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How to Make My Dog a Service Dog

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dog owners have special legal rights. The ADA allows service dogs to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where the public is allowed to go. This includes businesses such as stores and restaurants, and public areas such as parks, beaches and libraries.

Under the ADA, a disability is defined as someone who has “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities” or “a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.”

Owners of service dogs use their animals to help with a wide variety of disabilities. Generally, the disability can be –

A physical one such as – mobility issues, blindness, and hearing impairment.
A psychiatric condition such as – panic disorder, severe depression, and PTSD.

Regardless of the type of disability the owner has, the service dog must be trained to work or perform tasks that are related to the disability. In the article, we will address four specific topics.

#1 – A Service Dog Must Have Special Training
#2 – Registrations, IDs, vests and other accessories are frequently used and helpful, but optional
#3 – Service dogs have special rights for housing
#4 – Service dogs can travel with their handlers, even on flights

#1 – A Service Dog Must Have Special Training

By definition, a service dog must be individually trained to work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. The task that the service dog is trained to perform must be directly related to the owner’s disability.

For example, a service dog can be trained to assist a visually impaired person walk around in public environments, or to pull a wheelchair for someone with limited mobility. Service dogs also help people with psychiatric conditions by performing tasks such as reminding their owners to take medication or providing pressure therapy during panic or anxiety attacks.

In addition to the special training a service dog needs to help with a person’s disability, it’s also important for the service dog to master basic obedience training. Under ADA rules, a service dog must always be under the control of its handler. Service dogs must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered (unless it prevents the service dog from effectively performing its tasks). If the use of a harness, leash or tether is unsuitable, the owner must maintain control of their service dog through voice, signal or other means.

A good service dog should be able to maintain discipline and focus on its owner in public areas, especially those that are busy and filled with potentially distracting stimuli. It can be useful to subject the service dog to a public access test to ensure that is ready to enter public environments filled with people, animals and other distractions.

A service dog can be trained by a professional or by the handler. There is no requirement to hire a professional or to take any particular course – if the handler is capable, they can train their service dog all on their own. Training a dog to perform tasks reliably for a disability takes time, patience and know-how.

If you have limited knowledge and experience in training a canine, you may want to consider enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer. A dog trainer can be helpful even if you plan to do most of the training yourself – they can give you a framework for training and useful tips.

#2 – Registrations, IDs, vests and other accessories are frequently used and helpful, but optional

When you see a service dog owner out in public you will often see the dog wearing a vest and the handler will have an identification card that likely contains a registration number.

Service dog handlers commonly use Service Dog IDs and vest primarily for a couple of reasons:

They help indicate to others in the public that their dog is a working service animal that should not be bothered
They help maintain privacy by curbing unwanted and intrusive inquiries about the service dog.

One common misconception regarding service dogs is that there is a legal requirement for them to be registered or to wear a vest. Some people also think that an identification card is mandatory for service dog owners. Contrary to these beliefs, service dog owners are not required to register their dogs, carry IDs or have their service dogs wear vests.

Service dog owners use these items voluntarily because they are useful. A staff person at a public establishment however cannot demand that a service dog owner show an ID card or put a vest on their dog in order to be granted accommodation on the premises. Many service dog owners find ID cards and vests essential for being out in public. Most people are unaware of the specific details regarding ADA rules, and these tools provide an easy shortcut for service dog handlers to indicate that their dog is not a normal pet. If you’re interested in registering your service dog in a database, you can get started by clicking on the link below.

Once your dog is registered, you can order a service dog ID card, service dog certification, and even order a service dog vest. Again, while these items are optional, many service dog owners find them incredibly helpful.

All service dog owners should understand they have a right to privacy when they are out in public. If it is obvious what service the service dog provides, staff at a public establishment are not allowed to make any inquiries regarding your service dog. If it is not obvious what service the dog provides, staff can only ask two questions: 1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability and if so, 2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform. They can’t ask a service dog owner for further details regarding their disability or require that the handler demonstrate that the dog can perform the task it has been trained for.

#3 – Service dogs have special rights for housing

Service dogs have special housing rights that are not granted to normal pets. If you are a service dog owner, you are permitted under Fair Housing rules to live with your service dog, even if your building has a strict policy that bans all pets. For purposes of Fair Housing laws, service dogs are not considered pets, and any policy that may apply to pets are inapplicable.

For example, if the building allows pets but not dogs over 50 pounds, or the building bans certain breeds such as Pitbulls or Great Danes, those rules do not apply to service dogs. A housing provider cannot prevent a tenant from keeping a service dog in their home because the dog is a certain breed or weight.

A landlord can only deny accommodation of a service dog in limited circumstances, such as if they determine that the service dog poses a safety or health threat to others. As with all service dogs, landlords can only verify a disabled person’s need for a service dog by asking the two questions discussed in the previous section. Unlike an emotional support animal which requires a letter of recommendation from a licensed healthcare professional, a service dog does not need any type of documented credentials.

#4 – Service dogs can travel with their handlers, even on flights

Service dogs are also allowed to travel and fly with their handler. This means they can ride on public transportation such as trains and buses, and also in taxis. Under the Air Carrier Access Act, service dogs are allowed to accompany their owners in the airplane cabin as well.

Travelling can be a stressful experience for any dog. It’s important that a service dog has been trained to handle situations such as crowded airports, trains and airplane cabins. A service can be denied accommodation if it is being disruptive and not under the control of its handler. Service dogs intended to be used for travel should be exposed to a wide variety of situations so they remain calm when faced with novel environments. It’s important to properly acclimate a service dog for the type of journey you’re taking. For example, it’s recommended to start with shorter trips on a plane or the bus so your service dog can learn to maintain their composure when flying with you through turbulence on longer trips or on a bus or train when it is crowded and bumpy.

If you are ready to register your service dog, click on the image below.

50 comments

Mark says: December 29, 2020

I just received a Rottweiler puppy for Christmas with intention of training her as a service dog or my PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Does anyone know of any trainers in the Portland Oregon area that can train for these issues?
Any help where to start would be appreciated.
Also, it seems I would start the process here by registering? Is that correct?
Thanks again!

Reply
Albany dog Training says: August 14, 2020

For the best dog training facility in Albany Call All Dawgs Training. All Dawgs offers obiedence, agility training, and Dog Boarding.

Reply
- Haydee Garcia says: October 22, 2020
  
  I have a depressed and estress can I do my dog service
  
  Reply
  - Patricia Baker Burns says: December 4, 2020
    
    I have a golden lab mix… Beautiful and kind. Tucker is about 6 years old. Because I am now a widow, I must rehome him because I now live in an independent living facility. He would be a great companion or service dog. Can you help…? I have no money to train. Patti Burns
    
    Reply
Maria says: May 27, 2020

I have copd can I get a emotional service dog

Reply
Kateri O'Connor says: May 3, 2020

I am interested in getting my daughter’s dog qualified as a service dog so she can take him to college. She was recently (2 years ago) diagnosed as a type one diabetic. She has had a lot of anxiety because of this. Her dog ( mini Australian Shepard) is not trained to help with her levels as other DAD dogs are, he just has made a tremendous difference in her outlook, levels of anxiety and how well she is managing. Can you tell me if you think he would qualify?

Thanks,
Kateri

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- Peter says: May 24, 2020
  
  Your daughter might qualify for an ESA. Since her dog has not gone through any training yet this could be the better solution. You may find this article on bringing ESA’s to college interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-animal-school/
  
  Reply
- Georgeharbison says: July 9, 2020
  
  Have you heard from some one I’m in same boat
  
  Reply
  - Maggie Saunders says: July 28, 2020
    
    NOT every dog has the correct temperament to be a service dog and handle the stresses of being in a public or stressful setting.
    1: Have your dog evaluated by a trainer that is familiar with service dogs and scent training.
    
    2: If approved get health testing done on your dog, be prepared to spend $1500.
    
    3: when health testing is completed and your dog is cleared. If your dog is not cleared most trainers will work with you in selecting a suitable breeder/lineage/temperament.
    
    4: Working with a trainer and begin scent based training, be prepared to spend up to $10,000.00 on training, your dog will go through all sort of training including scent based training.
    
    5: Remember a sheet of paper doesn’t make your dog a service dog.
    a: You must be disabled (see the ADA definition) the disability must be diagnosed by a doctor.
    b: Your dog must be suitable for the job you are giving him/her.
    c: Your dog must be TASK TRAINED, and must not pay any attention to the general public, other animals, people, loud noises, dogs, cats, etc.
    
    6: In accordance with the ADA law certification and paperwork are not required for service dogs, though training, task training, safe handling, leash laws, and proof of disability are!!!! Buying a vest, ID, and sheet of paper doesn’t make your pet a service dog, this makes your dog a danger to other working service dogs in the community when your pet is not conditioned to work around the general public. Disability specific task training does when done with the right dog!
    
    Reply
- Deborah says: November 28, 2020
  
  Jow can i get my dog trained is it expensive
  
  Reply
Tammy Downs says: January 4, 2020

I woul like to train my dog for my service dog for PTSD but I am told that once I do that they can’t be a family type dog only by me, I don’t want to have my family not enjoy her too, is this true?????

Reply
- Peter says: July 27, 2020
  
  A service dog can still be a loving dog. However, the service dog does need to be alert at all times and ready to perform the tasks needed by you. Therefore, the family’s enjoyment of the dog would need to be its secondary task, and you, your family, and especially your service dog would need to respect that order. You may find this article on the definition of a service dog interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/what-is-the-definition-of-a-service-dog/
  
  Reply
Melissa Burns says: December 20, 2019

I LIVE ALONE. I FALL ALL THE TIME AND BREAK BONES. I READ AN ARTICLE THAT A SERVICE DOG CAN HELP WITH THAT. I HAD A MRI A MONTH AGO, AND I AM AT 100% RISK OF BREAKING A BONE IF I FALL BECAUSE I HAVE OSTEOPOROSIS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS. I ALSO HAVE CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, COPD, ASTHMA, NO CARTILAGE LEFT IN MY RIGHT SHOULDER, WITH 7 THINGS WRONG, INCLUDING A BROKEN SHOULDER BLADE . THESE THINGS SHOWED UP IN THE MRI. I ALSO HAVE DIABETES AND MY EYESIGHT IS GETTING WORSE AND WORSE. I AM BI-POLAR, WITH HIGH ANXIETY AND BAD DEPRESSION, ESPECIALLY SINCE I LOST MY HUSBAND OF 33 YEARS 10 YEARS AGO 12/17/2009 TO PANCREATIC CANCER. WE GOT MARRIED AT 18 YEARS OLD. THEN THE LAST DOG HE BROUGHT HOME TO ME, HAD TO BE PUT TO SLEEP ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. I WANT A GERMAN SHEPHERD BECAUSE I AM A LARGE WOMAN AND NEED A LARGE DOG. I HAVE HAD 2 AND THEY ARE EVEN TEMPERED. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND ONE ALREADY HOUSE-BROKEN, THEN I WOULD TRAIN HIM/HER FROM THERE. ANY SUGGESTIONS? PS I RENT A LARGE MOBILE HOME.

Reply
- Maggie Saunders says: July 28, 2020
  
  Contact CCI.org they will match you with a dog that is suitable to your needs, and for the job.
  
  Reply
- A says: September 21, 2020
  
  If you want a dog that will be able to weight bear for you. You do not want a German sheperd. Since you said you are on the bigger side, you need a bigger dog such as a mastiff to hold any weight for you. Also, I’m not sure how your bipolar manifests, but if there’s any chance of one personality harming the dog do not get a SD. For service dog work, if you have all of these issues, get one fully trained, not self trained because for all of these issues, you’ll more then likely need someone to help professionally. Example being the diabeties. (Not trying to be rude, being realistic)
  
  Reply
Myrna says: November 22, 2019

You go to your actual physician and they will give you a letter

Reply
- Peter says: December 2, 2019
  
  Yes, your doctor can write you a letter if they are treating you for a mental or emotional disability. You can get your letter online, in case your doctor is unavailable. Just make sure the online service you choose sets you up with a real licensed medical health provider who will provide a letter with verifiable contact information. Don’t fall for any letter mills that promise a letter within a couple hours. For more information, you may find this article helpful – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-qualify-for-an-emotional-support-animal/
  
  Reply
Catharina Berrios says: November 18, 2019

Can a service dog be trained to assist with more then one disability at a time. For instance I have many health issues some including diabetes where my sugars go high an low also anxiety and depression. Would they be able to be trained to give warning an service with all?

Reply
- Peter U says: November 22, 2019
  
  Yes! Your service dog can provide more than one tasks for you. You can train your Service Dog yourself or you can request help from a local trainer.
  
  Reply
Jamie Cartmill says: November 6, 2019

I got me a small dog because I have PTSD Bi-Polar depression anxiety and schetzefrenia and social anxiety and I got kicked out of Wal-Mart in my town because I had my dog with me

Reply
Arielle says: May 13, 2019

Thank you for your advise. I am moving into a new apartment and they new landlord is asking for a note from my physician. What should I do? And what would be the steps to do that? Should I go to the vet or my actual physician. And if I go to my physician how would I go about it? Thank you!

Reply
- kdvoin says: September 17, 2019
  
  According to the ADA you do not have to disclose your ailment to the landlord. They may not ask you for paperwork on you dog either. They may only ask what special task does the dog perform. Do not let anyone bully you into disclosing personal information not required by law. The landlord is breaking the law if they continue to ask you, or decline housing to you based on your answer.
  
  Reply
SANDRINE FAMILARO says: April 26, 2019

Hi,
I am diagnosed with PTSD and my husband is deaf. We have 2 Boston-Terriers and we would like to make them service dogs. They obey the tasks required to be service dogs. Can we register them both? We always travel together almost everywhere, and making them officially service dogs would greatly help us. Can it be done?

Reply
Marvin Gregg says: March 29, 2019

Hello, I’d like to make my dog a service dog my wife has PTSD and I’d like to take her around a hospital or hospice setting to make people happy how can I accomplish this?

Reply
- A says: September 21, 2020
  
  If you want to take the dog around to help other people (not just your wife) that would be considered a therapy dog, not a service dog. Im not entirely sure if a dog can be both.
  
  Reply
Tasha Gray says: March 13, 2019

I want my dog to be a service dog. I am physically disabled. Multiple ligament replacement. I am PSTD/ANXIETY issues, and I live alone.

Reply
Brian says: March 7, 2019

Hello. I am diagnosed with PSTD and would like to have my dog be with me during a flight later this year. I have read the guidelines but I have a couple questions. After submitting mine and my dog’s information through the form on here, when and where do I have my dog “test” his commands and how he responds to them? I am traveling to Hawaii, which is very strict when it comes to traveling dogs. Is filling out the form and paying for the certificate, vest, etc. enough to provide for Hawaiian authorities? This may be more simple that I make it out but I would greatly appreciate any pointers. Thank you.

Reply
- A says: September 21, 2020
  
  is your dog a task trained service dog? (BTW there is no legal certification for service dogs or esa in america) you need a note from your doctor saying you are disabled and need your dog with you. Also look at the airlines rules and regulations.
  
  Reply
Mariah Sanchez says: February 25, 2019

Hi how are you I want make my dog a service dog .I’m hard hearing and struggle with hearing knocks or doorbells when guest arrive. My dog Athena is good on letting me know when someone is at the door but she usually barks , so how do I fix that. Since I know most service dogs don’t bark .

Reply
- Service Dog Certifications says: March 2, 2019
  
  Alerting a hearing impaired person with a bark may be an acceptable task for a service dog.
  
  Reply
- TJ Smith says: November 15, 2019
  
  A service dog alerting you in your home to a knock is not a bad thing. Public barking is what you need to make sure the dog understands is not not acceptable.
  
  Reply
Tammy Swain says: February 20, 2019

I am about to buy my son a German Shepherd and wanted to have him trained to be his service dog. My son has cerebral Palsy and he will be turning 18 years old the 23rd of this month and I just feel like it is a great idea to go ahead and get him a puppy and start working with them. His cerebral palsy is not got him where he can not live a normal life. I just feel having a service dog would do him a world of good. The biggest issue my son really deals with outside of some mobile skills is he has a very high level of Anxiety and I think having this service dog could help him with that the most. I have read about people having service dogs for issues such as these. Can someone get back to me with help on what direction I can take this? I don’t have a lot of money to spend so that is another issue is there any programs that will help people in situations such as this?

Sincerly,
Tammy Swain

Reply
- TJ Smith says: November 15, 2019
  
  Not sure about programs for assistance. Check with a local trainer, your doctor or disability. You can train the dog yourself to do the task necessary for him as long as the dog has the right temperment and you have the time. Remember it takes about 18 months of regimented training to prepare them properly. There are good books available to assist you but if time is an issue, get a trainer.
  
  Reply
  - Carol molina says: November 14, 2020
    
    Can you have 2 small dogs. I’m going to be traveling soon
    
    Reply
- Debbie says: April 1, 2020
  
  You better get the laws from DOJ, you are wrong on many levels in this article! SCAM as there is no law saying you have to have a good citizen award. PTSD dogs are allowed to be off leash, they are allowed to be let out to make sure it is safe for person to go out! People can only ask 2 questions, is it a service dog and what is it trained to do! On most airlines, if dog is too large to fit in front of you on the floor, they are given a seat at no cost! No ID, card, registration or vest is required! I had to learn this for my job!
  
  Stop spreading half truths!
  
  Reply
  - Carolyn scherr says: May 17, 2020
    
    Hi debbie! You seem extremely knowledgeable with all of this. I am a new dog owner and suffer with anxiety and depression. Im trying to understand the process to getting him to be a service dog so i can bring him to stores with me and such. Is possible, could you private message me on facebook? My name is Carolyn Scherr. Tia!
    
    Reply
Andrew Pastor says: February 19, 2019

I am trying to get my dog fully registered for. Service. I need to provide a letter to my apt manager. I need help

Reply
- Service Dog Certifications says: March 2, 2019
  
  A letter is not required for a service dog.
  
  Reply
  - Mary says: May 30, 2019
    
    If you have your dog certified and get a badge for him, that is all you need. I got a photo ID badge for my service dog.
    
    Reply
    - Maggie Saunders says: July 28, 2020
      
      NOT every dog has the correct temperament to be a service dog and handle the stresses of being in a public or stressful setting.
      1: Have your dog evaluated by a trainer that is familiar with service dogs and scent training.
      
      2: If approved get health testing done on your dog, be prepared to spend $1500.
      
      3: when health testing is completed and your dog is cleared. If your dog is not cleared most trainers will work with you in selecting a suitable breeder/lineage/temperament.
      
      4: Working with a trainer and begin scent based training, be prepared to spend up to $10,000.00 on training, your dog will go through all sort of training including scent based training.
      
      5: Remember a sheet of paper doesn’t make your dog a service dog.
      a: You must be disabled (see the ADA definition) the disability must be diagnosed by a doctor.
      b: Your dog must be suitable for the job you are giving him/her.
      c: Your dog must be TASK TRAINED, and must not pay any attention to the general public, other animals, people, loud noises, dogs, cats, etc.
      
      6: In accordance with the ADA law certification and paperwork are not required for service dogs, though training, task training, safe handling, leash laws, and proof of disability are!!!! Buying a vest, ID, and sheet of paper doesn’t make your pet a service dog, this makes your dog a danger to other working service dogs in the community when your pet is not conditioned to work around the general public. Disability specific task training does when done with the right dog!
      
      Reply
- Dulce Sierra says: February 7, 2020
  
  Any online recommendation of trainers that specializes in anxiety?
  Interested for my son
  
  Reply
- Theodosia adams says: March 15, 2020
  
  It is just high priced for me. I would like to know of a trainer
  
  Reply
Jessenia says: February 18, 2019

Hi how are you I want make my dog a service dog I deaf and I have sizers too he know a little about me he know went some comeing in the door or if I have a sizer but he not a service dog at all but I want make him one

Reply
- Sandra parkinson says: September 23, 2019
  
  Hello my name is Sandra and I have a french bull dog and would love him to be my service dog, I suffer with anxiety, depression. How may I go about this because I have no one else in my life away from my dog whom I love dearly.
  
  Reply
- Ellie hunt says: January 28, 2020
  
  Hi I’ve suffered with anxiety and depression for a while now and I’m getting a gsd soon as I think a companion will help is it possible I could register my pup so I can have him with me more and when I travel
  
  Reply
  - Peter says: March 16, 2020
    
    Anxiety and depression are disabilities that may qualify you for an Emotional Support Animal. You will need to work with a licensed mental health professional directly to know for sure. For more information, you may find this article helpful – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-dog-certification-registration/
    
    Reply
  - Michael says: April 27, 2020
    
    Hi my name is Michael I also suffer anxiety and depression from a history of drug use and wanted to know if my emotional support animal has to become a service animal in order to keep the landlord from evicting me !!!
    
    Reply
    - Peter says: May 24, 2020
      
      Not necessarily. An Emotional Support Animal is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and in most cases can live in no-pets housing. Should your landlord deny your ESA you may find the tips in this article interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/landlord-does-not-accept-emotional-support-animal/
      
      Reply
- Yesenia says: February 2, 2020
  
  I want to very much i neef her but iam homeless i dont have money
  
  Reply
  - Roselyn smart says: December 9, 2020
    
    if you are homeless how come you have a device huh?
    
    Reply