Service Dog Certification

The Disability Act defines a service dog as a dog that performs tasks for an individual with a disability. People with disabilities use a service animal in order to fully participate in everyday life. 

Dogs can be trained to perform tasks to assist people with disabilities, such as providing stability for a person who has difficulty walking, picking up items for a person who uses a wheelchair or alerting a person who has hearing loss.

Businesses and organizations that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go. 

Business are NOT permitted to ask individuals with disabilities to remove their service animal from the premises unless:

• The animal is out of control and the animal’s owner does not take effective action to control it, or
• The animal poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others.

To make your dog a service dog, you can train your dog on your own or through a 3rd party training program.  

You are NOT required to prove or have any certifications confirming your dog’s training.

Service dogs are allowed in almost all public places as protected under the Disabilities Act. This legislation enables individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service dogs in public areas where pets are typically not allowed. 

Here are some specific places where service dogs are generally allowed:

• Public Transportation: Service dogs are permitted on public transportation such as buses, trains, and subways.
• Housing Facilities: Service dogs are allowed in housing facilities, even those with a no-pet policy.
• Workplaces: Employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities, which includes allowing service dogs.
• Commercial Facilities and Businesses: Service dogs are allowed in businesses such as stores, hotels & restaurants.
• Parks and Public Areas: Service dogs can accompany their handlers in parks, beaches, and other public areas.

It’s important to note that service dogs must be under control at all times, either via a harness, leash, depending on the handler’s needs. 

It is recommended to have proof that the animal has been certified or registered to help staff and general the public recognize your dog as a support animal. 

Legally, businesses can only ask you two questions to determine if your dog is a service dog:

1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

It is unlawful for business to ask you any questions about your disability.

Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals are permitted to travel in the cabin with their handler. 

Airlines can determine if an animal is a service animal or pet by:

• Looking for physical indicators such as the presence of a harness or patches;
• Requiring proof or documentation for service dogs registration.

Always check with your airline in advance for specific regulations and requirements. 

Yes, service dogs are allowed in restaurants.

A person with a disability who uses a service dog has the right to bring the dog into a restaurant.

It’s important to note that service dogs must be under control at all times, either via a harness, leash, depending on the handler’s needs. 

It is not acceptable to ask about the specific nature of a person’s disability. However, there are two questions that staff members at a business are allowed to ask: 

1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? Yes or No
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? 

These questions are about the dog’s training and tasks, not about the person’s disability itself. 

Businesses cannot legally inquire or ask for the following: 

1. Ask about the person’s disability
2. Request medical documentation
3. Require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog
4. Ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

Certification can provide easier identification of the service dog, leading to reduced inquiries and smoother access to public places. 

In situations such as housing or travel, certification offer a quick way to demonstrate the dog’s role. 

Service dog vests are not legally required. However, many dog handlers choose to use vests or identification patches to signal their dog’s certification status.