successfully and safely.
The Public Access Test is especially important because it evaluates whether the handler–dog team can reliably complete the necessary tasks in real-world environments. Passing requires each task to be demonstrated clearly and consistently — not as a reflection of your dog’s worth, but to ensure safety, compliance, and readiness for public access.
I want you to know: Lucy is doing phenomenal, and her progress is clear. We’re here to support you both, not discourage you. We will also be reaching out to you directly so we can assist further, review your submissions together, and make sure you receive the guidance and clarity you deserve.
Thank you for your dedication — we’re here with you every step of the way.
Best regards,
The Dog Academy Team