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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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I have a Labrador retriever and I have a 3 year old who is legally deaf and may be autistic. Could I train my dog to be a service dog for her?
Yes, you could have your dog trained to be a guide dog/hearing assistance. I recommend getting a trainer because guide dog tasks aren’t the easiest to train, but do what’s comfortable for you! I hope everything works out for you. -Alyssa
Yes, you could have your dog trained to be a guide dog/hearing assistance. I recommend getting a trainer because guide dog tasks aren’t the easiest to train, but do what’s comfortable for you! Training can be a little hard at times, but never give up, it’s worth it. (:
Yes. You do need to assess what your daughter would need help with in her day to day life that a dog could help with. Since she is deaf, the dog could be taught to alert her to an alarm clock going off for school later as she gets older, trained to listen to you calling your daughter’s name from another room then alert your daughter and bring her to you, etc. There are numerous things that your dog could be taught that would benefit your daughter. I thought of those off hand because you mentioned that she is legally deaf but there are many more I’m sure you or someone else could think of that could be helpful to your daughter that the dog could be taught to do which would qualify your dog as your daughter’s Service Dog. Good luck!
How old is your dog? Labs are very trainable. I would consider it very much.
https://www.google.com/search?q=hearing+dog+training&rlz=1CAOLTF_enUS874&oq=hearing+dog+&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l4j69i65.3422j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&safe=active&ssui=on
im 17 and i struggle with anxiety and depression. my girlfriend and i are thinking of training our 5 month old dog, he’s a labrador mix. we would really appreciate some help on where to start.
My boyfriend has a in training service dog and a doctors letter but his apartment complex is not allowing him to have his dog with him because she’s a American pitbull terrier. They said they don’t allow that breed at all. But he has a doctor letter and everything can they do that to him or does my boyfriend has rights? He is training her for his seizures brain damage and depression. He is disabled. Please help!
Emotional Support Animals with letters and registration have no breed restrictions. Obtaining an ESA letter makes it to where even if they don’t allow pets at all they have to allow them. I have an ESA we will be training as a service animal when she grows for seizures as well, she is full blood pit and the apartments I live in have a breed restriction too.
Technically, a service dog is allowed in any apartment or complex, no matter the breed. They should not be allowed to refuse the dog if it is helping a person.
Under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) both service and emotional support dogs are protected under the Fair Housing Act, regardless of breed. So if he has a letter from a treating medical provider expressing need for the dog, he is allowed to have it at any housing complex available to others (apartments, condos, etc). I would recommend informing them of his rights, and if they continue to fight it, you may want to pursue legal retribution because he is indeed allowed to have his dog regardless of any breed restrictions.
If possible I would seek out a lawyer to speak with the tenant(s) and come to an agreement outside of court. The law is on his side! If you can’t get a lawyer(which is super understandable due to $$$) I would do my research and print out the legal documents that state the no-restriction laws on service dog breeds, get those documents notarized by a judge or several judges in your area and then prove your case to the tenants in a professional matter. If all else fails threaten to sue 😂😅
I’m trying to get my 4 year old dog American Bull , certified as a service dog but not sure which category he would fall in I have daughters 10 and 4 my 10 year old suffers from ADHD depression and anxiety my 4 is having behavioral problem due to our current situation and separation from their dad I had to enroll both of them to see a licensed therapist! My dog is very well trained listens on command! He is great with both of my girls etc. Do I qualify for any of the categories?
If your dog does not provide a service for their depression or anxiety, he may qualify as an emotional support dog.
Hello, I suffer from anxiety and was thinking about getting a service dog for myself. Can I train my dog at home, and will she have to be tested by someone else to confirm that she meets the requirements? Thank you
hi, i also have an anxiety disorder, and depression and it has been limiting my life, i cant go in public places anymore because of my disorder. i was looking into registering my 6 year old dog as an esa but later realized i can only have her on the aircraft and not in public places which is where i need her the most. I do believe you need a doctors note that you need a service dog. You can train your dog at home but it is extremely hard and requires a lot of patience! I would recommend hiring a professional
Hi!
I also suffer from social anxiety, agoraphobia, and depression. My doctor asked if I had ever considered getting a service dog. All she had to do was write me a prescription (I know it sounds weird!) and that should be enough to get your medical need certificate/letter. Then you get to pick a dog and either have it trained or train it yourself. I’ve been doing some Internet research and there’s a lot of info out there on requirements and training, etc. As far as I understand, you can choose any dog (adopt/rescue or buy) and train them according to what works best for you. I hope that helps!
You dont need to register it in any way. There is no official registration recognition by the government. If you state that your dog is trained to help you with a disability then thats the end of story its your service dog.
You only need a letter from your Dr. for a ESA not a service dog . ESA do not have public Access rights like a service dog has
I am currently trying to register my American Bully as a service dog for my mother. She is a diabetic with occasional bell palsy and vertigo. I primarily want to get Coco registered as a service animal to help with her vertigo, as she sometimes gets overwhelmingly dizzy and collapses without warning when no one is home. Is this the type of medical condition that could qualify Coco as a service dog?
My golden doodle is 10 years old, but he has the disposition to be a wonderful service dog. I have MS and balance is difficult. He is also a large dog that is big enough to help me.
Is he too old to train?
Yes, that would be good. I suggest doing the canine good citizen class, but that’s not required for certification. The only thing that’s required is the public access test which is after all training.
Yes, that would be great. I suggest doing the canine good citizen class, but that’s not required for certification. The only thing that’s required is the public access test which is after all training.
I also have Panic Disorder..My niece bought me a German Shepard pup…I started his training at 8 wks..I had a little background in Obedience Training…German Shepherd dogs are highly intelligent which makes it easy for you to train..George Bush passed a law that you can train your own dog to be a Service Dog…It takes lots of time & patience but you can do it…There are guidelines the dog MUST follow in public, you can goggle those guidelines, example: No jumping on ppl r smelling of ppl, no sniffing things in the store, no barking, peeing, pooping etc…When u train your dog DO NOT LET ANYONE outside of the Immediate family touch your dog…This comes n handy lately bc you do not want anyone to touch your dog n public…I have heard the only time you need a letter from your doctor is if your going to fly on a plane…I am happy to say I have a well-rounded trained dog with a very good temperament but NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN bc dogs of all breeds have a 6th sense for bad ppl…Hope I was of some help!