How to Register Your Service Dog

Service dogs play an important role in the lives of disabled pet owners. They assist with various tasks so handlers can enjoy a more independent lifestyle. The dogs also look out for their owners, ensuring they are safe during emergencies. 

Some people may choose to register their service dog. Although it is optional, it may provide some benefits. This article will explain how to register a service dog so you can proceed with the process. 

Understanding Service Dogs

Service dogs are specifically trained to help disabled people perform tasks. For example, a guide dog helps a blind person navigate in public and private settings. A hearing service dog alerts its handler if it hears certain noises, like an alarm or a knock on the door. 

The American Disabilities Act (ADA) also covers service dogs, ensuring they can accompany their handlers in public spaces. 

Service dogs differ from emotional support animals, which provide comfort to people with mental health conditions. They are not covered by the ADA. However, with proper documentation, they may be permitted on planes and in some non-pet-friendly housing units.

Therapy dogs also differ from service dogs. They offer emotional support to people in hospitals, schools, and treatment centers. The ADA does not cover these dogs but may enter public places by invitation or agreement.  

The Truth About Service Dog Registration

Many people believe that service dogs must be officially registered. However, no federal registration requirements exist. If someone tells you or a loved one that you need to register your dog and charge you for registration, they may be trying to scam you. 

However, legitimate registration could have its benefits. The dog will get an ID number, a vest, and a certificate, which may be convenient if someone tries to deny the handler access in a public place. It also helps people recognize the animal as a service dog so they will be less likely to play with it, allowing the dog to focus more on necessary tasks. 

Legal Protections for Service Dogs

The ADA provides guidelines for service dogs, defines them, and states that dogs may accompany their handlers anywhere the public is allowed to go. 

However, dogs may be excluded from sterile environments like operating rooms and other places that may pose a risk for the dog and other individuals. 

The ADA also states the rights and responsibilities of service dog handlers. The handler must keep the dog under control. It must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered unless restrictive devices prevent it from performing tasks. 

Legitimate Requirements for Service Dogs

Although service dogs do not need to be registered, there are legitimate requirements handlers must follow to ensure their animal retains its rights. They include: 

• Training Standards: Service dogs must be properly trained to meet their owner’s needs. The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) recommends at least 120 hours of training in six months. Dogs should understand basic commands and be able to perform service-related tasks. 
• Behavior Expectations in Public: A service dog’s training ensures that it is well-behaved and should not experience anxiety in social situations. 
• Health and Vaccination Requirements: Service dogs must be up to date on vaccinations and have regular veterinary checkups to ensure they are healthy and disease-free. 

How to Properly “Register” Your Service Dog

Here’s how to register your animal as a service dog:

1. Confirm you have a qualifying disability: A licensed provider can provide a letter confirming your disability
2. Train Your Service Dog: Service dogs are typically professionally trained before their handlers adopt them. However, some handlers train their service dogs themselves. 
3. Take a Public Access Test: A public access test ensures your dog is well-behaved in public environments. 
4. Register Your Dog: Register your dog with a reputable organization. Do some research to make sure the organization is legitimate. Beware of organizations that don’t ask for the proper documentation or aren’t ADA-approved. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Voluntary ID Programs

Now that you know how to register your dog as a service dog, you must consider the benefits and drawbacks. 

Benefits:

• Service dog registration lets everyone know your dog is a service dog so they will be less likely to play with it and distract it in social settings. 
• It also prevents businesses from questioning you when you bring your dog into a public space. 

Drawbacks:

•  Service dog licensing is affordable but an added expense. 
• You must ensure you have the proper documents. 
• Handlers must avoid scams and ensure they work with a legitimate organization. 

Dealing with Public Interactions

Businesses cannot kick out a service dog and their handler, provided the dog is under control. However, they may ask two questions to ensure the dog is there for a reason as follows:

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

A business owner or employee cannot step over the line by asking the person about their disability, asking for proof that the animal is trained, certified, or licensed, or requesting that the animal demonstrate tasks they were trained to perform. They are also not permitted to ask questions if the need for a service dog is obvious. 

If the business invades your rights or asks you to leave, you may ask them for a reason. If they don’t have a good reason, you may document the incident and report it to the Department of Justice ADA Information Line. You can also file a lawsuit against the company. 

It can be frustrating dealing with people who don’t understand service animal and handler rights, which is why raising awareness is so important. Justice Speaks helps the cause by educating school-aged children about ADA rights and ensuring workplace compliance. We can also assist disabled people who feel their rights are violated. 

Travel Considerations

Handlers must also be aware of their rights when traveling. Here are some laws to understand. 

• Air travel regulations (Air Carrier Access Act): The Air Carrier Access Act prohibits discrimination in air travel. It specifically allows service animals on flights. The service animal may sit in the owner’s leg space or their lap. They must be well-behaved. Relief areas are provided by the airline. 
• Cruise ship and other transportation policies: Service animals are permitted on cruise ships but must be leashed and harnessed. The owner must care for and feed the animal. They must also obtain import permits for the dog. The dog may not be permitted in certain countries. Service dogs are also allowed on buses or trains with no restrictions, but owners must ensure they are well-behaved. 
• International travel with service dogs: You may travel internationally with a service dog but some countries may not welcome service dogs from other countries. You must also prepare paperwork like a health certificate from a recent vet visit. 

Maintaining Your Service Dog’s Status

Service dog registration must be renewed every year. At that time, the organization may want to know if your dog has received ongoing training to ensure it meets behavioral standards. Have your dog evaluated regularly to ensure skills are maintained and to help it adapt to changing needs. 

Regular health check-ups and vaccinations are also a must. 

Additionally, handlers should be updated on law changes that could impact their rights. Laws can also impact traveling regulations and other legal requirements. 

Conclusion

Service dog registration is optional, but some owners prefer it because it lets everyone know their dog is a service dog. This limits confusion and stressful public interactions. Registration also tells people to avoid playing with the dog so they stay more focused. 

Although registration is not required, owners should focus on what registration entails. They should train their dog regularly to ensure it can perform necessary tasks. Handlers should keep their dog healthy with vaccinations and health visits. They should stay updated on their rights to protect themselves and their animal. 

If you have any questions about your rights, Justice Speaks is here to help. We can guide you through your problems and offer resources that may assist you with your issue. Contact us with any questions you may have.