Nothing ticks me off more than the scum-bag companies that have popped up to “Certify” your pet as a service dog. I makes me mad for several reasons:
- They “Register” your pet by taking your money. There is no training, no verification, no one even sees your dog, all you need is an open wallet.
- The amount they charge to “Certify” your dog can be as much as $250 – and what do you get for that money – a certificate they print on an inkjet printer, a cheap laminated tag that they also print on their inkjet printer, a cheap vest worth at most $20 and a couple of patches worth less than $10 that aren’t even sewn on the vest.
- These scum-bag companies will ruin the credibility of real service dog owners. Eventually the airlines and businesses will get sick of seeing these purse pets with vest and tell everyone to take a hike.
I know I’m ranting but these companies are just out to make a buck at the expense of real service dog owners. What’s worse is they go out of their way to make themselves sound official and as though they are somehow a government agency.
You’ve noticed that I haven’t named any of these registration services directly here. The reason is because people are inadvertently promoting these companies, here’s how – if you do a search for the names of these registration services on the internet what you will find is that what comes up is people complaining about what these companies are doing. The problem is that Google and the other search engines aren’t smart enough to know that those post are complaints. Google only know that link is talking about certified service dogs and moves that companies site up in the rankings. If you are going to complain about a company never include a direct link back to them, it’s just free publicity.
I’ll step down off my soapbox for now. If you agree or disagree with me then let me know you’re alive and post a comment below. The more comments we get then the better Google likes it and others may avoid this scam.
Update:
It get’s worse, check out this other site I just found
- A Lifetime Service Dog Identification Card (renewal fee of $50 per year for yearly picture update of your service animal)
- Service animal vest
- Service animal “Please don’t pet me I’m working” and “Ask to pet me I’m friendly” patches (we do not sew patches to vest)
- “Service Animal” patch (we do not sew patches to vest)
- “Critical Information Everyone Should Know About Service Animals” brochure
- A referral for a consultation with a licensed physician (done through teleconferencing)
- Support from Beverly Hills law firm against any instance of discrimination against you or your service animal
- US Service Dogs refer a friend brochures ($50 paid for every referral)
This identification package is available for $365.
I guess they didn’t feel like $250 would be be enough 
{ 49 comments… read them below or add one }
It really is disgusting. And it gives the general public the impression that service dogs have to be certified or even registered and that you have to show those papers to get into a place. It makes those of us SD users do just that much more education everytime we step out of the house. Just as PT Barnum said “There is a sucker born every minute.”
We do talk about this online at sites such as Dogster. I have stopped naming then but just refer to them collectively as the bogus SD scammers. Any place willing to send you “certification” for a dog they have never seen before for a price of up to $250 is bogus and are selling to law-breakers and those who don’t know better. When out with my dog people ask me where I got my dog’s vest or ID card. I never tell, too many people just want to bring there dog everywhere these “certification” scams helps them do that.
Here is the problem. Anyone can say their dog is a service dog. Whether they are fully trained or not. Whether they are certified or not. Whether they bought an ID card from the Service Dog Blog or not.
And contrary to what Anonymous may think, the public doesn’t expect it because they have been “taught” to expect it. Most often the public hasn’t been taught *anything* which is the problem. People just naturally expect to see something. That’s why people get ID badges. That’s why dogs wear vests. That’s why people register their dogs.
And I’m sorry, I don’t like announcing to the world I’m deaf. My lab does not wear the bright blue vest I got from Canine Companions for Independence. I just want to live my life. So being registered and having an ID card or badge like this website sells is a really good option for me. I can pull it out when I need it. Because you know what? I really don’t feel like explaining the law to everybody.
HOWEVER, I do think the service dog ID place that runs this blog is making money just like the places that claim to certify your dog. They sell these ID cards and then talk out of both sides of their mouth about fake service dogs and scams. It’s pretty disingenuous. Cut it out.
Yes, this site is sponsored by Service Dog Tags as is clearly indicated. Service dog tags does not mislead people into believing that they register or certify any animal and they clearly state that ID is not required by the law. If you have a problem with their sponsorship then you would have a problem with any sponsor selling service dog supplies as there isn’t a single service dog supplier that doesn’t sell patches, vest, IDs or capes. Also Service Dog Tags doesn’t charge $250 for a bunch of worthless crap. This site provides up-to-date news about service dogs to the community. If you have a problem with the sponsorship then you don’t have to visit this site.
Also I want to point out that we have encouraged our readers to recommend others selling service dog supplies that are reputable in this article http://www.servicedogblog.com/2009/07/service-dog-supplies-who-do-you-recommend-for-service-dog-supplies/.
I’m cool with you selling ID cards. I think they’re great. My issue wasn’t with your cards. It was with the argument you are trying to make. The same arguments you make against those certification places that charge $250 could be made against you – that you sell a card to someone without ever seeing them.
You’re confusing terms too. Certification and registration are two different things. Certification means you’ve been tested – like my CCI dog. But my lab is *also* registered – which I did for free on another website. That is really the perfect solution, especially if someone trains their own dog.
I think it would be better if SD teams did use cards like yours. It indicates that the person is serious about themselves and is at least trying to be professional.
I also am a little upset with your slander of small service dogs by calling them “purse pets.” Service dogs come in all sizes. I have a 74 pound lab. But dogs that can indicate on blood sugar drops, seizures and psychological disorders are really important too and what better dog than a small lap-type dog.
Good for you that you’re allowing other places to plug their businesses. I think that’s fine. It doesn’t change the fact that your belligerent arguments don’t hold water. Loose the attitude and be helpful.
With regards to “purse pets” – that’s exactly what they are “pets” not service dogs. I’m quite aware that service dogs come in all sizes and that those with small service dogs have a bigger battle to tackle than those with large service dogs.
The reality vendors selling any supplies for service dogs is that there is no way for them to really be able to verify that the buyer and animal are truly qualified. Most places don’t even make any effort. At least some vendors try by stating that it is illegal to represent your pet as a service animal and provide links to sites with more information to educate their customers.
My question I work in a grocery store. I have a customer who says her little poodle is a service dog and places him in the baby seat of the shopping cart, other customers a complaining of sanitary isuues
Small dogs can be service dogs. My SD weighs 25 lbs. But I would never put him in a grocery cart. He knows how to walk and I know how to look out for him. And I don’t want fur in my food neither! I don’t approve of this at all. A business may be able to say something to that person because it could cause sanitation problems. An unsanitary SD such as why that leaves muddy pawprints on the floor or defecates/urinates may be asked to leave. While I am obviously a dog person, I would not want to use a cart after a dog was in it until it was cleaned. My food goes there! I wouldn’t eat off of my dog’s bed either. I do know people who keep their SD close to them because of size issues or the dog works better when against the person. Smalls pouches/slings are made for such purposes. I know someone who carries their small SD in a sling with the SD patches on the sling. That seems like a better idea to me then putting the dog in the cart! And it gives the rest of us a bad rep.
I own a 7 pound papillon and as a victim of panic disorder this little guy is a great help to me. His presence calms me and makes it possible for me to go places I had previously been nervous about going and the nerves seem to bring on a panic attack. I would love to be able to go to the grocery or restaurant but saying he is a service dog when he hasn’t been certified really makes me uneasy. I do fly and buy him a ticket which works out fine and I don’t mind doing that but there is something wrong with having to pay more for him to fly than for me when he has to stay in a bag under the seat the entire time. How do I handle this and would the person who had their dog trained and certified please tell me how they do that?
Your dog does NOT and I repeat NOT have to be certified here in the US. By Certifying your dog you are just wasting money on something not needed, as well as making it THAT MUCH MORE DIFFICULT to the people with SDs that come behind you.
While your dog does not have to be certified you do have to be disabled according the limitations in the ADA and your dog must be trained to do tasks/work that mitigate your disability. Just being there does not count and many people think it does so they buy a “certification” online and start hauling Fluffy around with them. While the ADA does not mandate public access training it does allow businesses to kick out ill-behaved service dogs.
You could fly with your dog as an emotional support animal with the proper paperwork from your doctor/therapist. Then your dog would fly free.
Michelle, “fluffy” is probably better trained than most service dogs and by the way, his name is Smokey. He has both a CD and CDX and is working on his Utility title. He is certainly much better behaved than most children and he does walk on the floor! According to my therapist and physician as well as a gentleman from the Department of Justice, Disability Division, Panic Disorder does qualify as a disability and Smokey does qualify as a Service Dog even though he isn’t actually preforming a service such as picking up items (although he can do that) or alerting me to sounds. His service is in keeping me calm and seemingly to understand when I’m beginning to lose it and making his presence known so I will calm back down.
I have panic disorder also. It is one of my disabilities. And I was just using fluffy as a generic term as an alternate to fido.
As for the rest of your comment, I don’t care to discuss as this is not the proper forum for it. This forum is about fake certification. And we all know now the certification for a SD is not required in the US. Canada and the UK have different laws and it is required there.
If you want to talk about tasks/real work, try a Dogster forum or a Yahoo Group.
I have a SD and she is self learned . she helps with my Depression, diabetes, and asthma. She alerts to all . She now took it a step higher on Friday last. I started to have chest pains and she came to me and layed on my chest and growled until I got help. She would not let me up. i also take her with me. I have trouble with a few places yet but will let them they are wrong in this. She’s good in public and is good with people. She’s also just a small dog. She walks good on the leash and will sit and does keep me calm in places I would rather not be. I wish I would had her when I was in College I may of finished with good grades. I just couldn’t handle being with so many people. Yes she is certified. I did my research before I did it.
We have an 8 year old labrador that is “self taught” for my son with autism. We could not make it through the day without her. When my son has his “meltdowns” and becomes physical etc with us we can put Sasha near him and in 5 minutes or less he has changed his whole behavior where before it would take hours. We tried to get a “Service Dog” for him and lots of places were willing to let us buy one for $12,000-$25,000. We don’t have that kind of money. My son is more social having his dog around because he loves to tell people about her. Sorry that we are screwing up the “real Service Dog” but others with medical disorders need them too and there are people make a whole lot of money off of it. She is registered but not certified. What else could I do. All I know is it makes my son bearable and my life better.
Kris, you’re not ruining it for the rest of us. The people that ruin it for us are a few types: those with real SDs who pull out a “certification” or a doctor’s letter to gain entrance to a business, those who buy a “certitification” just to bring their pooch where ever they go, people who use dogs that are not suitable or not ready for SD work, and people who say that their protection dogs and comfort dogs are SDs. These people ruin it for us. There is nothing wrong with owner-training your dog. As long as the dog does their job and is well-behaved in public.
Michele,
I agree that if you need a SD that you could train it. I looked for one I could afford and found none. So, I worked with my dog on the skills she was showing me. I hope I’m not ruining it for others that I trained my own dog to help me.
She has alerted on others also. I just wish we could of helped the friend. She passed away 1 1/2 years ago now. She had heart failure. Belle was there for that.
Thank you alot. I learn more and more from this site.
To those of you worried if you are “ruining it for others”: There is nothing wrong with training your own service dog. I, myself, have had both an owner trained dog and a dog for a program. Many of the people using the registration sites discussed in the article are:
1. Not disabled as defined by the ADA and other federal laws like 504.
2. Bring dogs in public that are dangerous.
3. Have disabilities and bring dogs in public that do not even have basic obedience let alone the advance training a service should and needs to have.
Some simple things owner trainers can and should do to ensure they do not have access problem and do not leave a poor impression that might make things difficult for other teams who follow you are:
1. Ensure your dog is clean and properly house broken before taking them in public.
2. Ensure the dog you have has no fear or aggression issues with other dogs, small animals, or people of any age or sex.
3. Ensure your dog knows how to be unobtrusive in its work.
If people spent their time working with animal shelters they wouldn’t have the time to blog about service dog ID’s. People have the right to do whatever as long as they don’t infringe on others, especially the ones who complain. Who is to say which dogs are legal. Some do emotional or other service for a person. My wife in particular suffers from cancer and need her “SERVICE DOG”! ………………….
Don, the people who buy certifications and flash them at gatekeepers are hurting the rest of us! Employees start to expect ID from all of us and harass us if we don’t produce something to show them!
I believe we are all quite aware that some dogs help with psychiatric disabilities. But not everybody who has mental health problems is disabled and not every dog that helps a disabled person is a service dog. I have come across plenty of people who are in great health but buy certifications/vests to sneak their pets in. These people hurt us. Non-disabled people who claim they need a SD hurt us, people who bring emotional support animals in hurt us. People who bring poorly trained dogs into businesses hurt us.
And just so you know, I am the first volunteer at our local no-kill shelter to have a service dog with as I volunteer. And I do all my volunteer work in the community with my dog. So get off your high horse and don’t think the ten minutes we spend blogging is taking away from volunteer time. You are commenting on this thread too.
Don, I’m glad your wife has a dog to get there through these tough times. I have seen many service dogs, some well trained and some that are an accident waiting to happen. Of course that applies to all dogs. And the training you get from professionals runs the full range of those who do a terrific job to those who do little or nothing. My daughter has a pit bull/lab cross that is a wonderful dog but the people who got her as an alert dog for their daughter couldn’t control her in public and had to return her. My daughter adopted her rather than see her put down. She also volunteers at the local animal shelter.
Michelle, I don’t see Don or anyone else in here on their “high horse” except perhaps you. You have insulted the intelligence and honesty of Don and of me and since you have no idea of what we deal with just as we don’t know what it is you have to deal with in your day to day life I don’t think you have a right to belittle us just as we don’t have a right to belittle your thoughts except when you begin being directly hurtful and I think with Don you’ve crossed the line. Take your dog and go to church, it might change your prospective! God Bless everyone and happy Lord’s day!
This is not the right place to preach about religion and I feel that it is completely disconnected from the thread topic. My dog was the first allowed in my house of worship and they wanted me to have one of these stupid certifications from someplace online. Then someone researched them and found out how fake they are.
It felt that Don was on his high horse because he told us all that we should have been volunteering instead of blogging. But he was on here too and I do volunteer with my dog. That feels like some guy shaking his finger at me and telling me what to do.
I love doing volunteer work with my dog and we are given the chance to educate many people. I am also the first AmeriCorps member in my county to serve with a service dog. At least they didn’t ask to see certification. They were very open-minded and understanding.
Michele< My high horse and I have worked with children as young as 9 with life threatening illnesses for the past 20 years. I have seen first hand the unbelievable positive emotional effects dogs have on children and adults dealing with health issues. My mention of working at Dog Shelters was only example of time better spent.
Back to the issue of ID’s…Should one be required to be certified as having a handicap before they can have a service dog, if so by whom?
There are some that go to a doctor to get a prescription for a service dog. We hope that the doctor would know the laws and the person would have to be disabled before a doctor would write a prescription. At least around here, I have found that not be true. I have come across people who tell me they are not disabled and their “service dog” provides comfort. Doctors in my area are writing prescriptions for service dogs instead of emotional support animal. Many people including doctors don’t know the difference.
If a beaurocratic body is going to decide who is disabled and who is not; then this will take a lot of research, many experts, and a hell of a lot of controversy. I don’t know if it’s possible.
I understand that this blurb was originally dedicated to discussing the appropriateness of ‘certification’ and registration of service dogs but I really would like some help. I’m in the very beginning stages of setting up a private service dog training program (dogs are bred, trained and placed. I do not train outside dogs). I’d really like any feedback or suggestions that current sd owners have ie tasks you would like your dog to perform outside the normal realm, extraordinary stories (good or bad), things you find valuable within the sd community (or things you don’t), etc… Or give me a shout if you are just interested in talking about sd related stuff. If there is another place you’d like me to post my plea for help please say so! Other wise email me at cypressfarm@gmail.com.
Lex, try posting the in Service and Therapy Dog forum on Dogster. We talk about tasks a lot and many people have extensive lists.
I am in the process of training my dog as a service dog. He does wonderful things for me. When my leg swells to the point of not being able to walk well due to my disability, he is there to help me keep my balance and not face plant into the ground. So I am now traning him to perform other helpful things for me as well. He has recieved his CGC from a professional AKC trainer as well. I most likely will get him a vest just to let people know he is working and to ask to pet him and maybe to ease the hassle that a business might put up, but as far as paying one of these online certifiication places … nooooo way. I personaly feel a working dog is just a “furry person” and really do you go around petting other people when you are out in public, I sure don’t.
I’m a senior citizen, 66 years of age. Due to being rear-ended, I was bed ridden for two years and wanted to give up due to the pain. My kids got together and bought me a little Chihuahua. I have never even tried to train him for anything, but when he was 3 years of age, he started barking at me and trying to jump on my legs. I knew I was feeling weak, but thought nothing about it. My little bit wouldn’t leave me alone. I sat down and tested my blood sugar. It had dropped to 50. My little bit has alerted me many times before it was too late. Service dog? Yes. Pet? Yes. Won’t leave my side? Yes. I thought about asking my doctor if he would write a script for him, but I was afraid he would think I’d gone nuts. My little bit gets a little disturbed when my heart starts skipping beats. I have many health problems, but thus far, my little bit has helped me through them all. I don’t know if this helps anyone or not. I’ve never written on a blog before. P.S If anyone would like to communicate with me, write me via my email address. If you’re into playing games, don’t bother me. Kathryn
I had a lab for my blood pressure disorder. However, when she passed away. I talked to a trainer about a small dog and ended up with a 4 pounder! I rarely had any questions about my lab, but I am questioned almost everywhere I go with my little guy. I did not carry any type of certification until I got him. I was asked to leave a gas station even with an ID card. I don’t think the problem is the ID cards; the problem is a lack of public education. Traveling with a small dog is substantially easier. He can sit right on my lap rather than finding space for an 80 pound dog to sit. I typically carry him in a sling with and ID card on the outside and people rarely notice him. When they do though, I get a million questions about how a dog this small could do anything. It’s SO frustrating!
I too saw the 250.00 site, but worst than that I made many phone calls prior to training my own dog and many sites on the computer. There was one site that wanted 8000.00 yes the zero’s are correct. They then wanted us to come to their facility for 2 weeks for training & would not guarantee the dog. They say the $8 thousand dollars is a donation. I had a puppy that was a dalmation & was told he was not the right kind of dog so now I would have to get rid of him & my 14 year old dal before I could get a service dog. I was appauled & began my own training, I have had help with a local trainer & he has graduated 5 eight week training classes including good citizens & is a wonderful service dog. And no I didn’t get rid of mt 14 year old. My companion also works with me at the fire station & in our local schools helping me teach fire safety so he has 2 roles & plays them both well. He allerts me when my husband sugar gets low including waking me in the nite time & he loves to show off for the kids with his stop drop & roll routine. He is great with the kids with disabilities and is actually in one of our kids bio’s for his colleage admission. So if you want to put the work into it animals can be an asset to your life.
These blogs about certification are all very interesting. It is almost as interesting as watching drivers get out of thier cars parked in Handicap spaces. or the best one, off of a motorcycle (lots of parking permits are given because the MD can’t say no or is passed down from an eldery parent and left in the car)! Why would anyone object to certification ? I you really have a medical problem that requires or is helped by a service dog, than there is no reason to fear certification. How many people dess thier dogs up in vests just to save the $150 on the airplane? That prevents an truly required dog from gaining access. I realize that dog and caats can really help with emotional issues….our pets make us happy. I think dogs ahave a natural ability to realize when we are sad or hurt….but that does not make them Service Dogs. The SD class that pull chairs,open door, pick up objects etc are performing a vital necessity. I don’t have to comment of Seeing Eye Dogs. Alert dogs also perform a service…Diabetic dogs alert low sugar, allergy dogs keep kids away from peanut butter, siezure alert dogs can save lives by alerting an individual to sit down or stop driving! There are also many other diseases that are similar to siezures that SD can benefit. If you truley have a medical problem that a SD can assist in or afvise of than why would you be afraid to have your dog certified ? I don’t get It. Yes I have a SD Dog…an Alert Dog…very well trained….and she has never been in a restaurant, movie, store, or airplane (1st flight will be early next year) because I have my wife of a friend with me. To say that a dog is needed to calm someone on a plane…well that is pushing a bit…that is why they make medications to help calm you.
So, I would love to have certification of some kind. I am not afraid and I encourage it
To Doc. medications dont always work and for some of us takinga medication might be worse. if the flight is short and the meds knock us out for x hours depending on the meds we might not be able to wake up. I take my dog with me yes a service dog 8lbs papillon for mental health issues severe PTSD & anxiety and another i wont mention. i could not fly with a family member or friend if i wanted to my PTSD is very easily triggered and they could not help me control it and the meds ha no help unless i want to be there in the chair drooling falling out of the seat. and truthfully a 2 hour flight with meds that last 6-8 hours is no joke. especially when you have allergic reactions to most medications. some people do need ESA to fly because a flight buddy is not an option and neither are meds. but yes i have a self trained service dog that i take with me almost every where, he alerts when an episode is started can alert my family when i black out can retrieve my cell phone get my attention so i leave the situation and most important alert me when someone is comming up in my blind spot or behind me. i dont carry extra certification other than his vest and thats only since someone picked him up and tried to walk away. but please people quit saying thats what medication is for. unless you have taken those meds and know the feeling you cant say that is what it is for not to mention being zombied out or having a full on attack on a air plane full of people is much more embarassing than showing a letter for a ESA or explaining what your dog is for.
So what are some good credible websites to get a service dog certified? We can all complain about this one or that one… but i’d like to hear about more positive sites to visit.
To be honest, I don’t think there are any. No site that I have found requires to see proof of training, tasks/work, and paperwork from your doctor and vet. Without all of these, a certification is pretty worthless. If you brought a “certification” from SARA or any other scammer to court if you were having access problem or something, the case would be thrown out. I could make a certificate like that on my computer. If your trainer certified your dog, that may actually hold up in court. But since certification is not required in this country, I’m not going worry myself over not having a certification for my dog. It’s mostly useless and helps scammers make money.
ID cards are different. Someone yelled at me for having one, saying it would be harder for the next team that came through. Since no sort of ID is required (but helpful) in this country, a dog wearing any ID could make it harder on the next team. My dog wears his vest even though it’s not required. My dog has an ID card that I made, it has the ADA Business Brief on the back. Something like this could be great for dogs in hot climates, wearing a vest could overheat them. And it’s not like a I show gatekeepers the letter from my doctor. That would be ridiculous, an invasion of privacy, and would really be hard on the next team. At least most of the sites that sell SD vests really are all about dogs and aren’t saying that the vest garantees access and don’t offer you the services of a Beverly Hills lawyer.
None of the certification sites are legitimate. They are all a scam. I carry a letter from our trainer and I also have a vest for him just because it makes it easier and I don’t have to give an explanation every time I go anywhere. The airlines only require a letter from the trainer but I also carry his shot record with me everywhere I go since you never know when someone is going to ask for it. For example, a friend took me to visit a friend in a nursing home and Smokey went with us. The nursing home requires a record from the vet for any dog going into their building so I was glad I had that with me. I have never been denied access to any building and he does not have a certification.
You are right Pat, they are all scams. I even have instructions for DIY certification, why pay someone else? But how valid is it a
The airlines may or may not require paperwork. According to the current ACAA regulations, if you have a psychiatric service dog the airline are allowed to require a letter from your doctor or mental health professional less than a year old saying that you have a DSM-IV diagnosis and your PSD is necessary for your health. Not all airlines require it. But if you do have a PSD and travel by air, might as well have the letter. You don’t want to be forced to put your dog in cargo or not take your flight. I have one, never been asked for it. But I will have it with me when I travel in February.
Do to a medical disorder it’s getting harder and harder for me to fly, I would like to get my dog certified to be able to fly with me in the cabin. Do I go to my vet to ask how this is done, go to the org. my dog came from……I need some direction as I’ll be flying in 4 mo.
Sally, if you had read the article and comments above you would know that there is NO certification in this country. Most so-called certification are sold online and are absolutely worthless! They are a complete scam and a rip off. If you would like your dog to fly with you for emotional support, check out your airline’s website to see their paperwork requirements for Emotional Support Animals(ESAs). And while the Air Carrier Access Act(ACAA) may view ESAs as Service Animals, the ADA does NOT.
Very out of the blue question, but I was wondering if there was a REAL and HONEST site I could go to to register my dog. That is if someone wouldn’t mind pointing me in the right direction. I trained her myself and the expenses of purchasing a service dog is not covered by my insurance. Thank you.
There are places to register your SD. But what good will it do? It’s just another place online where anyone could register their dog.
A place that may actually be decent is the Foundation for Service Dog Support.
No such thing as a legally certified SD here in the US. I wish people would just cut the crap already. I make SD ID tags on a small scale and I have been asked to design them to read “certified” and “registered” and I refuse to print such. You may “regisiter” your SD (who fully meats the creiteria previously posted) as part of the USSDR census project, but it doesnt mean diddily in legalities.
There are a few legit certifications, mostly through actual service dog schools and private trainers. Any service dog trainer or school can certify but it must state what standards it has met to have any value.
ADI (Assistance Dogs International) is the organization that created a code of ethics and minimum standards that all service dogs need to adhere to. Most schools and trainers, are either members or use their guidelines for their certification, this offers a uniform test of what is and is not a service dog. The certificate just states that the dog meets the ADA definition and met or exceeded the minimum standards of the ADI.
All legit certifications will require lengthy and documented testing which will push the dog and handler to their limits. Most certifications that have any legal weight are tied to non-profit organizations who do the testing or training. Those organizations will defend the certification in court through training and testing records.
WOW, certify this, register that ? ? ? I think I have the solution but some may like like THE HARD TRUTH.
I am NOT trying to stur the pot here but this is my take and my experience. I am a disabled Veteran. I have a service dog. A German Shepherd, which SOME trainers say is not a good breed for service dog work for XYZ number of reasons. INTERESTING, YES? SO, this proves the point that everyone has DIFFERENT OPINIONS on everything from training to breed to ID cards, vests ect.
FOR ME, this is the test. Am I disabled by definition of the VA and Social Security? YES. Is my dog properly trained? YES. Is she certified? DEPENDS on the definition. Did the organization that trained her ¨Certify¨ her? YES. But that is also like getting a used car from a Ford dealer who CERTIFIES it as being pre-owned. Kind of self serving for ANYONE or any GROUP who sells or donates their ¨Service Dogs¨ to certify them. In fact, WHO would pay or want a service dog from an organization that DID NOT say the dog was properly trained, or in other terms, CERTIFIED? And what agency or trainer would be stupid enough to market a dog they refused to ¨CERTIFY¨ as properly trained? Do you see where I am going with this?
ON ID CARDS. Unfortunatly, we have become a society where we are asked for OUR ID every day, be it a drivers license, passport, membership card ect..I have to show my VA ID CARD to get treatment at the VA hospital and my SAMS card to shop there. So in one sence, the general public expects to see SOMETHING regarding your service dog, regardless of the law, people want to see SOMETHING. . So for those with REAL SERVICE DOGS AND REAL DISABILITIES, why be offended if someone wants to see an ID?
My dog has a mobility harness with the patches on it. I have the nice plastic ID card with her face on it saying she is a service dog. BUT MOST IMPORTANT, I have my Medicare card and my Veterans Administration Hospital ID card. BOTH being proof I have a medical disability. I have NEVER been asked to produce any paperwork for my SD. I have been asked a few times about my SD and as soon as I show them my VA Hospital card, they say OK and no further problems.
If I DID NOT have my VA card, I personally would WANT a LETTER from my doctor on his stationary stating I am disabled as defined by the ADA and that my condition was perminant. THAT should be enough, along with a WELL TRAINED DOG and some form of ID for your dog to identify him/her as a service dog, if for no other reason to prove you are not taking your neighbors dog of a walk.
NOW FOR THE SOLUTION. In stead of certifying the DOG, I think the PERSON should be certified as DISABLED using the ADA guidelines. This would STOP most fake SD´s because the OWNER would need to prove THEY are honestly disabled. Why would a person who could not PROVE they are disabled need a SD? Same thing as getting handicapped license plates. The State doesn´t certify the CAR, they certify the DRIVER / OWNER as being disabled.
Now before you get your shorts in a knot over this suggestion, let me offer this for consideration. In my city, we have Metro Rail Lines. Tickets for DISABLED PASSANGERS are only $1.00. The transit police often ride the train asking people to show their ticket. I have been asked many times for my ticket and when I show it, since it is the discounted handicapped ticket, they as to see PROOF that I am disbaled. I show my VA Hospital card and my Medicare card and they say thank you. I have NEVER been asked by the transit police to see my DOGS ID. So having a Service Dog is like walking with a cane or being in a wheel chair. It is A TOOL and as far as the transit police are concerned, anyone can buy a cane, wheelchair, dog, dog vest, dog ID ect. They what to make sure I am disabled.
One other point to consider, since it is a FEDERAL CRIME to pass your dog off as a SD if in fact it is not, if the owner is challenged and can´t PROVE THEY ARE DISABLED, then authorities have a case for a criminal complaint against them.
I know some here might disagree and say they are not required to show a letter or proof they are disabled ect, but WE as disabled people are the one´s complaining about the FAKE SD´s and while it might be a pain in the rear end to have to pull that letter out or show that disability card, it would sure help stop the FAKES and I think it is a small price to pay to start stopping these FAKERS in their tracks and seeing them get fined.
Just my thoughts. Have a great day and my God Bless America !
That would work and the SD groups that owner train do certify your dog, thats good. That would take care of the FAKE disabled person and FAKE SD.
But I do think that some type of Certification will need to be used not just for the FAKE SD but unfortunately their are some disabled people that have a DR’s note, Medicare card and VA card that have dogs that are not trained and do not have the temperament for SD work.
I am going to give two example….BUT FIRST let me say I think any
breed can be a SD if it is TRAINED and has the correct TEMPERAMENT.
First example– My oldest son is the manager at a Coffee Shop, A person came in using a walker. while in the Shop his dog snapped and barked at people walking by. My son asked him to leave due to the dogs behavior, the man yelled his dog was a SD. My son told him that I (his mother) has a SD and it does not act that way. the man left. The dog was a large mixed breed some type of wired haired dog.
Second example— My husband is a Ranger at a campground. If people come into the park with a dog there is a fee per night. A man came in with a dog he said the dog was his SD—SHOWED A NOTE FROM HIS DR AND HE ALSO SHOWED HIS MEDICARE CARD. No fee was charged for the dog. These two man went to their campsite (THERE ARE LEASH LAWS IN THE PARK FOR ALL DOGS) they turned the dog loose, they were told to keep the dog on leash. Once again they let the dog loose, it ran over to another camp site and ATTACKED AND KILLED two small dogs that were on a leash. The dog was a Pit bull. This dog was not a SD and NOT BECAUSE it was a Pit bull, but because of the temperament and no training—–FAKE SERVICE DOG.
Some people who are disable can also cause a problem for others IF they do not have a TRAINED dog. There should never be a fee to get a SD Certification– some type of form that you take to a trainer and have them check out the dog–like a Good Canine Citizenship test or something like that could be filled out sent into a register along with (like you said) proof the person is disabled. Handled Something like the handicapped car stickers.
I think that is what it will take to make all people and SD safe and legal..no fake SD. Just my experience. Everyone have a good day!
ROBIN,
I see your point and it is well taken. The one big question that remains is WHO is actually authroized or licensed to ¨Certify¨your dog? It may eventually come down to having to take your dog to a licensed certifying agency and in order to be licensed to certify a Sd, they will be required to meet some specific standards. Only example that comes to mind is a licensed CPR instructor. They must be certified to teach the course and PASS or FAIL the student. In the two cases you mentioned, my question is (and I know this is Monday morning Q-backing here) why was law enforcement not notified? If the handler was given at least a ticket for DOG AT LARGE or even referred to the local U.S. Attorneys office, then the burden would shift to the handler to prove his dog was a real service dog. ESPECIALLY with the pit bull example in the park ! I think the owner should have been arrested.
What I would LOVE TO SEE is a well publisized criminal prosecution of someone passing off a pet as a Service Dog to get on an aircraft. I think that would shut down many of the fakes for fear of actually be held accountable.
Eventually, I hope the SD community can come to some type of agreement where we can police ourselves and put forward a set of standards / certifications that would be accepted and RECOGNIZED nationwide, similar to the way everyone recognizes the Red Cross as being a certifing agency for CPR.
On a side note, I had a man approach me in a store and he told me he was a ¨Trainer¨. He asked me WHY I was using a German Shepherd as a SD. My SD is balance assistance. When I told him that is what I requested as a prefered breed if it was available, he told me German Shepherds were not good for service work because they were to aggressive / protective and they had problems with SEPERATION ANXIETY. I told him I had never had a problem with her and walked off. I thought about what he had said and my though was, she is with me 24 hours a day so why is seperation anxiety a concern and as far as aggressive / protective, she is a very sweet dog, has never so much as growled at anyone, and only barks when the doorbell rings which I don´t mind.
If you are wondering, I requested a German Shepherd because I had one as a child and I love the breed. My second choice was a LAB. I asked specifically not to be placed with a Golden. I waited almost TWO YEARS to get my dog.
Ken,
Yeah, if the SD community could come up with something like the Red Cross that would be good.
And the Pit bull, oh yeah it was a big deal! the Sheriff came out and the dog was removed and put down. A big investigation,the guy had to pay a fine and was banned from the park. It was bad, the attack happened in front of two little kids in their own camp site. And I think the people of the two dogs that were killed, filed a law suit against the Pit bull owner.
I know what you mean about people coming up to you in the store saying that they have trained SD (yeah right) and then giving you their opinion. I had a women come up to me and ask me how she could buy a harness like my dog has and how much does it cost. Then she kept asking training questions about my dog ( Standard Poodle) saying that she didn’t think a Standard Poodle was good for balance. After all that she tells me she has trained SD for years, which was so funny because by all her questions you could tell she didn’t know any thing about SD
Some people are just odd/funny.
And we I went throught training with my SD there was two German Shepherds in the class and they did great.
Have a good day, smiles
ken howard & Robin
You both have a point. The US is behind Europe on id’s for the legally disabled.
The HIPPA laws protect privacy, which is why it’s illegal to ask a person what their disability actually is. It would be great if each state added a box on the drivers licenses that had ‘legally disabled’.
As far as standards, they do exist and many states regulate service dog schools and trainers of the dogs through their business license. Just like an electrician has to follow the NEC, some states require trainers to follow ADI.
ADI (http://www.assistancedogsinternational.org) is the defacto standards group for service dog training. And the IGDF for guide dogs (http://www.ifgdsb.org.uk). Trouble is many Owner-Trainers don’t follow these orgs standards for training resulting in lower quality ’service dogs’. When a member certifies a dog, it is certifing that it meets the industry standard. So a CCI, Paws or Seeing Eye dog have the same standards (same cert standards), and roughly same quality.
BTW: A person claiming to be disabled in public must have something to legally back it up, as it’s criminal fraud in most states. The ADA says they don’t have to have the paperwork with them, but if they ever go to court, the federal judge has the authority and duty to ensure the person really is disabled and the dog is trained.
Ken Lyons
Service Dog Trainer
Service Dogs of Florida, Inc.
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