CAN MY DOG BE A SERVICE DOG?

Have you ever seen a service dog with their handler and thought "I wonder if my dog could do that"? Do you have a disability, and you're curious if your fuzzy friend could help? The answer I have for you is, well, it depends!

A Belgian shepherd mix wearing a service dog vest looks at the camera with a bright, smiley expression.

Do you meet this definition...>

"A person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities"

If yes... Then the answer is maybe your dog could be a service dog!

If no... You cannot have a service dog. We understand that access to living and traveling with pet dogs is getting harder! However, only people with disabilities qualify for service dogs. Check out our friends at Dogs Anonymous for help keeping and training your furry friend.

Is your dog...>

Physically healthy, able, and mentally sound?

If yes... Then again, maybe your dog could be your service dog!

If no... The dog isn’t right for the job. Service dog work is demanding-- for you wellbeing and your dog’s, we recommend health clearances before beginning your service dog journey. 

Would your dog enjoy...>

Being around many different kinds of people, other dogs, new environments, etc.?

If yes... Maybe!

If no... It depends. Service dog work requires that a dog tolerate these obstacles. Pause here, and considering working with a trainer or checking out our free training resources. Some dogs can learn to enjoy this type of stimuli with the right support. Others may never enjoy the job.

Could your dog...>

Learn a trained “task” (ie: kind of work) that will assist with your disability?

If yes... Maybe!

If no...It depends. Service dog work requires that a dog tolerate these obstacles. Pause here, and considering working with a trainer or checking out our free training resources. Some dogs can learn to enjoy this type of stimuli with the right support. Others may never enjoy the job.

Your dog may be able to be a service dog if...>

1) You are disabled

2) Your dog is physically/mentally healthy

3) Your dog seems like they would enjoy the work

4) You can train your dog to perform an action to assist your disability...

Remember....

• Highly trained

• Under control in public

• Non-disruptive

• Perform tasks to assist a disability

All of these conditions must be met for a dog to be a service dog. It typically takes upwards of two years to fully train a service dog. Being task trained to assist a disabled individual is what differentiates a service dog from a pet.

Remember, in the US, there is no official or legitimate registration or certification for service dogs. According to the Department of Justice, "Covered entities may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry. 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." The proof that a dog is a service animal lies in their training and behavior, so we must maintain a high standard!