How can I register my dog as a service dog: A step-by-step guide

Dogs provide a wide range of support to their owners, from being loyal companions to assisting with mobility issues. However, certain dogs can be trained and registered as service dogs. A service dog is a dog that has been trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability. This article aims to provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to register your dog as a service dog.

Step 1: Determine if your dog qualifies as a service dog

Not all dogs can qualify as service dogs. A service dog is trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The impairment must be permanent or long-term to qualify.

Some of the tasks that a service dog can perform include alerting to sounds, guiding individuals with vision loss, retrieving items, and providing balance and stability. If your dog is trained to perform one or more of these tasks, your dog may qualify as a service dog.

Step 2: Determine which type of service dog your dog will be

There are two types of service dogs:

  • Guide dogs: Guide dogs assist individuals with vision loss. They assist by providing mobility and orientation assistance.
  • Service dogs: Service dogs assist individuals with disabilities other than vision loss. They assist with tasks such as retrieving dropped items, opening and closing doors, and providing stability.

Step 3: Train your dog

Training your dog is an essential step to register your dog as a service dog. A professional dog trainer can help you train your dog to perform tasks that will qualify your dog as a service dog. It is essential to train your dog to behave appropriately in public, obey commands, and perform tasks to aid your disability.

Step 4: Get your dog evaluated by a veterinarian

Before registering your dog as a service dog, you must ensure that your dog is healthy and up-to-date with vaccinations. A veterinarian can evaluate your dog’s health and provide a health certificate.

Step 5: Register your dog as a service dog

There is no official registration for service dogs in the United States. However, certain organizations provide unofficial registration, certification, and identification for service dogs. Organizations such as The National Service Animal Registry, Service Dog Registration of America, and the American Kennel Club offer unofficial registrations and identification.

Step 6: Acquire a vest and ID tags

Acquiring a vest and ID tags for your service dog is an important step. The vest and ID tags will help identify your dog as a service dog and indicate that your dog has been trained to assist you. You can purchase a vest and ID tags from various sources, including online retailers.

Step 7: Know your rights and your dog’s rights

It is essential to know your rights and your dog’s rights when it comes to service dogs. According to the ADA, individuals with disabilities are allowed to bring their service dogs to most public places where they are typically allowed. Public places include restaurants, hotels, and stores. It is illegal for a business to discriminate against an individual with a service dog.

Conclusion

Registering your dog as a service dog can be an important step in ensuring that you receive the assistance that you need. With proper training, evaluation, and registration, your dog can become a valuable asset to your daily life, and provide support as a certified service dog.

FAQs

  • Do I need to register my dog as a service dog?

    No, there is no official registration for service dogs in the United States. However, certain organizations provide unofficial registration, certification, and identification for service dogs.

  • What tasks can a service dog perform?

    A service dog can perform tasks that assist individuals with disabilities, such as alerting to sounds, guiding individuals with vision loss, retrieving items, and providing balance and stability.

  • Can I take my service dog with me to public places?

    According to the ADA, individuals with disabilities are allowed to bring their service dogs to most public places where they are typically allowed.

References

American with Disabilities Act. (n.d.). Service Animals. Retrieved February 23, 2021, from https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

Service Dog Certification of America. (n.d.). About Service Dog Registration. Retrieved February 23, 2021, from https://www.servicedogregistration.org/about-service-dog-registration/

The National Service Animal Registry. (n.d.). Register Your Service Animal, Emotional Support Animal or Therapy Animal. Retrieved February 23, 2021, from https://www.nsarco.com/

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