Information

This page provides essential information for service dog handlers about your legal rights under the ADA, plus details about our educational resources and offerings.

Service Dog Certifications is a private educational organization dedicated to empowering handlers and their assistance animals by providing information, resources, and optional accessories to help minimize discrimination and ensure access rights are understood and respected.

We are not a government organization, nor do we certify, authorize, or validate service dogs. 

We stand firmly against fraudulent service animal claims and serve individuals with legitimate disabilities who require specially trained service dogs. Service dog fraud hurts legitimate handlers by increasing skepticism, creating access barriers, and eroding public trust in the service dog community. Intentionally misrepresenting an animal as a service dog is both unethical and illegal under federal and state laws, with penalties including substantial fines. 

Understanding Your Rights

Service dog handlers have specific rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and local regulations. Here are the essential basics every handler should know:

What Qualifies as a Service Dog

• Must be a dog individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability
• Emotional support animals are NOT service dogs under the ADA
• No breed restrictions apply
• No size restrictions apply

What Businesses Can Ask

Only two questions are legally permitted:

1. “Is this a service animal required because of a disability?”
2. “What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?”

Businesses CANNOT:

• Ask for documentation, certification, or registration
• Require proof of training
• Ask about your specific disability
• Charge extra fees for the service dog
• Isolate you from other customers

Where Service Dogs Are Allowed

• All areas open to the general public
• Restaurants, stores, hotels, airplanes, buses
• Housing (even “no pets” properties)
• University housing and classrooms

Your Responsibilities as a Handler

• Keep your dog under control at all times
• Your dog must be housebroken
• Clean up after your dog
• Remove your dog if it becomes disruptive or aggressive
• Ensure your dog doesn’t solicit food or attention from others

When Access Can Be Denied

• If the dog is not housebroken
• If the dog is aggressive or disruptive
• If the dog is not under your control
• In areas where dogs pose a safety risk (like sterile hospital rooms)

Preventing ADA Abuse

We recognize that service animals are essential for many individuals managing disabilities. Our goal is to make daily life easier by providing:

Educational Resources

• Clear information about service dog rights and access laws
• Answers to common questions about ADA regulations
• Guidance to help you confidently advocate for yourself and your animal

Voluntary Registration & Accessories

While not legally required, most handlers use service dog paraphernalia for smoother public access and reduced stress, and we offer the following high-quality options:

ID Cards & Tags:

• Professional-looking identification in wallet-friendly format
• Quick, silent way to communicate your dog’s status
• Durable, weather-resistant materials

Service Dog Vests & Gear:

• Clear, professional visual identification for your working dog
• Immediate recognition that reduces public confusion
• Helps maintain your dog’s focus and working mindset

Certificates:

• Professional-looking documentation for display or filing
• Suitable for framing in home or office settings
• High-quality materials and printing

Our products and services are intended exclusively for legitimate service dog handlers with qualifying disabilities under the ADA. Do not purchase or use these materials if you do not have a genuine disability requiring a specially trained service dog.