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:
- “Is this a service animal required because of a disability?”
- “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.
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TESTIMONIALS
My landlord use to bully me about my emotional support animal. Service Dog Certifications informed me about rules associated with emotional support animals. Now I live with my ESA, Biscuit, without any worry.
Service Dog Certifications promptly responded to all my questions and was extremely helpful during the whole process. Thanks for everything!
I have been able to travel with my service animal stress free after getting help from Service Dog Certifications.
I have a disability that is not “obvious”. The service dog ID card helps me show people that I need my service dog without having to explain my disability to them.
We can take our Buford everywhere we go without being harassed anymore. The identification cards help us resolve any issues before it becomes an issue. Thanks!!!
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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.
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
So i am trying to train my german shepherd red heeler to be a service dog it is working really well he has already learned most of his tasks. I would like to know how to make him a service dog is there paper work i have to fill out or a registration of some kind. Do i have to put him through a class. I have a dr. Letter that says i can have a service dog and i registered him on a free registration site but i dont know if that makes him a service dog or not. I have heard that there is no way to tell if a service dog is real or fake. I just want to know. Someone said that my dog was fake and i was breaking the law by bring him into a store.
You do not need any type of documentation to prove that you have a service dog. We offer optional service dog paraphernalia like certifications, registrations, vests and ID cards, but these items are not mandatory. Service dog owners just find them useful so they are commonly used. The relevant criteria for qualifying for a service dog is whether you have a qualifying disability and whether your service dog has been fully trained to perform a job or task relating to your disability.
Hey, I have a medical diagnosis and my dog is trained to pick items up for me. I also have anxiety. Though I do not take medication (by choice), Moon is trained to aid during panic attacks. I want to get registered as a service dog, how long does it take to get the certificate?
The training to perform the tasks needed, as well as for the public access test, determines how long the certification takes. Once the training is complete, and your dog can focus on his tasks in all social situations, your dog will be a certified service dog. You may find this article on how to certify a service dog interesting: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-certify-a-service-dog/
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
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.
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/
Do I have to specify what patch I get on the harness? I would rather it just say “Service Dog”.
Can a person have a service dog with congestive heart failure and anxiety and bipolar
Any individual with a disability that can benefit from the assistance of a dog may qualify for a service dog. Your therapist may help you figure out what type of tasks a dog could help you with. You may find this article on the disabilities that qualify for a service dog interesting – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/disabilities-qualify-service-dog/
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Service dogs must always be on a leash and the handler must always have control over the animal.
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
You will receive the digital certification within 24 hours if you select the 24 hour expedited delivery option.
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/
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
What are the steps that we need to take to get a Emotional Service Dog? I know the first step is a letter from a particular doctor. However, what other steps are there after that step is done.
Also, do you know any good companies that sell certified Emotional Service Dogs in Florida?
Thank You
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 age should be training your dog for this service certification right away right or I have to wait 3 months
I was a dog trainer and an AKC evaluator we waited today was 6 months but I was trying to do it right after he finishes shots what do you think it ain’t going to do nothing but get better and better because that’s all he going to know
Do you deliver to UK?
This site is based on US laws and regulations. Unless you plan to travel to the US you may need to find service dog certification that applies to your country.
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 trying to find somee one in our area to train my dog for me but it is becoming a challenge if any one has any suggestions i would appreciate it. I live in Kentucky.
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
I have a son that has behavioral problems can I make my dog a service dog
We have adopted a German Shepard we are training him to be my autistic sons service animal. Do we need a training vest? Where can we get one?
A vest is not required for a service dog or a service dog in training. However, vests with a “Service Dog” tag may help to communicate that your dog is on duty. You can look online for “Service Dog in Training” vests. Be aware, that a service dog in training isn’t technically a service dog yet, therefore they don’t have full access rights. If you want to take your dog into a public place for training, be sure to call ahead and ask if the establishment is ok with letting your dog in training visit. You may find this article on the basics of service dog training interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-training-guide-the-basics/
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/
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/
Good evening. My name is Chris. I have a Husky who will be 3 in July. I am an insulin-dependent Diabetic. Can my dog be trained to assist me? ——— As of now, I have noticed that occasionally he does recognize if I get a low blood-sugar as he will bark at me when I’m off. This is usually enough to grab my attention to go and test my sugar level and grab something to eat. However, I am unsure if he recognizes this or if it’s something completely unrelated. But I’d really like to train him to do more/be more.
Yes, it sounds like your Husky is predestined to become your diabetic service dog. If he can complete the public access test and is under your control at all times your dog will be a fully qualified service dog. You may find this article on diabetic service dogs interesting: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/what-are-diabetic-service-dogs/
I have a 9 month old blue pit who will bark when my sugar is low I have hypoglycemia and I also have a bad back and it causes me to not only have back pain but also leg pain and when I lay down on my stomach he will lay on my back or legs where ever he senses pain and the pressure helps with the pain alot. Only thing is there are no trainers close to me and he and myself have trained him to do the things so where do I go from here ?
You are allowed to train your service dog yourself — it’s not a requirement to go to a professional trainer. Since your dog already seems to master the tasks you need, you just need to make sure he’s fully trained for public access. Once he’s ready and under control at all times you have yourself a fully qualified service dog — with or without professional training. You may decide to get yourself a service dog ID or vest to help communicate to others that your dog is on the job, tho those items are not required either. You may find this guide on the basics of service dog training interesting: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-training-guide-the-basics/
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?
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.
I’m interest in making my german shepard a emotional support dog for my anxiety and depression. Do I need a document from my dr?
Yes, in order to own an emotional support animal, you would need an assessment from a licensed medical professional. If they approve, they will issue an ESA letter for you, which allows you to own an ESA. You may find this article on how to get an ESA letter interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-an-emotional-support-dog-letter/