In a world of social media warriors and constantly contradicting information it can be confusing to navigate the first steps of being a service dog handler. Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers!
Can a store ask for my dog’s registration?
Under the Americans With Disabilities Act the only two questions a store or establishment is allowed to ask are
- Is that a service dog?
- What task is it trained to perform?
They can not require your service dog to demonstrate their task and cannot ask for identification.
Do I need to register or certify my service dog?
While many scam websites may try to convince you otherwise, in the US there is no official service dog registry. The Americans With Disabilities Act states that a service dog is a dog individually trained to perform a task to mitigate a handler’s disability. No registration required!
Can a business ask me and my service dog to leave?
Under certain circumstances yes. If the dog is having accidents in the store or establishment or is unruly or not under control, a manager or business owner may ask you to remove your dog. A service dog must remain under the control of the handler at all times.
How long does it take to train a service dog?
While this will vary it typically takes between 18 months and two years. In this time service dogs are taught how to safely navigate the busy world with their handlers, as well as learn the tasks they will preform.
Can I train my own service dog?
Yes! While outside help from a service dog trainer may be needed, owner trained service dogs are recognized under all the same protections as those trained through a service dog program. Owner training is often a more accessible and cheaper option for those with the time to commit to it!
What breeds can be a service dog?
While Golden Retrievers, Labs, German Shepherds, and Poodles are all popular choices, there are no restrictions on what breeds can do service work. Service dogs need to have an even temperament, a focus on the handler and readiness to work. While some breeds are more apt for this work than others any breed can learn to be a service dog if they have the right temperament.
