Service Dog Certification Resource Center!
Welcome to The #1 Resource For Service Dog Certification Tips
We have everything you need to make your life easier whether you are looking into getting a service dog, training service dogs, or already have a service dog. State specific laws pertaining to service dogs, training tips, history articles, and inspirational stories are just some of the helpful things you’ll find here.
Service Dog Certification: Is it necessary?
Service dogs are absolutely not required to be certified, registered, or show identification. The Americans with Disability Act says the following: “Some, but not all, service animals wear special collars and harnesses. Some, but not all, are licensed or certified and have identification papers. If you are not certain that an animal is a service animal, you may ask the person who has the animal if it is a service animal required because of a disability. However, an individual who is going to a restaurant or theater is not likely to be carrying documentation of his or her medical condition or disability. Therefore, such documentation generally may not be required as a condition for providing service to an individual accompanied by a service animal. Although a number of states have programs to certify service animals, you may not insist on proof of state certification before permitting the service animal to accompany the person with a disability.”
That being said, there are some advantages to getting “certified.” Some service dog training programs give a certification. If you have done the research and know this is a great training program, then getting the certification is a bonus. While service dogs are not required to wear any special identifying vests or harnesses, it can sometimes help prevent a confrontation with a business owner, or another customer. READ MORE
Service Dog Laws
You may not know it, but service dog laws are acknowledged as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This is providing the animals are individually trained to perform a specific act for their owner. Therefore, service dog certification is a vital aspect in this definition.
These dogs must be allowed to go anywhere with their handler. This includes, but is not limited to, restaurants, movie theaters and even aboard airplanes. This is all clearly defined by federal and state laws. As the laws pertain to air travel, this is covered in the Air Carriers Access Act.
What may also surprise you is the fact that these animals do not have to wear any form of identifying articles such as a vest. This is totally at the option of the owner and not required by law. As a matter of fact, it is illegal to even ask for any type of special documentation.
The importance of service dog certification cannot be expressed enough considering that should your dog misbehave in any fashion, the proprietor of the establishment you are visiting, does have the right by law to ask you to get the animal under control and failing to do so, request that you leave. READ MORE
Training for Service Dogs
Needless to say the key element in achieving service dog certification is the training. There are a variety of techniques used to accomplish this goal. Within this section I will attempt to describe both positive and negative reinforcement programs and which of these seem to provide the best results.
It should be noted that dogs, like people, have different personalities and may react to a particular regimen based on these unique traits.
First and foremost, before any formal training is begun, your pet should be given basic training in the home like any other puppy. They should be house broken and disciplined within the home in the normal manner. READ MORE
How to Acquire a Service Dog
Service dogs are not born or bred to be assistance animals. They are trained in this highly skilled behavior, with the most successful process being done through an accredited service dog certification program.
These canines come from all different environments. They can be obtained from breeders, shelters or even from litters of your current family pet. While there are certain breeds that seem to adapt more readily to this lifestyle, almost any dog can be taught to act as a guide dog.
The actual definition of a service dog is a dog that is taught a specific skill to assist a disabled individual. The terms guide, assistance and service are somewhat interchangeable to describe the animal you will be seeking.
It is not recommended for a dog to become a service animal until they are at least six months of age. In some circles, one year seems to be the popular age when these pets will be most adaptable to this lifestyle. Your search may begin immediately, however, since the puppies must be home nurtured prior to participating in service dog certification training. This includes the usual “house training” as well as being exposed to a variety of humans from babies to senior citizens. Exposure to the different sexes and a variety of ethnicities is a plus.
As mentioned earlier in this article, certain breeds such as the Golden Retriever seem to do well at their assigned tasks, but almost any dog can be used. Another qualifier you will want to consider though is a calm demeanor. You do not want a high strung, hyper pet to be running and jumping around its possibly disabled handler. It is normally thought that small to medium sized canines are the best for service dogs, if for no other reason than they simply take up less space in public.
My personal recommendation would to be acquiring the dog from a shelter. In many cases these delightful puppies are given to qualifying people free of charge and although most will be of the mixed breed variety, if relatively intelligent, that should not be a hindrance to it’s becoming a service dog. This will not only benefit the person the animal helps, but will provide the dog with a loving home as well.
So with just these few traits to consider, you should have absolutely no problem finding the perfect wonderful furry creature to be trained as part of a service dog certification session and to ultimately be of assistance to a disabled loved one or even a stranger in need.
Service Dog Laws in Virginia
The service dog laws in Virginia are set forth by the Virginia Attorney General and the Virginia Council on Human Rights. In essence, it gives disabled individuals all the same rights of access that any other person is entitled to regarding places of public accommodation and private places if available to other members of society. The right of access is the same with, or without a service dog and these places cannot discriminate against the disabled, solely due to the presence of this animal. That being said, the state of Virginia does require the service dog to be duly trained by an individual capable of training the canine to assist the disabled persons specific need. Whether it be sight, hearing, or a wide array of emotional issues, an individual may be dealing with, service dog certification is a tried and true method to fulfill the requirement by law, as well as providing the best possible quality of life scenario to the disabled. The definition of a service dog in Virginia includes the requirement that the dog be at least six months of age.
ASSISTED LIVING LAWS
Act 1989, c 727. Title 51.5 of the service dog laws in Virginia, closely parallels other states in the locations that disabled individuals are entitled to gain entry to even when accompanied by a service dog. Basically, all public accommodation and housing is available to the disabled with their service dogs included. This includes all public conveyances (transportation) and buildings. This includes private locations that are normally available for public visits as well. In addition, all types of houses for sale or lease and all apartments for rent are included.
MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS
Act 1995, c 209 states when driving a motor vehicle within the state of Virginia, upon seeing a disabled individual accompanied by a service dog, said driver must come to a full stop, yielding the right of way to the individual and the animal until they are safely across the intersection. Service dog certification serves a dual purpose in the case of dealing with motor vehicles. Not only will the presence of the dog clearly identify the individual as disabled, but the dog will be properly trained to “stop and heal “prior to crossing any street or roadway.
ILLEGAL INTERVENTION LAWS
Failure to comply with Act 1995 as stated above will result in a violation punishable as a Class 3 misdemeanor. Any intentional harm done to an accredited canine that was trained as part of a service dog certification program will be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Service Dog Laws in New Jersey
Following, is a summary of service dog laws in New Jersey compiled from the rules and regulations as set forth by the New Jersey Attorney General and the New Jersey Department of Law and Safety. These are limited summarizations and intended for informational purposes only. Should you require more specific facts or legal advice, you should always consult with an attorney. In New Jersey, there is a strict definition of what constitutes a service dog. The description requires the dog to be specifically trained by someone authorized in the teaching of assistance canines. The importance of service dog certification to meet this requirement is therefore, of utmost importance.
ASSISTED LIVING LAWS
As with most states, the service dog laws in New Jersey allow for disabled individuals accompanied by a service dog to be allowed the same access to public places as any other person. In section 10: 5-5, some of these places are identified as, but not limited to, any tavern, roadhouse, hotel, motel, trailer camp, summer camp, day camp, or resort camp. This is whether or not the said disabled person and his pet are considered transient guests for the enjoyment of entertainment or are seeking more of an extended accommodation. It names entertainment venues to include bowling alleys, billiard halls and gymnasiums. It goes on further naming retail shops and stores, any restaurants and eating places including any place maintained for the sale of ice cream, ice or fruit preparations and their derivatives, soda water, confections and all beverages. Of course, hospitals, libraries and all educational institutions must also allow access.
Housing is also discussed and a decision on the sale or leasing of housing cannot be negatively influenced due to the presence of a service dog. That being said, the ability to show documentation of service dog certification may sway a potential landlord in your favor.
MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS
Unless a particular roadway is under the direct supervision of a law enforcement officer who shall make a determination, drivers in New Jersey must yield the right of way in all other cases, to a disabled individual accompanied by a service dog. Disabled people are allowed to use all forms of public transportation and they are not required to pay an extra fare or any other additional charge for the animal.
ILLEGAL INTERVENTION LAWS
Violations of any service dog laws in New Jersey carry fines of not less than $100 or more than $500 provided the dog has received special training to perform its tasks. Service dog certification is the best accreditation one can receive in fulfilling this requirement.
Service Dog Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina has one of the more progressive set of laws on behalf of their disabled residents. The service dog laws in North Carolina are among these. While being very accommodating to disabled people using service dogs, they do require assistance animals to be specially licensed by the state, which we will discuss in more detail later. The surest way to obtain this accreditation is to have your pet attend a service dog certification program.
ASSISTED LIVING LAWS
The rules and regulations concerning the disabled, including the service dog laws in North Carolina were established by the North Carolina Attorney General and the North Carolina Human Relations Commission. Its introduction reads as follows: “The state shall enable and encourage persons with disabilities to participate fully in the social and economic life of the state and to engage in remunerative employment.” Along with all workplaces, other public areas where service dogs must be allowed to accompany their handler are all streets, highways, sidewalks, walkways, all public buildings, public facilities and all other buildings and facilities both publicly and privately owned which serve the public.
PERMITS and ACCREDITATION
As mentioned earlier in this article, acquiring service dog certification in North Carolina is the best method to obtaining the special service dog license as required by state law. Once professional accreditation can be shown, the North Carolina Dept. of Health and Human Resources will issue a tag with a specific tag number authorizing you to use your canine as a service dog within the state. Section 168-4.5 (Penalty for Fakers) provides for a Class 3 misdemeanor being assessed to anyone falsifying the identity of a service dog.
MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS
As an operator of a motor vehicle, the service dog laws in North Carolina commands you to come to a full stop when you observe a disabled individual with a guide dog attempting to cross any street, highway or roadway of any kind. Once again, service dog certification should be obtained, not only for licensing purposes, but as a safety measure and to improve on the quality of the disabled individual’s life.
Service Dog Laws in Pennsylvania
The service dog laws in Pennsylvania are contained within the more broad spectrum of the rules and regulations involving disabled individuals in the state. There are specific penalties spelled out within these guidelines for discrimination against a service dogs use, but only when it can be proven that the particular canine was certified to act as an assistance animal. Needless to say, service dog certification will fulfill this requirement to its highest level.
The following information has been derived from reviewing Purdon’s Pennsylvania Statutes and Consolidated Statutes. In most cases these laws and statutes have been summarized and not quoted verbatim. Should you have more detailed legal questions your best resource will always be to contact an attorney at law.
ASSISTED LIVING LAWS
Section 953 within the statutes listed above, as pertains to the service dog laws in Pennsylvania, states that all disabled persons have the rights to accommodations, advantages, privileges and facilities of any public accommodation and of any housing accommodation and commercial property and that they must be allowed access including the presence of a service dog as part of the individuals civil rights. The right to equal employment opportunities are also covered by this section.
MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS
Section 3549, paragraph a (General Rule ) of this Pennsylvania statute says in part, the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way to any person accompanied by a guide dog and shall take precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring or endangering the pedestrian and, if necessary, shall stop the vehicle in order to prevent injury or danger to the pedestrian. A phase of service dog certification training includes conduct by the service dog when coming to a street or roadway crossing, with the proper stop and heal method before entering an intersection.
ILLEGAL INTERVENTION LAWS
Non compliance with the motor vehicle service dog laws in Pennsylvania constitutes a summary offense, punishable by a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $150. Section 7325 provides for the same summary offense against the proprietor of any establishment that denies entry to a “certified” assistance animal. “Certified” is the key word within the statute and there is no better way to fulfill this obligation than through the use of a service dog certification program.
Service Dog Laws in Ohio
The service dog laws in Ohio have some of the more unique and interesting definitions of what a service dog is, and is not, allowed to do while accompanying their disabled owner. These requirements differ somewhat from other states and emphasizes even more the importance of a service dog certification program for this animal to be properly trained in the assistance of others. The laws will be explained in general terms only and are not intended to be used as a legal document or guidebook.
ASSISTED LIVING LAWS
Like most states, the service dog laws in Ohio afford the disabled person and his or her service dog the same right of entry to all public places and transportation on all public conveyances subject only to the same restrictions applied to everyone else. These places as listed in Ohio law, Title IX, 955.43 include hotels, all institutions of education, all places of public accommodation, amusement or resort and the aforementioned public places and transportation on public conveyances. However, additional restrictions are clearly defined within Ohio laws that are not always spelled out as concisely in other states. These are as follows:
1. The dog shall not occupy a seat on any public conveyance.
2. The dog shall be upon a leash while using the facilities of a common carrier.
3. Any dog in training to become an assistance dog shall be covered by a liability insurance policy.
To be in compliance with the third restriction placed by the service dog laws in Ohio on your pet, you will find your best opportunity in acquiring liability insurance at a competitive rate, will be to have the canine complete a service dog certification program. Service dog certification will not only allow you to save money on the required insurance coverage, but will also insure that the disabled individual the dog is assisting will realize the best possible quality of life these wonderful assistance animals can provide to them.
Service Dog Laws in Minnesota
The service dog laws in Minnesota as established by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, contains a comprehensive list in both the areas of assisted living and penalties involved with the interference of a service dog while attempting to aid a disabled individual. It should be noted however, the service dog owner is liable for any actual damages caused by the animal and is responsible to have the canine properly trained and exhibited as an assistance dog. With this, service dog certification training in Minnesota will allow you to not only conform to the service dog laws in Minnesota, but to also provide a superior quality of living to the disabled person being assisted by the pet.
ASSISTED LIVING LAWS
In the state of Minnesota public accommodations where a service dog must be allowed to enter with their disabled handler include, but are not limited to : streets, highways, sidewalks and walkways; public buildings, facilities, and other public places; airplanes, motor vehicles, buses, trains and all public transportation conveyances; hotels, lodging places, amusements and resorts and other places the general public is invited with only the same restrictions as are applied to all. Housing accommodations are covered in Section 256c.025 to include any housing subject to rent, lease or compensation. In all of the venues listed above, while the service dog has the right to accompany their disabled handler onto and into the properties, the dog owner is liable for any actual damages caused by the animal. This is where service dog certification can play a major role in the dogs overall demeanor and behavior in public and in avoiding any damage or destruction of property.
ILLEGAL INTERFERENCE LAWS
The service dog laws in Minnesota do provide much protection to an assistance animal and it is clearly stated as such in section 343.21 titled “Harming a Service Animal.” To be in compliance with the Minnesota state law, proof must be provided as to the canines specific training in the area of aiding the disabled. Service dog certification will always be your best source for this accreditation.
Service Dog Laws in Michigan
Following, you will find certain paragraphs, sections, and sub sections from the Service Dog Laws in Michigan. These laws will be paraphrased for purposes of space and in some cases rephrased for better understanding. This is by no means intended to be a legal handbook, but simply a summary of laws. In Michigan, more so than many other of the United States, there are more and harsher penalties involving the interfering with, and/or injuring of service dogs. With this, the state is more stringent on identifying the canines as service animals. In Michigan, service dog certification takes on added value when these creatures are trained by an accredited trainer as they are respected within the state for the quality of assistance they provide to disabled residents.
ASSISTED LIVING LAWS
Section 502c of the laws set forth by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, basically states, any person who is the owner, lessee, proprietor, manager, superintendent or agent, or their employees, cannot discriminate against a disabled person by not allowing them on public or private premises because of the presence of a service dog. These premises include, but are not limited to, inns, hotels, motels, apartment buildings, trailer parks, restaurants, stores, barbershops, places of amusement and all public and private educational institutions.
To be considered a service dog however, said animal, must be wearing a harness or blaze orange leash and collar, a hearing dog cape, or service dog backpack. Additionally the handler of the service dog must present upon request, identification proving the dog has, in fact, been trained by a professional trainer to be used as an assistance dog to a disabled individual. Needless to say, this puts the utmost importance on acquiring service dog certification as to be in compliance with the service dog laws in Michigan.
ILLEGAL INTERFERENCE LAWS
Section 50a, subsection 1 of the service dog laws in Michigan does not allow the willful malicious assault or beating of a service dog, nor can they in any way impede or interfere with the animals assistance activities. Anyone violating this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable with fines up to $500 and / or a maximum of 90 days in jail.
Once again, Michigan has high regard for accredited assistance animals and your best resource in using your dog for this purpose would be a service dog certification program.
What are Service Dogs?
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, sets forth guidelines as to exactly what service dogs are. As a federal law, all cities, states and counties within the United States are required to meet this definition without applying further restrictions.
This act was introduced to prevent any form of discrimination based solely on ones disability.
As part of a revision to the original act, changes were applied as of 2010.
I will be paraphrasing these changes for the sake of space and clarity.
A service animal (dog), must be individually trained for the distinct purpose of aiding someone with a disability. Disability is further defined as not only physical, but mental, intellectual, psychiatric and sensory.
The training can be acquired through an accredited service dog certification course.
Except for the obvious requirement that the service animal must be assisting a disabled individual, no other specific tasks are mentioned allowing for a wide spectrum of areas that a service dog may be trained in to help his handler.
The 2010 revision further clarifies the term disability as a physical or mental impairment (see above) that affects at least one major life activity. Besides the obvious sight, speech and hearing problems, it goes on to list several physical and mental conditions of the body, including, but not limited to, cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, muscle and skeletal, as well as other special sense organs.
Mental retardation, along with other forms of mental illness and emotional issues are all considered to be disabilities as set forth by the ADA of 1990 and the revision of 2010.
There are also many other diseases that are covered as well. Among them are cancer, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and muscular dystrophy. Even diabetes, alcoholism and drug addictions fall into this category.
Age, race, and sexual orientation do not affect ones status with a disability, nor does it in and of itself qualify for the use of a service animal.
It should be noted, at this point, that service dogs themselves are not considered as part of the group protected by these federal laws, but are included as an accessory to benefit the disabled individuals. Once again, this “accessory” can be of great benefit in improving a disabled persons quality of life, when trained by a qualified teacher as part of a service dog certification program.
Over the past twenty years it has been shown time and again that the provisions set forth within the ADA are somewhat open to interpretation and broad in its intent.
That being said, these guidelines should never be abused in order to have your pet canine accompany you into a public venue just for your convenience and/or enjoyment.
Remember, this is the “ Law of the Land ” and you can be criminally prosecuted should you step outside its boundaries.
As mentioned earlier in this article, I have only summarized parts of the ADA’s scope.
For more detailed information you may contact the website: www.ada.gov.
Service Dog Laws in Kansas
This article is intended to give you a broad definition of service dog laws in Kansas. These provisions should be reviewed considering service dog certification, as the laws will usually apply only to dogs who have been specifically trained to assist the disabled. Certain sections, sub sections and paragraphs will be listed as reference points for more detailed information. The laws as portrayed in this document will be shortened and paraphrased for the sake of space and clarity.
ASSISTED LIVING LAWS
Section 39-1101 of the service dog laws in Kansas as set forth by the Kansas Human Rights Commission begins with a general description of the Rights of persons with disabilities. It cites the expectation that disabled individuals residing in the state of Kansas be able to participate fully in the social and economic life of the state and to engage in remunerative employment. They shall have the same rights as the able bodied to the free and full use of streets, public buildings and all other public places. It lists certain common carriers such as, airplanes, railway cars and motor buses as applicable to this freedom. It goes on to list hotels and other public accommodations including restaurants as being included as well. Sections 39-1102, 1107 and 1108 confirms that all of the places and provisions mentioned in section 39-1101 hold true for a service dog accompanying the disabled individual and these animals must be allowed admission with their handler. It must be noted here, that within section 39-1102, the definition of a service dog is one who has been specially selected, trained and tested for this purpose. Service dog certification accreditation will be the best method to show your dog is in compliance with that portion of the statute. Section 39-1111 of the service dog laws in Kansas does require, in certain situations, that you produce documentation, upon request, that your pet was, in fact, specially trained to be a service animal. Once again, service dog certification will provide the necessary paperwork for cases such as these.
