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How to Certify a Service Dog

how to certify service dog

Here is the certification process for service dogs in 5 easy steps: 

  1. Identify whether you have an ADA-eligible disability (which can be physical or psychiatric). 
  2. Get a confirmation letter from your doctor or therapist. This step is optional, but a PSD letter can be helpful backup documentation. 
  3. Train your dog to perform a task that helps with your condition. 
  4. Ensure your dog is comfortable in public spaces; they should be able to pass a public access test
  5. Certify your dog’s service dog status by getting a certificate stating you’ve met all service dog requirements — but remember, this step is at your discretion. 

Under U.S. service dog laws, you can’t qualify for a service dog just by getting a certification. Certifications are obtained by service dog owners for personal convenience, but they are not mandated under ADA rules. If someone refuses to let your service dog in because you don’t have a certificate, they are in the wrong. To verify a service dog, they can ask you just two questions: 1. Is the dog a service dog required for a disability? and 2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? 

Service Dog Certifiers 

In the U.S., there is no government certification program for service dogs. There is also no one organization or company that has been sanctioned under ADA rules to be an official certifying body. 

Certification of a service dog is done voluntarily by service dog owners through private organizations like Service Dog Certifications. If you are a service dog handler in the U.S., you can get accessories like vests, tags, ID cards, and certificates from these organizations to make your life as a service dog handler in public areas easier. 

Tasks Performed by Certified Service Dogs 

A canine dog can only be certified as an official service dog after it has completed the training required to help their handler. Here are just a few examples of the amazing services that service dogs provide:

  • Tasks for Psychiatric Conditions: Reminding the handler to take medications, interrupting repetitive or self-destructive behaviors, room searching, bringing an emergency phone during a crisis, providing pressure therapy to calm 
  • Tasks for Vision Impairment: Guiding the handler, retrieving objects, obstacle avoidance, finding an exit from a room
  • Tasks for Hearing Impairment: Alerting to alarms, doorbells, and distant sounds, alerting to people approaching from behind and visitors at the door, alerting to the ring of a telephone
  • Tasks for Hypoglycemia/Diabetes: Alerting the person to a drop in blood sugar, seeking out another human in case of the handler’s collapse, retrieving medications
Service dog in training
A dog must be fully trained and able to perform their tasks before they can be certified as a service dog.

How to Train a Certified Service Dog

When training a dog to become a certified service animal, you have three main options: self-training, group classes, or individual training. Each method has its benefits and drawbacks, especially for service animals.

Self-Training

Self-training means teaching your service dog on your own. It’s the cheapest option, allowing you to focus on tasks specific to your needs. You and your dog can learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses, which helps you bond. Plus, you’ll gain skills to train your dog in new tasks as your needs change.

For example, if you train your dog to retrieve items, you’ll learn to break down complex tasks into smaller steps. This knowledge can help when you need to teach new services later, like opening doors or providing balance support.

Group Classes

Group classes are cheaper than individual training but cost more than self-training. Your dog gets to practice working around other animals, which is crucial for service dogs. You’ll need to follow the class schedule, which might not always be convenient.

In a group class, you might practice commands like “leave it” with other service dog handlers. This can be helpful, and you might meet people who understand the unique challenges of having a service dog.

Individual Training

Individual training is the most expensive option but offers personalized attention from a professional service dog trainer. They work with you and your dog on your schedule, focusing on tasks specific to your disability.

The trainer can evaluate your dog’s suitability for service work and suggest tasks based on your needs. For instance, they might notice your dog has a natural tendency to alert to sounds and develop that into a hearing assistance task.

Each method has its pros and cons. Consider your budget, schedule, and specific needs when choosing how to train your service dog. Remember, regardless of the method, service dog training is more intensive and specialized than regular pet training. It requires dedication and consistency to ensure your dog can reliably assist you in public settings.

A service animal enjoying a small break in the park
Potential service dog owners have 3 options for training their dog: self-training, group classes, and individual training.

Service dogs are there for you!

Owning a service dog is a significant responsibility. Service dogs must be appropriately trained, and service dog owners should be up to date on the latest service dog laws

No one can require you to register or certify a service dog, ever. Like other service dog paraphernalia, these tools are here to help you as a service dog owner, but you should never feel pressured to carry them around. They only exist to make your life easier, especially in public areas. 

For this reason, many service dog owners voluntarily utilize service dog accessories like certificates.

Certify Your Service Dog Here

About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.

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