I’m a service dog professional | Danique Masingill - S.O.S. podcast #104

Service dogs are such a vital and beautiful relationship between humans and animals. I could not think of anybody better to take us on this journey explaining how service dogs integrate within law enforcement, the military and even as therapy dogs than my dear friend Danique. 

She was instrumental in helping me properly train Jayda to serve as a service dog for UK travel, ensuring her safety and ultimately making her a better pet. I’m so happy to bring you this fantastic guest and her story! 

Danique Masingill is a distinguished figure in the service dog industry, recognized for her profound impact on policy advocacy, scientific research, and community service. With a background steeped in military law enforcement and an enduring commitment to veterans and first responders, she has spearheaded multiple successful nonprofits and initiatives, most notably The Hero Academy.

Danique's illustrious journey was ignited during her tenure in the U.S. Navy, where she served with military police dogs. The experience catalyzed her pursuit of knowledge, leading her to the University of Syracuse, where she completed advanced studies in working dogs. This commitment culminated in attaining a master's degree in the subject.

Her exceptional expertise has positioned her as a sought-after authority in the field. Entities from Congress to the Department of Transportation, the Government Accountability Office, and the airline industry have solicited Danique's unparalleled insights to shape pivotal policies governing service dogs and military canines.

As the esteemed President of Leashes of Valor (LOV), Danique has led the charge to advance legal and scientific dimensions of service dog utilization. Under her guidance, LOV collaborated with Thomas Jefferson University's College of Nursing in a groundbreaking research endeavor. This landmark study examined the effectiveness of service dogs as treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), a step towards formalizing service dogs as evidence-based therapies.

Danique's advocacy extends to safeguarding the legal status of service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Her instrumental efforts played a pivotal role in influencing the Department of Transportation's regulations, which recognized the right to travel with service dogs prescribed for PTSD, while distinguishing them from emotional support animals.
At present, Danique is at the helm of The Hero A

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