Where to get service dog certification

Since the airline guidelines have changed, not a day goes by without desperate ESA owners calling us to get their dog certified as a service dog so they can keep traveling with them. Sometimes, that certification is needed within a few days! With so many questions, I decided it was time to write a blog to help ESA owners decide if this is an option for them. By law, service dogs do not need certification.

If you have been diagnosed with a disability and if your dog meets the standards described above, you have the right to take your dog with you as your service dog.

Here is the text from ADA about certification:. There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal. When it comes to airlines however, some will require proof that your dog is a service dog. If you believe you would benefit from having a service dog, you may find the information below helpful.

This is not limited to seeing-eye dogs as commonly believed! Training a dog to become a service animal is available to individuals that have a disability. If you are interested in having a service dog, below are requirements to be aware of:. Service dogs are an important part of the assistance animal family and serve an important function in our community.

Dogs that fulfill trained tasks to assist individuals with disabilities that require their support are allowed access to public places when accompanying their handlers. Any dog breed can be suitable for service work. All types of dogs are eligible to become services dogs, each potentially adept at providing a different type of service. It is important to note that under ADA rules an establishment cannot discriminate against a service dog solely because it is a certain breed or size.

The breed of a dog may inform you about some characteristics of the dog and common breed-related instincts so you can watch out for them, but each potential service dog should be assessed for their unique behavioral patterns, strengths, and weaknesses to see if that particular service dog would be appropriate to assist you.

Dogs who are aggressive or easily scared may not work as service dogs until their public temperament improves. People often search for a reputable trainer that they trust to train their service dog. You can either adopt a trained service dog from a reputable trainer or bring your dog to a trainer.

However, you are not required to work with a trainer and may train your service dog yourself. Many people are not aware that service animal tasks can be trained in the comfort of their own home! The community is self-regulated and certain organizations promote minimum standards for training. If you find that you would rather train your dog yourself, you are not only welcome to it, but it can also help increase the bond between you and your service dog.

Most of your time will be spent here. Putting in enough time to train your future service dog is a crucial step. While the United States has no minimum requirement, international standards suggest approximately hours over six months. Some sources recommend that at least 30 of those hours be time spent in public to help train the dog for moments of distraction and when surprises come their way.

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. For additional training support and guides, we recommend Secrets to Dog Training. We may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you — if you decide to buy any of the products, software, or services we refer to and promote on our website.

Service s Provided:. Handler info: First Name: Last Name:. Phone Number:. Section Navigation. Certification Testing. The Rights and Responsibilities of Businesses and the Public. Legislation and Policy. Guide Dog and Service Dog Certification. There are two ways to be certified: Receive a trained dog from an accredited school Pass a public safety test Training and testing ensures only dogs who behave well in a variety of environments are certified.

Accredited Schools in B. Accredited Schools Outside of B. Contact Information Security Programs personnel are available during regular business hours: Monday to Friday am - pm.