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How to Certify a Service Dog

how to certify service dog

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 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 who 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?

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

  1. Service Dog Tasks for PTSD – Reminding the handler to take medications, interrupting repetitive behaviors, room search, guiding the handler from a stressful situation.
  2. Service Dog Tasks for Vision Impairment – Guiding the handler, retrieving objects, obstacle avoidance, finding an exit from a room.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Some people try to pass off their family pet as a Service Dog. This can pose a problem for those who really 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

The following are the steps involved to train a service dog successfully:

  1. 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 it yourself, then be sure to look for a dog 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.

  2. 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 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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. 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 Americans with Disabilities Act, you have a right to your service dog and 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 who 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.

82 comments

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  1. Ira Smith says: October 18, 2021

    Unfortunately there is no legal certification registration existing in the United States of America. It will eventually be up to each state to issue proper legal documentation and certification registration for each service dog that’s trained through the organization that trained it.

    Reply
  2. Joseph T Sugg says: April 9, 2021

    My K9 is a Pit Bull that I’m training for my service K9….I don’t call her Dog .Her name is Sandy with my last nameCertafied Documented and is very smart.Im Disabled PTSD and injuries I reserved …Sandy will be 3yrs old Christmas 2021..Had her sence she was Born.We train 24/7 . She is my Best Friend goes where I go 97% of the time.At night she will hear something at door and go to full alert , straddling me with her nose towards the door.Thats why I sleep at night,I no she has my back….She still has a lot of Pis &,Vinigeron in her that’s good cause she is eager to learn.She ready for Full Certification.Tom

    Reply
  3. Annette says: January 26, 2021

    I am traveling to Hawaii in October for my granddaughters wedding and unfortunalty I am not comfortable going without my little helper. With the new laws and Corona Virus, I am very concerned they will attempt to quarantine my dog when I arrive. I have diabetes and PTSD stemming from severe trauma suffered in the military. Although my dog isnt trained by a “professional”, she has a Service Animal Certification and she does alert me when my blood sugar is low and also provide an enormous amount of comfort to me. She is small and current on all immunizations, potty trained and extremely well behaved. What Precautions, Forms, Measures can I take to assure 100% that she will he able to travel to and from my trip. Thank you in advance for Any help and information you can offer me. God Bless You.

    Reply
    • Peter says: February 2, 2021

      Thank you for your service! A service dog does not need professional training to qualify as SD. If your dog is at your service at all times and trained to do the tasks that you need, then you have a legitimate service dog. Please contact the airline you’re planning to fly with for their policies on service dogs. There has been a change in rules recently; thus, it’s best to directly connect with them. You may find this article on how to fly with a service dog interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/flying-with-a-service-dog-guide/

      Reply
    • Mike Farrell says: February 4, 2021

      Hi Annette!,

      I live in Maui and we moved from the mainland at the beginning of 2020 with our Mini Australian Sheppard! While he is an emotional support dog, that has nothing to do with the pet Quarantine in Hawaii. Hawaii is the only state that does not have rabies therefore they are very strict with allowing entry for animals. If your trip is in October you’ll have plenty of time to do fulfill all the requirements (it’s a lot of paperwork & vaccination records, microchip, etc.) and it took us about 5 months to get everything in order so I highly suggest you don’t wait. There’s a whole process and waiting period so I cannot stress enough that you get a head start in everything!

      Here’s a link of requirements but I also suggest you contact a vet on the island you’re visiting to confirm everything is correct! It’s kind of a pain and the state will not make any exceptions so double check everything!

      https://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/aqs-info/

      Reply
    • Lori says: March 4, 2021

      Hawaii is one place where you will find impossible as they are a rabies free island. The quarantine is 6mths. Not even my son “X-military” can get around this. Good luck tho

      Reply
  4. Donna Pannebaker says: September 22, 2020

    I have a 3 year old German Shepard I would like to have her trained for depression, anxiety. Thanks

    Reply
    • Peter says: October 14, 2020

      Depression and anxiety may qualify for a psychiatric service dog. However, a service dog must be trained to perform tasks relating to a disability. If your Shepherd merely provides comfort for depression and anxiety just through its presence, an emotional support animal may be more appropriate for you. You may find this article on the difference between service dogs and emotional support dogs interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/is-an-emotional-support-animal-same-as-a-service-dog/

      Reply
      • Cindy Case says: November 2, 2020

        What are the specific types of training that you could teach your dog for depression and anxiety?

        Reply
      • Darlene Coldwell says: December 20, 2020

        My name is Darlene, for for 3o years I was diagnosed with depression, 2015 I was informed I was misdiagnosed, I have major depression and PTSD and anxiety. I don’t like being out in public, I neglect my health and grooming, (except when I’m at work, I’m a pediatric homecare nurse (I’m opened about myself to the parents and I’ve been with my agency for 12 years), my primary Nurse Practitioner agrees that I should have a support dog, but which one? I don’t need Anya (my husky) for work, work is only place I feel normal (I actually thought I had slit personality but found out that’s normal to feel different at work) can you please help me, I don’t want to “abuse” the system but want to make sure my needs are met.
        Thank you Darlene Coldwell

        Reply
        • Peter says: December 21, 2020

          Hi Darlene,
          If you feel an animal (a dog, cat, rabbit, or any other pet) can give you enough emotional support at home, you can apply for an Emotional Support Animal. There’s no training involved as the pet simply helps you overcome your dark times with their presence and love. But an ESA only has limited access rights, meaning they are not allowed out in public where other pets are not allowed.
          If you need 24/7 support, you may need a Service Animal (only dogs). Your SA needs to be fully trained, under control at all times, focused, and most of all, needs to fulfill a particular task that you cannot do yourself in times of need (like give you a deep-pressure massage or fetch medicine). The Service Dog can go anywhere you go but also needs to stay in your presence at all times.
          You may discuss more with your primary what assistance animal would fulfill your needs best. And you may find this article on the difference between an Emotional Support Animal and a Psychiatric Service Dog interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/the-difference-between-a-psychiatric-service-dog-and-an-emotional-support-animal/
          Good luck to you and take care.

          Reply
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