Handler-Certified Service Dog Public Access Test

The ADA gives service dog handlers the right to be in public areas where animals are usually not allowed. The handler must ensure the service dog is under their control at all times and will be well-behaved in public settings. 

Service dogs should be able to successfully pass a public access test before being taken into public settings. A well-trained service dog should be able to remain focused on their handler’s needs in any public environment and not cause any disruptions. 

With a Handler-Certified Public Access Test you can let others know that you have trained your service dog to behave in public settings. This certificate provides a convenient way to inform members of the public that your dog is appropriately trained and also demonstrates that you are a responsible, detail-oriented service dog owner.

Handler-Certified Public Access Test Requirements

In order to purchase a Handler-Certified Public Access Test certificate you must be able to fully make each of the following representations:

1. My service dog is required for my disability.
2. I have an eligible disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act that substantially limits one or more major life activities. 
3. My service dog has been trained to perform a job or task relating to my disability.
4. My service dog has been trained to remain under my control at all times.  
5. My service dog has been fully vaccinated and does not pose a health threat to other people or animals. 
6. I have trained and tested my service dog to ensure that it can access public areas occupied by other people and animals. My service dog will be unobtrusive to the public and will not pose any public hazards. 
7. My service dog can enter and exit any form of transportation (including public transportation and cars) in a safe manner.
8. My service dog can ride in any form of transportation (including planes, trains and cars) in a controlled manner.
9. My service dog can navigate parking lots safely. 
10. My service dog will not interact with other people unless instructed to do so. 
11. My service dog will not lick or closely sniff food or other items in a market or store. 
12. My service dog will not bump into shelves or interact with merchandise in a store. 
13. My service dog can enter buildings in a controlled manner. 
14. My service dog can perform its job or task despite distractions encountered in public environments. 
15. My service dog can hold a sit, down or stand stay on cue for at least 30 seconds. 
16. My service dog comes on cue from a distance of 6 feet or greater. 
17. My service dog will focus on me on cue. 
18. My service dog does not act inappropriately when touched by a stranger. 
19. My service dog is able to on cue ignore, greet or get out of the way of a stranger. 
20. My service dog can walk past and leave food that is on the ground. 
21. My service dog will not beg or attempt to eat or sniff food on the floor or tables if in a restaurant. 
22. My service dog can enter and exit elevators and ride up and down without any issues. 
23. My service dog can perform its job or task even in the presence of other animals. 
24. My service dog can enter public restrooms without causing a disturbance. 
25. My service dog will not bite people or animals, and will not bark excessively without provocation.  
26. My service dog will not jump or lunge on other people or animals. 
27. My service dog has been trained to urinate and defecate in appropriate areas. 
28. My service dog may acknowledge nearby noises, but will not in any way show aggression or fear (other than a normal startle reaction).
29. My service dog will not become aggressive or fearful due to noise or distractions in public environments. 
30. I am familiar with and understand pertinent service dog laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Housing Act and Air Carrier Access Act. 
31. I understand that fraudulently representing, through verbal or written notice, to be the owner or trainer of a canine licensed as, to be qualified as, or identified as, a guide, signal, or service dog, is potentially punishable as a crime. 
32. I understand that under the ADA, staff are not allowed to request any documentation for service dogs, require that a service dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the handler’s disability.