Registering your service dog and receiving a service dog ID card can make it easier to navigate public spaces where dogs aren’t typically allowed, but remember it’s not legally required.
Here are four steps to register a service dog:
Service Dog Overview: A service dog is a legally recognized type of assistance animal specifically trained to perform tasks for individuals with physical or mental disabilities. The tasks the dog performs must be directly related to the person’s disability. Service dog tasks include opening doors, retrieving items, responding to emergencies, guiding handlers through crowds or heavy traffic, and providing deep pressure therapy during mental health crises. Service dogs that assist with mental, intellectual, emotional, or psychiatric issues are called psychiatric service dogs.
Why Should You Register Your Service Dog?
Registering your service dog puts your dog’s information in a searchable database, allowing others to look up your service dog’s information. You can register your service dog in our registry and receive an ID card linked to your unique registration number.
Registration, certification, ID cards, tags, and vests all fall under the category of service dog supplies. The primary reason service dog handlers use registration, certification, ID cards, tags, and vests is for ease of access to public accommodations. Service dogs have the right to enter most public places that typically don’t allow pets. In these places, having a quick and easy way for staff and patrons to identify your dog as a service dog is helpful in avoiding misunderstandings.
Furthermore, while third parties are not allowed to request documentation such as ID cards and certificates, service dog handlers can attest that people commonly do. Whether it’s at the store, airport, library, or restaurant, service dog handlers regularly experience harassment over service dog credentials. Rather than engage in a lengthy legal conversation with every passerby, service dog handlers often choose to have these accessories readily available for convenience.
Obtaining a registration ID for your service dog is an easy way for you to have peace of mind while navigating public spaces while minimizing intrusive questioning.
Why Shouldn’t You Register Your Service Dog?
Here are a few reasons NOT to register your service dog:
- Do not register your service dog if you are not eligible for a service dog. For example, if you have not confirmed you have a qualifying disability or fully trained your service dog, you cannot register your service dog.
- Do not register your service dog just because you think it is legally required. There are many valid reasons to register your service dog, but it is not mandatory.
- Never register a service dog as a shortcut. Service dog handlers are always responsible for verbally self-certifying that their dog fully qualifies as an assistance animal and registration cannot supersede that responsibility.
Final Thoughts
If you are considering registering your service dog, come to Service Dog Certifications. We maintain a database of service dogs for handlers who choose to register their dogs.
We are a leading provider for responsible service dog handlers who need service dog accessories to avoid confrontation and hassle in public. Service dog handlers across the country trust us for their service dog accessories because of our reliability and adherence to service dog standards.
