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Service Dog Requirements
The ADA defines a Service Animal as a dog individually trained to perform tasks or do work for the benefit of a person with a disability. A disability can be a physical impairment, but the ADA also includes mental illnesses that substantially limit one or more major life activities, such as depression, severe anxiety, or PTSD.
This article will cover the qualification requirements to be a Service Dog handler, what training and tests can be expected for your Service Dog, and what to expect when in public. After covering the legal rights of Service Dogs, we’ll present options for facilitating interactions with the public, including specialized Service Dog accessories and identification.
What are the Service Dog requirements?
Training a dog to become a service animal is available to individuals who have a disability. If you are interested in having a service dog, below are requirements to be aware of:
Eligibility: A person is eligible for a service dog if they have a physical, emotional, or mental health disability
Training: The dog must be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. The ADA does not require professional training; people with disabilities have a right to train the dog themselves.
Behavior: A service dog must be under its handler’s control at all times.
Verification: If it is not obvious what service the dog provides, the handler must be willing to answer two questions about their service dog. These two questions are: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person’s disability.
Identification: Optionally, it can help service dogs to be clearly identified with accessories like ID cards, vests, tags, and certificates.
How does my dog become a Service Dog?
Consider these four simple steps to help you understand how your dog can become a service dog.
- Determine if you have an eligible disability
- Train your Service Dog
- Pass a Public Access Test
- Consider Service Dog Certification and Registration
Service Dogs serve an important function for those in our community who need special care. It’s crucial for both Service Dog handlers and the general public to be aware of what Service Dog requirements are.
Step 1: Determine if you have an eligible disability
Under the ADA, you must have a qualifying condition to have a Service Dog. The condition can take many forms (physical, mental, etc.). Physical disabilities include conditions like visual impairment, limited mobility, and hearing loss. The physical or mental impairment must substantially limit a major life activity like the ability to work, move about, socialize, or sleep.
Some common conditions that qualify for Psychiatric Service Dogs are anxiety, depression, and PTSD, but this list is not exhaustive. For psychiatric disabilities, a common first step is to be evaluated by a Licensed Mental Healthcare Practitioner (LMHP) who can write a letter confirming your eligibility. These PSD letters typically have the following traits:
- written on the licensed healthcare professional’s letterhead
- dated and signed by the professional
- contain the professional’s contact information, license number, license date, and state of licensure
- contain the professional’s opinion on whether you have a mental or emotional disability that can qualify for a psychiatric service dog
Step 2: Training your Service Dog
To be considered a Service Dog, a dog must be individually trained to perform a job or task relating to your disability. Be aware that there is no official organization that sets training standards in the U.S. You are not required to work with a trainer – the ADA allows handlers to train their dogs on their own.
While there’s no minimum requirement in the US, some private standards suggest approximately 120 hours over six months. Some sources recommend that at least 30 hours (about ¼ of the time) be spent in public to help train the dog for moments of distraction and when surprises come their way. While not required, it can be helpful for Service Dogs to wear relevant accessories so that people in public can adjust their behavior accordingly.
The most important thing for you to teach your Service Dog is tasking or learning the specific skill they will be performing to help assist with your disability. There are countless tasks Service Dogs are called on to perform, including guiding the visually impaired, pulling a wheelchair, sensing a medical alert, tactile stimulation during a panic attack, reminding the handler to take their medication, scouting a room for someone with PTSD, or grounding/blocking in public areas.
Step 3: Pass a public access test
In addition to training your dog to perform tasks that assist with your disability, it is important for a service dog to be able to comport itself appropriately in public by passing a public access test.
Public Access Criteria:
- No aggressive behavior towards people and other animals.
- Refrain from sniffing behaviors unless released to do so.
- No solicitations for food or affection while on duty.
- No over-excitement and hyperactivity in public.
- Able to tolerate novel sights and sounds in various public settings.
- No unruly behavior or excessive barking.
- No relieving themselves in public without being given a specific command.
Once your dog is properly trained, your next step is to decide how you prefer to identify your service dog.
Step 4: Service Dog Certification and Registration
In the United States, service dog certifications and service dog identifications are not legally required. Staff at a public establishment cannot solicit documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a Service Dog, as a condition for entry.
Despite the limited verification requirements established by the law, staff at many public establishments will still insist on IDs or other tangible proof of Service Dog status. Service Dog handlers often find it helpful to have documents and accessories that help signal that their dog is trained and at work in order to prevent being met with hostility and confusion.
Electing to carry a custom Service Dog ID card and Service Dog Vest may be helpful tools for you and your service dog to navigate public spaces. You may also choose not to carry the ID card and stand your ground on principle when you encounter people ignorant of service dog rights. Under ADA rules, staff at a venue may only ask two questions if the handler’s disability is not apparent: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
After you verbally confirm that your dog is a trained service dog, reasonable accommodations must legally be made for service dogs. Service Dogs can go anywhere their handlers can go, provided they do not pose a health or safety hazard to others. If a particular service animal behaves in a way that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, has a history of such behavior, or is not under the control of the handler, that animal may be excluded. If an animal is excluded for such reasons, staff must still offer their goods or services to the person without the animal present. It’s important to understand these rules so you know what rights you have as the owner of a Service Dog and when third parties are violating your rights.
You’re all caught up on what it takes to have a Service Dog!
Ready to register and ID your dog?
Unable to train your dog as a service dog?
You may be interested in an Emotional Support Animal instead. ESAs do not require specific training, have access to no-pet apartments, and are exempt from breed or weight restrictions. Click here to learn more about ESAs.
In short, ESAs are protected under Federal Housing Regulations (but not the ADA), meaning that you cannot be charged any pet rent, deposits, or fees, nor can you or your ESA be denied housing on the grounds of living with a pet, with very few exceptions.
To qualify for an ESA, you must have a licensed mental health practitioner (including, but not limited to, psychologists, therapists, social workers, GPs/PCPs, etc.) write a letter affirming that you have a qualifying condition (including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.) that is helped by an emotional support animal. Additionally, unlike Service Animals, ESAs do not necessarily have to be dogs; cats, rabbits, and birds are other common choices.
¿Quieres leer este artículo en español?
Puede encontrar una versión traducida al español de los requisitos para perros de servicio aquí.
Want to read this article in Spanish?
You can find a Spanish translated version of Service Dog Requirements here.
About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.
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How do you know a dog is actually a service dog if they are not given any paperwork? Licenses etc?
To verify any service dog, you are allowed to ask the handler 2 questions only: 1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Based on the answers you will know that the service dog is legitimate. You may find this article on how to verify a service dog interesting: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-verify-a-service-dog/
Hi, I have depression and autism, would I be able to train my own assistance dog, or better to work on owning a dog that can help me with my specific disabilities.
Yes, you can train a dog yourself or get a professional trainer, depending on your time and skills to get your dog to perform the task needed. You may find this article on how to get a service dog interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-get-a-service-dog/ .
Though, it also sounds like an emotional support animal may be right for you if a service dog is not appropriate. You may find this article on how to qualify for an emotional support animal interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-qualify-for-an-emotional-support-animal/ .
I have fybromyalgia is this condition covered for a service dog?
Fybromyalgia can qualify you for a service dog. If you need assistance, such as help balance while walking or fetching an item when you have trouble moving, a service dog can indeed be trained to help. You may find this article on Mobility Service Dogs interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/best-mobility-service-dog-breeds/
I also am in the spectrum, diagnosed w PTSD Bipolar, ADHD, Multiple Sclerosis & Fibromyalgia. I cannot convey the words to describe how much I think a service dog would help me!!!! Are there certain agencies that will walk me through this?
Have you had any luck on finding information and if you do would you please share it with me? I have Multiple Sclerosis and severe panic attacks. Ty for sharing.
How can my niece get a service dog for her child. They are very expensive. Shes a single mother.
I am 14 and have anxiety, depression, and ptsd. Can I get a service dog?
Hi Natalie. I have a 15-year-old son with anxiety and depression and I’m online now looking into a service dog for him. Have you spoken to your parents about it? Maybe that’s the first step?? I wish you all the best!
I have trigeminal neurology type 2 diabetes
My face looks like I had a stroke from the nerve damage
Very depressed
I know a mini bernedoodle tricolor dog would help me
My complex doesn’t allow pets so I need papers for service dog
I am female 65
L I’ve with a male who is also 66
hello my name is cabby. I’m 13 years of age. I was wondering if a Chiweenie can be a ESA. I have depression, anxiety, adhd, ocd, anxiety, and a panic attacks.
Yes, It sure can Cabby. Mine is a weiner dog. I find them easier to fly with and they have the best snuggle skills. I certify people for ESA. Let me know if I can help.
Tim Jenkins,LCPC
Anyone over the age of 12, unless with autism, can have a service dog. I’m 15 and I’m in the process of training my doggo, hopes this helped :))
Hi Kayla do you think you could give me some resources on training puppies/dogs to become service dogs i am currently researching this and starting training tomorrow if you dont have any links could leave some things to teach him or any tips? thank you! ( i am 14)
I have schizophrenia,anxiety,OCD,ADHD could I get a service dog?
Yes my husband has PTSD. He walk across the street with out looking almost got ran over 2.Does he qualifie?
YES ME TO
How do you know a dog is actually a service dog if they are not given any paperwork? Licenses etc?
I am a child therapist and i have been children on the autism spectrum adjusting to parent divorce and or abuse/trauma. I am curious about service dogs for children with autism. I am looking for referrals for trainers.
Thanks,
Lauren Self MA LPC
I have a German Shepherd Female, she has been training for helping me I’m deaf in one ear have 50% in the other so I don’t hear doorbell or knocking. Nor the phone, no high frequency, she has alert me on 2 different time of someone trying to break-in. I have taught her bad much as I can find on line about it, about what I have been told to get here use to train her for. But wasn’t sure if there was more she needs to do an how to get her register for a service dog. Thank you, Pamela Lamb
I have a puppy i would like to see about having trained to be my sons service dog he has seizures but i cant afford alot do you know anywhere that would help us we live in ocala florida
In the State of Florida are we allowed to have a Rottweiler for a ESA dog. Because my landlord is telling me that i can’t have that breed because it’s to big in the State of Florida. Is this true? I suffer from anxiety and depression. And i really want that breed because i would feel a sense of protection at night when i can’t sleep. Plus i love rottweiler…
I live in a apartment in Florida. Is my landlord allowed to tell me that i can’t have a Rottweiler for a ESA dog. Because it’s to big of a breed in the state of Florida. I’ve been trying to find if this is true.
Hello, I noted you said that businesses can’t require documentation, but what about airlines? How do I go about getting my dog certified as a service animal? Not an ESA?
You may find this guide on flying with your service dog interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/flying-with-a-service-dog-guide/
I have ptsd major depression bipolar 1 and 2 also anxiety how can I train my dog to calm me down and stop me from going in flash backs and harming my self
Hello, quick question. My puppy is only two months old. We got him because of my panic attacks and depression and I am tired of medication… we are slowly training him at a young age and I was wondering if I can register him now? If so, will I be able to updated his picture as you grows?
Thank you in advance
A service dog in training is technically not a service dog yet. Only once your dog can perform the task needed it can officially be called a service dog. In addition, you do not need to certify a service dog. A dog becomes a service dog once it has been fully trained to assist you. 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.
For now, 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 registration requirements interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/registration-requirements-service-dog-certification/
Best of luck with your puppy! I’m sure he’ll grow to become a great service dog.
What are people who are allergic to animals supposed to do? With there being no law for services dog’s to have I’d this puts people with allergies at risk especially since more and more People bring their dogs with them it’s getting out of hand.
Unless he can prove the disability and letter are legitimate and not from some fake online “certification” then he has no legal right
Did u read the article above? It clearly states that you do NOT have to prove that your dog is a service dog. So, the dog has the right to go ANYWHERE. If you don’t like it, too bad suck it up and move on!!!
There are multiple medications that you may be able to take to prevent any type of allergies.
People can not just leave their pets because you happen to have an allergy and not willing to.take an allergy pill prior to your flight.
If you have an allergy take a pill and be courteous to those who have the right to shave a pet as companion.
Service dogs /cats/etc are exactly there to serve those with a situation in which their life or emotional support depends on them.
So, once more kindly take your allergy pills before your flight and have a sit away/ as far as possible from theae animals who give their lives for their human master and enjoy your flight and let the pets work while you enjoy the flight.
I have a lovely rough Collie, I have several disabilities, I need to have him trained as a service dog does you ha a Bo’ness no so I can see if ndis cover it for me
Let comment is in response to Cat’s post!!!!
You have allergies and I gave PTSD from my time in the service of the American people, being shot and stabbed. I can not leave my home alone without a panic attack. Then I received Tika my service dog. So under your statement my 6 years service is a life sentence because you don’t want to sneeze and itch. Breaks my heart that I lost many friends for people that will not bend so we can all enjoy the freedom I fought for.
Amen Rick… I appreciate what you did and your right to have your friend. I have severe complex PTSD but from other circumstances and was told by a new thereapist my dog could not come to therapy with me… because a few of her clients have allergies… it is incredibly selfish to do so… I am trying to get my girl trained to be a service dog and it is nearly impossible… But for goodness sake if the allergies are not life threatening take a pill. I need my dog.
An “emotional support animal” and a trained service animal are to very different things. “The getting out of hand “ are ppl claiming that their dog is with them for “emotional support “ but that animal is not trained. True service animals go through classes and hours and testing and are certified. Understand the difference.
You’re right that people often try to pass ESAs off as service animals, and that’s very harmful. However, service dogs DO NOT require certification or any testing. In fact, most people who try to provide certification for their “service dog” actually just bought that identification online and are just trying to take their pets places. Service dogs may not have even attended any classes as people are able to train their own service dogs.
Service dogs just need to be task trained to assist a disabled person with their disability and behave in public.
Stay away
Take a Benadryl!
Get over it and take a Benadryl
People that NEED a service dog are entitled BY LAW to a service dog in ANY and ALL establishments. If you have allergies, you can bring benadryl with you in public for when you come across a service dog or you always have the option to leave whatever establishment has the dog there. Your allergy is unlikely to be life-threatening, whereas some people cannot maneuver safely without a service dog. It is really that simple…you can take diphenhydramine and be just fine, or use your 2 fictional legs to leave. Someone with physically disabilities cannot, they need the service dog.
So, suck it up buttercup!
The ADA actually specifically addresses that allergies are not a valid reason to deny service dogs access anywhere. Service dogs are medical equipment, not pets. Their owners require them to be wherever they are to perform a necessary service.
Your allergy is not more valid then their disability.
When it comes to service dogs the ADA laws take precedents over people with allergies. If someone with a legitimate service dog is in your presence you cannot ask or demand that the dog leave. If you try to force the service dog to leave then you are running the risk of the owner filing a complaint with the ADA. These laws are to protect the rights of people with disabilities. These are federal laws. If the ADA finds that you violated the rights of a person with a service dog the penalties are harsh.
See: https://www.ADA.gov