Service dogs take on critical roles that go beyond their role as man’s best friend. This is why service dogs are considered working animals rather than pets. While all dog breeds are allowed to be service dogs, there are certain criteria that the animal must fulfill to become a service animal.
Read ahead to learn more about how to get a service dog and whether or not to register your animal.
What Does the Law Say About Service Dogs
Service dogs are officially recognized and defined under three federal laws:
- Americans Disabilities Act (ADA)
- Fair Housing Act (FHA)
- Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)
These acts recognize the vital role of service dogs in assisting people with disabilities. All three acts are intended to protect the owners of service animals and outline the scope of their service.
The ADA defines service dogs as animals trained to perform tasks to assist people with physical or mental health impairments. Under this regulation, service dogs are allowed access to any place allowed for the general public.
The FHA and ACAA outline further accommodations for service dog owners. According to the FHA, landlords must allow service dogs to live with their owners even if there is a no-pets policy. Additionally, service dog owners can request for pet fees and deposits to be waived.
The ACAA regulates airline policies to prevent discrimination of passengers with mental or physical impairments. The act allows service dogs to accompany their owners on flights within and from the United States.
All three acts define service dogs as animals trained to provide specialized assistance to disabled persons. The acts do not outline a requirement for the training to be certified, or for the dogs to be registered with an official body.
What is Service Dog Registration?
Registration for service dogs is voluntary and not mandated by regulatory bodies in the United States. This means that there is no legal process to register your animal as a service dog. However, some private sites and organizations issue service dog or ESA dog registration and provide documentation such as certificates.
The process involves submitting your animal’s information to the registration company which then issues a certificate or ID. Registration companies also maintain a private database, issuing your animal with a service dog ID number. You may keep the issued ID with you when traveling with your dog or visiting public places.
Why Should I Get My Service Dog Registered?
Although getting your service dog registered is purely voluntary, there are many benefits to doing so. Firstly, having a registration certificate can make it easier for your animal to accompany you. While public entities are not allowed to demand evidence or proof showing that an animal is on duty, it is common for establishments to do so.
Service dog owners may remind third parties that they are legally not required to confirm any documentation, but this can cause a lot of hassle. Having a certificate or ID on hand can save you time and avoid unnecessary intrusions.
Service Dog Registration FAQs
There are several misconceptions surrounding the registration of service dogs. The following sections answer some of the most commonly asked questions.
Is There an Official Service Dog Registry?
Since service dog registration is not required by law, there are no government bodies that keep a nationwide registry. Private entities that offer registration services may enter your animal’s ID information into their own databases.
Are Third Parties Allowed to Ask for Service Dog Registration?
Third parties such as restaurants, airports, or stores are not required to ask for service dog registration. In case the dog owner’s disability is not obvious, the ADA permits establishment staff to ask two questions. They may inquire if the accompanying animal actively assists with a disability and what specialized tasks it has been trained to perform. Beyond this, third parties cannot demand legal proof or certification of the dog’s service animal status.
Does My Service Dog Have to Wear a Vest in Public?
Vests are commonly seen on service dogs. They can help identify if an animal is a working dog, making it easier to access public places. However, service dogs are not required to sport vests, badges, or any other such identification items.
Final Advice on How to Register Your Dog As a Service Animal
Service dogs play a critical role in helping people with disabilities manage their conditions. To easily enjoy the protections outlined for your service animal under US regulations, consider getting your dog registered. Even though it is not a legal requirement, it can help ensure smooth interactions with third-party hosts, saving you time and energy.