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How to Make My Dog a Service Dog
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dog handlers have special legal rights. The ADA allows service dogs to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where the public is allowed to go. This includes businesses such as stores and restaurants, and public areas such as national parks, beaches, and libraries.
Under the ADA, a disability is defined as someone who has “a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities” or “a person who has a history or record of such an impairment, or a person who is perceived by others as having such an impairment.”
Handlers of service dogs use their animals to help with a wide variety of disabilities. Generally, the disability can be:
- A physical disability, such as mobility issues, blindness, and hearing impairment.
- A psychiatric condition, such as panic disorder, severe depression, and PTSD.
Regardless of the type of disability the handler has, the service dog must be trained to work or perform tasks related to the disability. In the article, we will address four specific topics.
- #1 – A service dog must have special training
- #2 – Registrations, IDs, vests and other accessories are frequently used and helpful, but optional
- #3 – Service dogs have special rights for housing
- #4 – Service dogs can travel with their handlers, even on flights
#1 – A service dog must have special training
By definition, a service dog must be trained to work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. The task that the service dog is trained to perform must be directly related to the handler’s disability.
How service dogs help: For example, a service dog can be trained to assist a visually impaired person walk around in public environments or to pull a wheelchair for someone with limited mobility. Service dogs also help people with psychiatric conditions by performing tasks such as reminding their handlers to take medication or providing pressure therapy during panic or anxiety attacks.
ADA compliance: In addition to the special training a service dog must have to help a person with a disability, it’s also important for the service dog to master basic obedience training. Under ADA rules, a service dog must always be under the control of its handler. Service dogs must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered (unless it prevents the service dog from effectively performing its tasks). If the use of a harness, leash, or tether is unsuitable, the handler must maintain control of their service dog through voice, signal, or other means.
A good service dog should maintain discipline, while focusing on its handler in public areas, especially those that are busy and filled with potentially distracting stimuli. It can be useful to subject the service dog to a public access test to ensure that it is ready to enter public environments filled with people, animals, and other distractions.
Who can train a service dog? A service dog can be trained by a professional or by the handler. There is no requirement to hire a professional or to take any particular course — if the handler is capable, they can train their service dog on their own. Training a dog to perform tasks reliably for a disability takes time, patience, and know-how.
If you have limited knowledge and experience in training a canine, you may want to consider enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer. A dog trainer can be helpful even if you plan to do most of the training yourself — they can give you a framework for training and useful tips.
#2 – Registrations, IDs, vests, and other accessories are frequently used and helpful, but optional
When you see a service dog handler out in public, you will often see the dog wearing a vest, and the handler will have an identification card that likely contains a registration number.
Service dog handlers commonly use Service Dog IDs and vests primarily for a couple of reasons:
- They help indicate to others in the public that their dog is a working service animal that should not be bothered
- They help maintain privacy by curbing unwanted and intrusive inquiries about the service dog.
Legal requirements: One common misconception regarding service dogs is that there is a legal requirement for them to be registered or to wear a vest. Some people also think that an identification card is mandatory for service dog handlers. Contrary to these beliefs, service dog handlers are not required to register their dogs, carry IDs, or have their service dogs wear vests.
Service dog handlers use these items voluntarily because they are useful. A staff person at a public establishment, however, cannot demand that a service dog handler show an ID card or put a vest on their dog in order to be granted accommodation on the premises. Many service dog handlers find ID cards and vests essential for being out in public. Most people are unaware of the specific details regarding ADA rules, and these tools provide an easy shortcut for service dog handlers to indicate that their dog is not a normal pet. If you’re interested in registering your service dog in a database, you can get started by clicking on the link below.
Once your dog is registered, you can order a service dog ID card, service dog certification, and even order a service dog vest. Again, while these items are optional, many service dog handlers find them incredibly helpful.
All service dog handlers should understand they have a right to privacy when they are out in public. If it is obvious what service the service dog provides, staff at a public establishment are not allowed to make any inquiries regarding your service dog. If it is not obvious what service the dog provides, staff can only ask two questions:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and if so,
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
They can’t ask a service dog handler for further details regarding their disability or require that the handler demonstrate that the dog can perform the task it has been trained for.
#3 – Service dogs have special rights for housing
Service dogs are not pets. Service dogs have special housing rights that are not granted to normal pets. If you are a service dog handler, you are permitted under Fair Housing rules to live with your service dog, even if your building has a strict policy that bans all pets. For purposes of Fair Housing laws, service dogs are not considered pets, and any policy that may apply to pets is inapplicable.
For example, if the building allows pets but not dogs over 50 pounds, or the building bans certain breeds such as pit bulls or Great Danes, those rules do not apply to service dogs. A housing provider cannot prevent a tenant from keeping a service dog in their home because the dog is of a certain breed or weight.
Exceptions and requirements: A landlord can only deny accommodation of a service dog in limited circumstances, such as if they determine that the service dog poses a safety or health threat to others. As with all service dogs, landlords can only verify a disabled person’s need for a service dog by asking the two questions discussed in the previous section. Unlike an emotional support animal which requires a letter of recommendation from a licensed healthcare professional, a service dog does not need any documented credentials.
#4 – Service dogs can travel with their handlers, even on flights
Service dogs are also allowed to travel and fly with their handler at no extra cost. This means they can ride on public transportation such as trains and buses, and also in taxis. Under the Air Carrier Access Act, service dogs are allowed to accompany their handlers in the airplane cabin as well.
Traveling can be a stressful experience for any dog. It’s important that a service dog has been trained to handle situations such as crowded airports, trains, and airplane cabins. A service can be denied accommodation if it is disruptive and not under the control of its handler. Service dogs intended to be used for travel should be exposed to a wide variety of situations, so they remain calm when faced with novel environments. It’s important to properly acclimate a service dog for the type of journey you’re taking. Start with shorter trips on a plane or the bus so your service dog can learn to maintain composure when flying with you in scenarios like turbulence, longer trips, or crowded bus and train journeys.
If you are ready to register your service dog, click on the image below.
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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Hello. I am diagnosed with PSTD and would like to have my dog be with me during a flight later this year. I have read the guidelines but I have a couple questions. After submitting mine and my dog’s information through the form on here, when and where do I have my dog “test” his commands and how he responds to them? I am traveling to Hawaii, which is very strict when it comes to traveling dogs. Is filling out the form and paying for the certificate, vest, etc. enough to provide for Hawaiian authorities? This may be more simple that I make it out but I would greatly appreciate any pointers. Thank you.
Hi,
I live in Hawaii. Unfortunately, having a certified service dog (or an ESA) does not exempt the dog from the stringent quarantine requirements. The dog needs to have had a minimum of 2 rabies shots (min. 30 days apart), the titer needs to be determined through bloodwork and after the bloodwork shows a high enough titer, the dog has to wait 30 days. Also, the last rabies shot has to be more than 30 days in the past by entry into Hawaii. Your vet should be able to help you with this process.
Both service dogs and ESA are allowed to travel with you in-cabin into Hawaii, though, which is usually not allowed for all pets, including small ones like cats and small dogs.
My dogs have been trained by Joseph over at Advanced Canine Systems. Joseph is the real deal.
is your dog a task trained service dog? (BTW there is no legal certification for service dogs or esa in america) you need a note from your doctor saying you are disabled and need your dog with you. Also look at the airlines rules and regulations.
Hi how are you I want make my dog a service dog .I’m hard hearing and struggle with hearing knocks or doorbells when guest arrive. My dog Athena is good on letting me know when someone is at the door but she usually barks , so how do I fix that. Since I know most service dogs don’t bark .
Alerting a hearing impaired person with a bark may be an acceptable task for a service dog.
A service dog alerting you in your home to a knock is not a bad thing. Public barking is what you need to make sure the dog understands is not not acceptable.
I am about to buy my son a German Shepherd and wanted to have him trained to be his service dog. My son has cerebral Palsy and he will be turning 18 years old the 23rd of this month and I just feel like it is a great idea to go ahead and get him a puppy and start working with them. His cerebral palsy is not got him where he can not live a normal life. I just feel having a service dog would do him a world of good. The biggest issue my son really deals with outside of some mobile skills is he has a very high level of Anxiety and I think having this service dog could help him with that the most. I have read about people having service dogs for issues such as these. Can someone get back to me with help on what direction I can take this? I don’t have a lot of money to spend so that is another issue is there any programs that will help people in situations such as this?
Sincerly,
Tammy Swain
Advanced Canine Systems is the best place to have your dog trained. My dogs have been trained by Joseph and one of them went off to become a law enforcement dog. Joseph is the absolute best.
Not sure about programs for assistance. Check with a local trainer, your doctor or disability. You can train the dog yourself to do the task necessary for him as long as the dog has the right temperment and you have the time. Remember it takes about 18 months of regimented training to prepare them properly. There are good books available to assist you but if time is an issue, get a trainer.
Can you have 2 small dogs. I’m going to be traveling soon
You better get the laws from DOJ, you are wrong on many levels in this article! SCAM as there is no law saying you have to have a good citizen award. PTSD dogs are allowed to be off leash, they are allowed to be let out to make sure it is safe for person to go out! People can only ask 2 questions, is it a service dog and what is it trained to do! On most airlines, if dog is too large to fit in front of you on the floor, they are given a seat at no cost! No ID, card, registration or vest is required! I had to learn this for my job!
Stop spreading half truths!
Hi debbie! You seem extremely knowledgeable with all of this. I am a new dog owner and suffer with anxiety and depression. Im trying to understand the process to getting him to be a service dog so i can bring him to stores with me and such. Is possible, could you private message me on facebook? My name is Carolyn Scherr. Tia!
I am trying to get my dog fully registered for. Service. I need to provide a letter to my apt manager. I need help
A letter is not required for a service dog.
If you have your dog certified and get a badge for him, that is all you need. I got a photo ID badge for my service dog.
NOT every dog has the correct temperament to be a service dog and handle the stresses of being in a public or stressful setting.
1: Have your dog evaluated by a trainer that is familiar with service dogs and scent training.
2: If approved get health testing done on your dog, be prepared to spend $1500.
3: when health testing is completed and your dog is cleared. If your dog is not cleared most trainers will work with you in selecting a suitable breeder/lineage/temperament.
4: Working with a trainer and begin scent based training, be prepared to spend up to $10,000.00 on training, your dog will go through all sort of training including scent based training.
5: Remember a sheet of paper doesn’t make your dog a service dog.
a: You must be disabled (see the ADA definition) the disability must be diagnosed by a doctor.
b: Your dog must be suitable for the job you are giving him/her.
c: Your dog must be TASK TRAINED, and must not pay any attention to the general public, other animals, people, loud noises, dogs, cats, etc.
6: In accordance with the ADA law certification and paperwork are not required for service dogs, though training, task training, safe handling, leash laws, and proof of disability are!!!! Buying a vest, ID, and sheet of paper doesn’t make your pet a service dog, this makes your dog a danger to other working service dogs in the community when your pet is not conditioned to work around the general public. Disability specific task training does when done with the right dog!
Disabilities. PTSD , anxiety, panic attacks and I have 3 fusions so sometimes it’s hard to pick things off floor
Any online recommendation of trainers that specializes in anxiety?
Interested for my son
It is just high priced for me. I would like to know of a trainer
Hi how are you I want make my dog a service dog I deaf and I have sizers too he know a little about me he know went some comeing in the door or if I have a sizer but he not a service dog at all but I want make him one
I am Bypolar and have bouts of depression! I would like to make my new puppy a service animal for emotional support
Hello my name is Sandra and I have a french bull dog and would love him to be my service dog, I suffer with anxiety, depression. How may I go about this because I have no one else in my life away from my dog whom I love dearly.
Hi I’ve suffered with anxiety and depression for a while now and I’m getting a gsd soon as I think a companion will help is it possible I could register my pup so I can have him with me more and when I travel
Anxiety and depression are disabilities that may qualify you for an Emotional Support Animal. You will need to work with a licensed mental health professional directly to know for sure. For more information, you may find this article helpful – https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/emotional-support-dog-certification-registration/
Hi my name is Michael I also suffer anxiety and depression from a history of drug use and wanted to know if my emotional support animal has to become a service animal in order to keep the landlord from evicting me !!!
Not necessarily. An Emotional Support Animal is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and in most cases can live in no-pets housing. Should your landlord deny your ESA you may find the tips in this article interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/landlord-does-not-accept-emotional-support-animal/
I want to very much i neef her but iam homeless i dont have money
I have severe migranes and anxiety and depression and my dog already uses her paw to alert me to my migranes before they come and insists cuddling when I get severe depression and pulls me out from places or calms me when I get anxiety and has her good citizen can I get certified so she can travel with me
Your dog sounds like a perfect psychiatric service dog that has already mastered the tasked based training. If your dog is also comfortable in public settings and can pass a public access test, you would have a certified service dog. Once the training is fully complete, you may choose to register your service dog in order to get additional documentation that helps communicate that your dog is indeed a fully certified service dog. Though this step isn’t required by law, many service dog owners find it comforting and helpful when confronted with other citizens. You may find this article on how to certify your service dog interesting https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/how-to-certify-a-service-dog/
if you are homeless how come you have a device huh?
I’m looking who helps train service dog’s I have 2 labrradoodles 1 a two year female second 1 is 6 months male Star 2 year old knows heal sit and is calmer looking for prices and how to go about it I have 2 fusions in my neck and another in my lower back so at times hard to pick things up off the floor I also have PTSD , Pannick attacks along with anxiety my dogs make me calmer but not sure which one I should have trained 2 year old Female Star knows sit, heal when we walk but barks at other dogs acting up 6 month Buster knows sit and being a puppy likes to climb up on counters to get into things still being young and having less training