Certification

Working with service dogs one of the issues that arises on a regular basis is certification and registration. Under the ADA there is no requirement for either. No type of identification is required either. Places cannot demand proof of certification of either the service dog or the person's disability. There are places out there that claim to certify or register, but this gives no protection under the ADA. Some people chose to have their dogs were identification. This is a personal choice.

Unfortunately, there are some places that would like to see certification/registration mandatory. This is fueled by several issues, including the use of service animals by those who do not really qualify for them. Organizations that place dogs/animals with people who do not qualify for them only add to this problem.

While most everyone who is fortunate enough to share their life with a dog (studies have even shown the benefits) would agree that having a dog provides a wonderful emotional experience, this is not enough to make a service dog or qualify for the use of one. The the ADA requires that a person is substantially limited in one or more of life's major activities. The courts have made it clear that they tend to rule with a "hard to reach" definition of what constitutes substantially limited.

The ADA makes it clear that a person must be disabled under the ADA and that a dog must be individually trained related to that person's disablity. It also allows for a disruptive dog to be asked to be removed. This allows service dogs to be kept within reach of the people who really need them. It is the people who exploite the use of service dogs and the ADA that cause problems for everyone.

Everyone must keep in mind that the ADA does NOT apply to service dogs in training. Some states to allow greater coverge to service animals in training and their regulations must be followed.