Information
At Service Dog Certifications, our goal is to minimize discrimination and persecution for handlers and their animals. Know your rights and stop the harassment of you and your service dog.
Service Dog Certifications does not certify or authorize anyone to use a Service Animal — nor is certification required by law. The privilege to use a Service or Assistance Animal is granted, under the law, by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and local governments.
Service Dog Certifications does not endorse the fraudulent use of our certifications and registration.
Our Services and Mission
We understand that owning a service animal or emotional support animal is a necessity for some people out there. We hope to make their lives easier by answering questions and providing information about service dogs and emotional support animals. Don’t get harassed and hassled. Know your rights.
Training and Behavior Standards Agreement
While Service Dog owners are allowed to verbally state their animal is a Service Animal for public access, many individuals find that having a way to say they have accepted further training and behavior standards, while not required by law, Service Dog Certifications can help minimize discrimination and accessibility issues while keeping disability information private. This is especially important for disabled individuals who use a Service or Emotional Support Dog to help with disabilities that are not visible to others, such as epilepsy, deafness, multiple sclerosis and other conditions not visible to the human eye.
Our goal is to help reduce abuse of the ADA by requiring our Registrants to understand the laws. Intentionally misrepresenting an animal as a Service Animal for any reason is not only unethical, it is also in violation of federal and local laws. Service Dog Certifications does not endorse the use of fake service animals in any capacity.
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Just curious, as an employee in the hotel industry. I’m constantly wondering what is and isn’t considered a service animal. I read all the requirements and what we can and can’t ask our guests. But 9/10 times when a person checks in and they tell me they have a service animal (of course I’m not allowed to even question that statement) I feel as though they are making false claims, as everyone knows nowadays that business are not allowed to ask if their pet is a service animal. Most of the time they don’t wear any equipment stating their status as a service dog, and they also bark at myself or others when they are within 10 ft of them. Clearly not trained then right? I also heard somewhere that service animals typically can’t be small dogs (as they would be considered emotional support/therapy dogs) if this is true then the majority of the people staying in my nonpet-friendly hotel are actually bringing in their support dogs and claiming they are certified service animals. Often times these guests cause problems either for other guests or for housekeeping. Am I allowed to combat their claim if all the evidence tells me the pet is NOT a service animal. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE dogs and would absolutely love to bring mine to work if I could, but I do realize there are people that have allergies or are just plain scared due to past traumas, and I hate the idea that I have to sideline those people’s concerns and health issues just to please another “Karen” that doesn’t want to spend 1 night away from her Frenchie.
Hi! My name is Hanna and i have a prosthetic leg and kidney failure I am very interested in making my dog who is a great Pyrenees and yellow, lab mix my service dog but we do not have a lot of money, I am 14 and hoping for advice?
good morning
I am wanting to make my great dane a service dog or therapy dog. he really is an amazing dog. he has definitely changed my life. what must I do to make this happen?
Depending on the needs of your disability you can talk to your LMHP to find out if your dog can help you as part of your treatment. A Service Dog needs to perform a specific task for you, while an Emotional Support Dog mainly provided comfort in times of need. A therapy dog offers support to other people in need. You may find this article on the different types of service animals interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/difference-service-dog-emotional-support-animal/
I have an anxiety disorder and would like to fly with my dog. He is a certified therapy dog and my Dr has said she would sign whatever she needed to to make my dog a service dog so that he can fly with me. He is very well trained to me as his handler. What paper work do I need to have my doctor sign?
If your dog performs a specific task to benefit your disorder you may already be eligible for a service dog. If your dog mainly offers comfort you could ask your doctor for an ESA letter. This letter would allow you to bring your dog along on travels. You may find this article interesting on the differences between service dogs and emotional support dogs – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/difference-service-dog-emotional-support-animal/
I have a son that has behavioral problems can I make my dog a service dog
My son was diagnosed with epilepsy and need to have his dog trained where can we go to do this ? We live in Lewiston Idaho
So sorry to hear this but from what it sounds like she will not qualify for a service dog however you could make the dog an emotional support animal however, they have NO public access and could not go into stores
I’m a caregiver for disabled parent and I want to train my dog to recognize and/or alert us of seizures, can you please recommend where to get information on how to train at home. Thank you
If you’re thinking of getting the dog trained by a professional, I’d suggest using Google to search for professional trainers located in your area. Or you can follow training guidelines and books if you want to do the training yourself. With persistence and time, I’m sure you can achieve your goal. You may find this article on the basics of service dog training interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-training-guide-the-basics/
What do you need in order for your service dog to be able to board the airplane with you?
If you do a little research on the issue of traveling in the air with the service animal, you will see that airline travel is not necessarily a “protected,” event although most carriers are accommodating service animals (as long as they are legitimate). Each carrier has their own rules and no thanks to the many “offenders” that have been trying to get creatures like peacocks on board haven’t helped our cause/needs. BE VERY CAREFUL TOO THAT SOME CARRIERS HAVE BREED RESTRICTIONS (even if the breed is not 100% of your service animal, regardless of the documentation. If it has any “pit” bull in it, it is unlikely to be allowed and a lot of agent don’t know the difference between a boxer. So have your Vet paperwork if it is not a “pit,” but a breed that could be mistaken.
Question so my service dog is a pitbull, can they still deny me? He knows trained tasks, so he’s not an esa.
Hello and thank you. I have a 10 y.o. Weimaraner (Eddie) and a ESA letter from my V.A. psychologist. Eddie naturally performs deep pressure therapy (DPT) with nudging or body weight when I’m stressed to imbalance or my blood sugar is low. (he was my sister’s pup in service for her diabetes) Please, what is required to document him as a service dog as opposed to a therapy dog?
Hello , Ian israei resident and o want to do serrifaction for my dog. It is possible for me to do that ? I want to came to the states traveling soon with my dog.
Can. Hotels require service dog owners to stay in “pet friendly” rooms only?
Do you have any idea where I can get an already trained service dog or find a trainer to train a dog in the Atlanta area? I am having a very difficult time finding anything. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
SO GLAD GET MY SERVICEDOGCERTIFICATIONS.. HOPE MY LAND LORD. DONT THROW ME ,OUT OF MY APT.. I JUST GOT HIM.. BY MY DOCTER.. I THANK LORD JESUS.
can i regster 2 dsogs for emotional support dogs..one is my shihtzu the other was my daughters(she passed away 5 months ago) and there all i have they need me and i need them . There inseperable wouldnt live without each other plus theyre grieving also
Yes, you may have more than one emotional support dog. Contact us with any additional questions about the process here: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/contact-us/
You will receive the digital certification within 24 hours if you select the 24 hour expedited delivery option.
All airlines must accept emotional support dogs. Some airlines require additional paperwork in addition to your ESA letter. Here is a quick guide to the airline policies for emotional support animals – https://bit.ly/2vuRr8b
Service dogs must always be on a leash and the handler must always have control over the animal.
Deborah, if your dog is trained to provide a service for your illness, you may qualify your dog as a service dog. Please contact us with any additional questions.
We recently went to the beach and a lifeguard drove up to us and demanded that my service dog wear a service dog vest. I told him that we were not required to have our dog wear a vest and showed him our service dog ID card from your site. He checked with his superior and left us alone after that. The hostile way in which he approached us was scary, but the ID worked and we were able to enjoy the rest of the day. Thank you!
Not criticizing, just asking!
I thought a registration is not demanded by law. Why should one have to register if it’s NOT a requirement. Most handlers I speak to, laugh when I tell them I will register my puppy once she is completely trained.
I have a 20 year old with autism…I would like to provide him with a pet to keep him calm and prevent him from running across the street…etc I dont even know where to begin. I live in a co-op that allows pets but there are restrictions on breeds and size. I am interested in a lab because of their calm and patient temperament and need to know what I will need to be able to purchase and train the dog . im sure I will need all of the documents prior to purchasing one in order to keep him. Can you help guide me?
Here are the requirements for a service dog – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-requirements/
You can either train your dog or contact a trainer to assist you. Service dogs are exempt from breed and size restrictions.
I have a family member that has terminal cancer and would like their small 10 pound dog to be able comfort him in his final days. Whats needed to expedite this process of possible?
Your family member’s dog may qualify as an ESA if the dog provides comfort, but is not trained to provide a task or service. Here is how you can qualify for the ESA letter: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-dog-letter/.
Can I register my dog while hes in training?
A service dog in training is technically not a service dog, yet. Only once your dog can perform the task needed and behaves properly in public, it can be called a service dog. Besides, you do not need to certify a service dog. A dog becomes a service dog once it’s fully trained to assist with the handler’s disability. Some service dog owners, however, procure accessories like IDs, certificates, badges, and vests to signal to members of the public that their dog is on duty.
While your dog is in training, you can order a vest with a patch saying “Service Dog in Training.” That can help prevent other people from approaching and disturbing your training session. You may find this article on service dog requirements and training interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-requirements/
I have a 2 year old pitbull mix who we rescued. he is very well behaved and is currently being trained by myself and my husband to detect gluten (I a allergic to gluten) currently he serves as an emotional support animal for my anxiety would i be able to register him as a service dog well training is still in progress?
Sorry Kalyn’s not for the emontional support but for the detection of your gluten yes. Hope this helps.
LOVE MY SERVICE DOG ID!! At first i ordered emotional needs dog ID shortly after changed my mind and decided i wanted a “Service Dog ID”. They quickly changed my order and prompted me when the change was made! Excellent customer service.
If the dog is for my 9 year old would she be registered as the handler? She has PTSD, we have a prescription for a therapy “animal”, and we just got a Goldendoodle that I am working on getting trained.
Ashley, if your Goldendoodle provides the service for your 9 year old, she would be the handler.
Do I have to specify what patch I get on the harness? I would rather it just say “Service Dog”.
When we register with this site are we provided with an official registration number? If someone wanted to look up my dog in the data base she would have a number, correct? So if I am to get her ID through this site she would have a number printed on her card that you give to her as a result of registering her. This is only a concern because my Lily is a service dog, and she will be moving onto a college campus with me, and they have asked that I provide the credentials even though I technically don’t have to (common courtesy thing, I’d rather let them know instead of show up and be accused of bringing a dog to class.) Thanks!
Alex
Yes, you will be provided with a registration number that can be used to find your card in the database.
I have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, depression, and anxiety. I am interested in registering my dog, Emma.
You can register Emma online. Tho, not required by law, the registration can give you further confidence and comfort when being out with Emma. You may find this article on registration requirements interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/registration-requirements-service-dog-certification/
Just wondering how long do you take to deliver the license I just paid for ?
Tina, most orders are shipped out within 48 hours via USPS Priority Mail.
hey I’m trying to train my service dog for my ptsd, anxiety,and depression but as soon as we get outside and around dogs and people he wants to go up to them and lick them and jump on them and play with them what can i do? he is only 5 months. please help me
Hi caleighlewis, it sounds like your dog is just displaying typical puppy behaviors. Stay consistent and use positive reinforcement when training your future service dog. I’ve added a few links below to help you with your training.
https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-train-a-service-dog/
https://www.iaadp.org/iaadp-minimum-training-standards-for-public-access.html
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-Your-Service-Dog-Without-a-Professional-Trainer
Is it possible to get your puppy some type of ID so they can start training in public or does he need to have had a test or something?
A service dog in training is technically not a service dog, yet. Only once your dog can perform the task needed, can it officially be called a service dog. Therefore, it might be too early to order an ID. You can order a vest with a patch saying “Service Dog in Training.” That can help prevent other people from approaching and disturbing your training session. You may find this article on service dog requirements and training interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-requirements/
You must wait to get him out of puppy stage. Most trading starts at one to two years depending. We started at one, but he was ready and all the puppy was pretty much out. Try socializing you fur baby with some puppy classes first. Remember trining is gonna be expensive so get sponsors. Good luck
Do you have a Vest for your Dog? Very important. The moment he has his Vest On he/she needs to know that he is working. When the Vest is off Training somewhat stops. The commands though
should always be in force at all times though.
When outside to start with have a short leash. Walk your dog on the left side if you are right handed, right side if you are left handed.
Start with short Commands example,
Your dogs name, then Command.
Junior, Stay.
Junior, Sit
Junior, Heal
Junior, Walk
Junior, Halt
Junior, Down
Junior, Shake(Hands)
After each command if Junior obeys have a Kibbles Treat, love and Praise on his or her accomplishments.
From there you can continue with future commands.
From the very beginning make it know you are Training your Dog to everyone. No petting at all. Keep your Dog at your side have him stay and heal when other dogs are around and or passing by.
Be consistent and firm with your Commands when out with your Dog. When he/she obeys Praise, then Treat. Also this part can be helpful your Voice, it needs to be Firm, not in a playful, only when the Command has been accomplished.
Practice in the Home also with Vest On and Off. If you have Guests that you need to have a Conversation with he/she will know it is not play time.
Have a Bedding that he/she knows that it safe, also when you do a Command for him to go to stay during the time that your Guests are with you.
My words during such, it is Blankie Down, when it is Bedtime. Night, Night Time. Keep everything simple in your words.
That is the main basics to start with. Many other sites out there for Training and Commands pick the one best for you and your Pet.
Have soft toys in his bedding area or in a Basket so that he/she can play with so will not be bored. Having a television/ Radio on low help as well.
There are local Pet Shops that has the beginnings of Training to start with if needed, Just need to make sure that they are similar with Training of ESA/Service Dogs to guide you further if needed.
Hope this helped you out a little.
Hi don’t be nervous just say you need to go to a place and also there a movie called the healing powers of dude on Netflix and just contact me if needed
I am very interested in applying for a service dog My one son has ADD my other son has communication problems, I am hoping for a blessing from God to help my children.
I have a 14 week old gsd. I also have seizures and was wondering how to go about getting my gsd into training to be a seizure response service dog.
Hi I have a question regarding my esa animal? I have a doctor’s note saying what my medical conditions are and to allow my support dog in my house im always being denyed in public places to leave and don’t let me go in to the stores or something like that and I can’t book a ride with a taxicab either what do I have to do to get this resolved and how to register my dog for free help
hey there! checked out your wsibete and am very interested in your assistance. We have a year old lab X greyhound (so we found out afterwards!) and all in all he is an amazing dog, we got him at 8 weeks and he has been around our daughter who had just turned 3 and is amazing with her she lays on him..pushes him is kind of in an agressive stage right now and we try really hard to stress to her NOT to be like that lol but anyways he has never growled, snapped, bit or snarled at her..or anyone for that matter.. he is a very loving and affectionate, licky/kissy dog.however, we have a baby on the way, and my husband was just called into the military and will be going away for quite a while. Bentley(dog) seems to listen to my husband more than me they are BFFS. And Bentley has and always has had an issue with jumping up, and pawing at people lol not aggressively but its still super frustrating, and we are concerned with the baby on the way and such and just want to get him under control while hes still young.Let me know what you think and We’d love to meet!
Hello Yeshi,
I believe positive reinforcement and consistency works with even the most stubborn of dogs. Here is a great resource for training your service dog. Good luck!
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-Your-Service-Dog-Without-a-Professional-Trainer
I am getting a golden retriever puppy to train as my service dog. He is four weeks old now. I have mobility issuses . so i am looking to train him as my service dog. Any. Advice will be a great help
Your dog doesn’t fit the standard or the intent of a service or therapy dog, just a dog you don’t want to worry about boarding when you go away and what not. The intention is for the animal/dog to help a disabled person, to perform some sort of helping role for the disables person, it is NOT something for the dog in ant way. You have to have a licensed psychiatrist/psychologist certify that the animal is necessary and why the animal is necessary for that disabled person. If you try to do it for any other reason it is illegal as well as the fact that you are doing a disservice for those who actually need a therapy or service animal.
I have a 5 year old Greyhound that I have Adopted 3 years ago. Training of Greyhounds it is very important. Be consistent in your Training. At birth many Greyhounds can be on the hyper side, but not aggressive that is why extensive training and love is in forced, especially if the Grey will be Racing.
Greyhounds are very dedicated to their Owners, Trainers and Foster Parents. They are a very calm
dog, adapt well in small areas. Again the love and Training it is extremely Important. Stay positive and be consistent very important as well. All will and should go smoothly for Greys are very lovable and dedicated.
My Greyhound he is a ESA and now and has been in Training to be a Special Needs Animal.
There are many Sites that are just dedicated on Greyhounds only. So many will reach out to you on where to go for additional help if needed, suggestions and guidance.
Greyhounds Friends of Sarasota that is site one to start with.
Again from that point on all of us can be assistance of any concerns, questions or guidance. Our Greyhounds are amazing. I feel all will be well with the love and support that you will receive for your Grey just from this site alone. It is very informative as well on the needs, current news on the Greyhounds.