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How to Certify a Service Dog

26 August, 2017

Steps to properly certify your Service Dog

Service dogs are not just for those folks that suffer from blindness. These specifically trained canines are now finding their way into the “workforce” to help those that deal with other physical or mental disabilities. Understanding how to officially certify your service dog is an important first step.

1). Adopt a dog with a calm temperament and energy level
2). Train your dog to perform a task to aid with your disability
3). Certify your service dog with Service Dog Certifications
4). Live your life to the fullest

To learn more about service dogs, continue reading. We will also cover a few basic questions regarding Service Dogs and clarify some common misconceptions.

Question #1 – What is a Service Dog?

Unlike an emotional support animal (ESA), the Service Dog is a highly trained canine that provides assistance to those people that suffer from any number of conditions. These conditions can include (but are not limited to) visual and hearing impairments, seizure disorder, diabetes, mobility impairment and mental illnesses such as PTSD.

Question #2 – What Tasks Do Service Dogs Provide?

The Service Dog can be trained in a number of different disciplines. Here are 5 of the most commonly taught tasks that the Service Dog is capable of performing.

Service Dog Tasks for PTSD – Reminding the handler to take medications, interrupting repetitive behaviors, room search, guiding the handler from a stressful situation.
Service Dog Tasks for Vision Impairment – Guiding the handler, retrieving objects, obstacle avoidance, finding an exit from a room.
Service Dog 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 the telephone.
Service Dog Tasks for Hypoglycemia/Diabetes – alerting the person to a drop in blood sugar, seeking out another human in case of handler’s collapse, retrieving medications.
Service Dog Tasks for Depression – retrieve medications, bring an emergency phone during a crisis, provide balance support (needed with some treatment medications) provide unconditional comfort/support.

Question #3 – How to Train A Service Dog

There are some people that try to pass off their family pet as a Service Dog. This can pose a problem for those that really do need the animal. For this reason, there are steps to take to have a legitimate Service Dog. The most important step is proper training. Do not be fooled into thinking you have to train your dog with expensive trainers. You are legally allowed to train your service dog yourself.

service dog training

Step #1 – Adopt a Dog with a calm temperament and energy level

If you have the means, you can adopt a Service Dog that has been specifically trained for your condition. These can be pricey, but you are guaranteed that the canine will be exactly what you need.

If you do not have an extra $20,000, it does not mean you cannot have a service dog. If you decide to adopt a dog and train him yourself, then be sure to look for a dog that is over 4 months old and has a good temperament. This includes being eager to learn/please, having a calm nature, and exhibiting non-aggressive behaviors. This will make training your dog a much easier process.

Step # 2 – Training your dog to perform a task to aid with your disability

Training your dog to perform the tasks you need him to do will take practice and patience. Be sure to always use positive reinforcement when training your canine and seek out professional help periodically if needed. There are also many great service dog training tips online.

A part of your dog’s training will be to practice his skills out in the public. Start with those areas that allow dogs so you can focus on training your dog in public. Places like public parks or outdoor shopping centers are great places to allow your dog to be comfortable around people and new locations.

Step # 3 – Register your certified service dog

Once your assistance dog is fully trained, it’s time to register him. Although registering your service dog is not required by law, many service dog handlers find this convenient when traveling with their service dog. This is especially true if your disability is not visible. You may order a proper vest, Service Dog ID, and certificate. Some handlers will also order an ID holder so their service dog certification is visible at all times when traveling with their service dog.

Step # 4 – Live Your Life

Now that your Service Dog is there to help you with your disability, you can get back to living your life. There’s no shame in having an assistance animal, so go boldly into the world knowing your Service Dog has you covered.

Question #4 – Where Can my Certified Service Dog Go?

Service Dogs are allowed anywhere their handler is allowed. This includes restaurants, movie theaters, retail stores, and markets. However, there are some areas where your Service Dog may be denied access to. These include;

Treatment area of an ambulance
Hospital ICU or other areas where special clothing is required
Worship services in a church
Military bases
Private clubs

service animal

Question #5 – What Do I Do If My Certified Service Dog is Denied Access?

Unfortunately, it does happen. You may be denied access to some areas by uninformed people. However, there are ways to handle the situation.

First, remain calm and explain that under the American with Disabilities Act you have a right to your service dog and to bring it into public areas.

Second, if you have a certificate from your service dog registration organization, show the person to prove your dog is legitimate.

Third, ask to see a manager/owner of the establishment. For a larger business, you may want to do a quick search on your phone for a customer service department. Explain the situation to whomever you decide to discuss this matter with in a calm manner.

Fourth, if you are still denied access, you can file an official ADA complaint with the US Department of Justice.

Before you leave the establishment it’s always a good idea to ask for any witnesses that may want to give a statement in regards to your denial.

Service Dogs Are There For You!

Understanding how to certify your service dog is the first step. Your Service Dog is on duty 24-7 making sure you can live a normal life. If you believe you or a loved one could benefit from the help of a Service Dog, learn more about service dog laws.

21 comments

Susan Bunney says: February 12, 2019

Very informative. I am 70 now and suffering from hearing problems an x also panic attacks when i go out. So would love to know more. My dog us 9 months old poiske x with Cavashon very intelligent.

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- Charlotte D Myers says: June 2, 2019
  
  I was stop abruptly in the entryway of the Social security office in St. Cloud Mn. By the Security guard for Social Security office. This msn ran up on me startled both of my service dogs they volted and hit the floor behind me. while this man interrogated, degraded me with his 50 questions ,humiliated me in front of 30 people or more. I hate being disabled noless noless having phyical and mental disabilities from a malfunctioning medical device leaveing me with these 2 small dogs for a someone of an independent life. Then i reported him for harrassment which only escalated the issue and supervisor refuse to give a reference number to the issue or even get back to me letting me know weather the problem had ben resolve or not. She said she didn’t have to do anything about the matter cause they are run by the federal government and the rules and laws do not apply to them.
  I didn’t ask to to be disabled and my heart goes out to anyone who has had to deal with rude, disrespectful and Arrogant renta a cop who has little man syndrome.
  
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  - Kitty Spann says: July 20, 2019
    
    I was also interrogated at the social security office but he only asked the legal questions is she trained and what is she trained for – it was still off putting that social security is not familiar with the ADA laws
    
    Reply
- Heather says: June 2, 2019
  
  Does it cost to get my dog certified
  
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- Mary Marques-Caramico says: June 4, 2019
  
  It is important the the dog has excellent public manners, is potty trained and under control with a calm temperament as well as in good health. The next aspect is to have the dog task trained to perform a task that mitigates your disability. An example of a task to perform for hearing loss, you could train or have the dog trained to let you know (though some kind of signal…like a nose butt to your thigh, etc.) that someone is at the door or the phone is ringing. There are many more tasks that can be taught. After you have done those things you can have the dog tested with legalk9.com. They also back you up with the necessary qualifying information to any court if needed.
  
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Julie says: February 22, 2019

Is there an age limit for the dog? My dog is 6 yrs old now. She already seems to know when I need her for my conditions and she responds to them/me. I want to train her but can’t afford to pay tons of money to do so.

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- GoldenBrownie says: March 2, 2019
  
  There is a thing called owner training, it is where you train your dog yourself and so that way she learns her task and you dont have to pay all that money. Anyone who feels that they need to oay all that money to train there service dog has probably not done research so i feel that you didnt know. Anyways, just search up the task you want to train her with on youtuber and training by professionals videos show up.
  
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  - Ricki Tollenaar says: May 22, 2019
    
    I wish to register my companion dog, for entry, to everywhere I go
    
    Reply
    - Joshua Sells says: August 23, 2019
      
      A companion or emotional support animal is not recognized by Americans with disabilities organization
      
      Reply
- Shalece says: March 3, 2019
  
  No age too old as long as they can still perform every act necessary for your needs. Keep in mind that also means no accidental potty’s inside stores. And is healthy enough to perform all activities. I have a self trained service dog. It took us SIX MONTHS of daily training for him to finally be acceptable for a service dog. It’s also a good idea to get his canine citizen classes. These are relatively cheap and allows him to not make mistakes. They have to be desensitized to the public. Can’t beg for food. Can’t freak out and bark when another dog comes near them, etc etc. it sounds like a lot of work but it really isn’t. Good luck!
  
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aaliyah says: March 6, 2019

do the dogs have to be big i have a small dog

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- Mary Marques-Caramico says: June 4, 2019
  
  There is no size stated in the federal mandate as long as the dog is task trained to mitigate your disability.
  
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Tralin says: March 12, 2019

How can i get my dog to be a service dog for my anxiety?

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Anne Squires says: March 15, 2019

How can I buy a physically disabled person who is better get my dog more training to meet my needs?

Is it possible to adopt a service dog to meet my needs quickly. I am in a very urgent situation and require help.

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Mary Jackson says: March 21, 2019

I would like to certify my dog as a service dog for me.she is with me24/7 l would like to have her certify so she can go with i am73.

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- Linda Bieber says: April 30, 2019
  
  What is the cost to certified a dog and how long does it take.
  
  Do service dogs fly for free ?
  
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  - William n Eddy says: May 4, 2019
    
    Having a card of letter that certifies you need a service dog does not grant you the legal right to take your dog into a restaurant or on a plane.
    Your inability to enter a restaurant
    or fly in a plane without assistance that a dog can provide may qualify you.
    Your doctor or other medical treatment provider can assist you in determining if having a service dog will be a help to you.
    
    Reply
Laura Gardner says: March 23, 2019

Interesting

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Morris says: May 19, 2019

Where do I go in gainesville to get a dog certified

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Douglas says: May 30, 2019

I think it’s great for me, I need support and my dog does that for me.

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- Tina says: July 27, 2019
  
  I have a fear towards dogs and i feel like I shouldn’t have to be put in uncomfortable situations just to appease the people who want to disrupt public places like restaurants and grocery stores, malls etc. by bringing along your furry pets. Whatever happened to human rights? Keep your animals at home please. There’s a time and a place for them. Food establishments should not be one. Not everyone is an animal lover.
  
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