FAQ's

1. What is a Service Dog?

A Service Dog is a dog utilized to assist a person with a disability. Service Dogs vary in abilities from highly trained Seeing Eye Dogs, Seizure & Diabetic Alert to dogs who are trained to provide a calming effect for those suffering from panic, anxiety, depression or any number of conditions.

2. Why register my dog?

The benefit is that you demonstrate your knowledge of what a Service Dog is and that you have registered your dog as a Service Dog. Although you don’t have to, this makes travel and entrance to establishments easier. Businesses are less likely to question or prevent your entrance when you display your dog’s ID and vest.

3. Do I need to have specialized training?

You are allowed to train your own animal. If your dog is to be used in the role as a service dog then it must be well behaved when in public. Of course if your dog is to be a seizure alert then it would need specialized training from someone familiar with training for the tasks required.

4. Do I need a doctors note?

A doctor’s note is not required. You do not need a diagnosis from a medical professional. It is helpful if you do have or can obtain that document as further support. Emotional Support Animals do require a letter from a medical professional.

5. How long will it take to get my service dog package?

We usually ship within 24 hours of having received all of your information. We can also expedite shipping for you using USPS Priority mail. This is a common request among those planning to travel with their Service Dog on short notice.

6. Do I need an ID cad and vest?

Although you don’t have to, providing/displaying a registered ID makes travel and entrance to establishments easier. Businesses are less likely to question or prevent your entrance when you display your dog’s ID and vest. The benefit is that you demonstrate your knowledge of what a Service Dog is and that you have registered you dog as a Service Dog and have taken the time to learn how a service dog should act.

7. What is my Responsibility?

Having a service dog is a privilege and much of it based on an honor code. It is your responsibility to see that your dog is well behaved and never a burden or danger to others.

• Your Service Dog must be well behaved, leashed or tethered when in a place of business and public places.
• Your dog should be trained in the task required. You can train you dog. Your dog will not be tested.
• Your dog should not be aggressive or easily excitable or easily startled. They should not bark and must be house broken.
•  Business owners have the right to ask a patron with a poorly behaved dog to leave the premises.

Designating your dog has a certain code of conduct that should be honored so that others will continue to benefit from this privilege.

8. How do I qualify my dog?

If your dog is well behaved and competent to perform the tasks asked, then your dog may qualify as a Service Dog. There is no governmental authority testing the qualifications of Service Animals. You have the right to train your own dog. That being said your dog must be well behaved  .

9. What are my rights?

•  Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses and non-profit     organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of a facility where the public is normally allowed to go. Certain establishments such as hospitals may limit where dogs are permitted. 
• Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. When a person who is allergic to dog dander and a person who uses a service dog must spend time in the same room or facility, for example in a school classroom or at a homeless shelter they both should be accommodated by assigning them to different locations within the room or different rooms in the facility. 
•  A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless:

1. The dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action        to control it.The dog is not house broken.
2. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence.

10. What info will you need to send?

• Dogs name
• Handler name
• Handler address, City, State, zip code
• Telephone

11. Can I get an electric copy of ID?

Yes you can choose to have an electronic copy of your ID which can be emailed to you. Having an electronic copy allows you to have the ID on your phone everywhere you go.

12. Traveling with your dog?

If you are traveling domestic or abroad with your dog, you may need to provide health certificates, vaccinations etc. You may check with APHIS (Animal Pet Health Inspection Services) for additional services and information.

•  The AIR CARRIER ACCESS ACT prohibits airlines from discriminating       against qualifying individuals. 
•  Airlines usually require health certificates. Certificates cab be obtained       by Veterinary examination usually not more than (10) days prior to               travel. Absolutely check with your air carrier for their requirements.

13. Service Dog, Medical, ESA...which one?

It really is a matter of preference. Service Dog is the most generally recognized and recommended covering all forms of assistance animals. Some prefer a more specific designation as Seizure Alert, Balance Support, Diabetic Alert, PTSD etc. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. They may qualify as (ESA)  Emotional Support Animals and you may be required to obtain a letter from a medical professional. Caution is advised using the ESA or Therapy designation as they may not afford the same rights of access as Service Dogs under ADA guidelines. 

14. What questions can they ask you?

When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. 

Staff may ask two questions:

• Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
• What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

They can not ask about a person’s disability, cannot require medical documentation or require a special identification card or training documentation.Each country has its own requirements.

Visit the ADA website at www.ADA.gov for additional information.

15. My landlord requires a service dog certification is that ok?

This is a common circumstance among landlords who do not typically allow pets. Providing you landlord with registration and documentation will help convince the landlord to allow your registered Service animal. A medical note also helps provide assurance for the landlord.