Do You Have to Register a Service Dog? Everything You Need to Know
October 17, 2023
Image: Shutterstock
Service dogs can change the life of a disabled person. Whether it's a mental or physical disability, service dogs can improve someone's quality of life in a handful of ways. From fetching medications to escorting people out of crowds, these animals are smart and trained to help their owners. That said, not just any dog can be a service dog.
So, you might be asking, do you have to register a service dog? The short answer is yes but it's not as easy as visiting a dog store and picking up your brand-new service dog. You need to be aware of the training process, laws that protect service dogs, and how to register them properly. Luckily, we're here to help.
Read on to learn more below.
(Image from Deposit Photos)
What Is a Service Dog?
A service dog is a dog that's trained to help humans with a specific task. These dogs are used to help people with disabilities and have protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Fair Housing Act (FHA), and the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA).
These acts allow service dogs to accompany their handlers in homes, airports, and public spaces. In fact, these laws protect service dogs in private businesses as well.
Service dogs have to be trained to perform a specific task for their owner. Depending on the disability, this may include guiding owners out of crowds or reminding them to take their medication. It's also important to note that service dogs are available for mental and physical disabilities in all 50 states and lost counties around the world.
(Image from Deposit Photos)
Who Is Eligible for a Service Dog?
The good thing about service dogs is that anyone who has a disability is eligible for a service dog. As long as the service dog can improve your quality of life, you shouldn't have any issues getting paired with one.
Some common disabilities that get support from service dogs include PTSD (most common in veterans, police, and EMTs), seizure disorders, social anxiety, and physical disabilities like being unable to walk or move limbs.
While anyone is eligible for a service dog, you'll need to get a dog license to get the benefits. Also, make sure you speak with a licensed professional to get a diagnosis and a dog that's properly trained.
Do You Have to Register a Service Dog?
No, you don't always have to register a service dog. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, you don't need to register your service dog. That said, most states will require you to have some type of dog license. For example, the New York Department of Health and Hygiene requires people who have service dogs to have and maintain a dog license.
(Image from Deposit Photos)
How Do You Get a Dog License?
Getting a dog license isn't challenging, as long as you know where to start. Most cities and towns will have a dog license available as long as the dog is over four months old. That said, some towns and cities will have different rules surrounding these licenses. Also, make sure you don't confuse these licenses with service dog registration.
You can apply for a dog license online or by making a request. This is usually done with the city or state's health department.
While you don't need to register a service dog, it's important to get a license for your dog, especially if you live in a crowded city. That said, registration makes the process of getting a license easier.
How to Register a Service Dog
The process of registering your service dog is not that complicated. You only have to do a few things to get started, and from there, you can register your dog quickly. First, you'll need a service dog from a reputable trainer, then you'll need to follow the registration process. Learn more about each step below.
(Image from Deposit Photos)
How to Get a Service Dog
Getting a service dog is one of the hardest parts of the process. The best ways to get a service dog include visiting trainers, applying for government programs, or training a dog yourself. Some shelters will train service dogs and give them to people for free. Veterans also have more options for getting a service dog as long as they have a physical disability or PTSD.
Some of the best organizations to consider, for anyone looking to get a service dog include:
- The Guide Dog Foundation
- America's VetDogs
- Canine Companions
- Paws For a Cause (PAWS)
- USA Service Dogs
- The Seeing Eye
- Freedom Service Dogs
These are some of the best organizations to get service dogs. Some organizations can help you for free or you can purchase service dogs from local kennels, shelters, or breeders.
How to Register a Service Dog with US Service Animals
Registering a service dog is simple when you work with an online organization like US Service Animals. The process of registering a service dog is as simple as following the steps below.
- Visit US Service Animals and navigate to the Service Animal Registration page
- Input some information about yourself.
- Provide details about your service dog – things like height, weight, name, photo, and age.
- Schedule a call with a licensed mental health professional.
- Get your registration and any additional products like a service dog vest.
These steps will help you complete the process in just a few minutes.
Once your service dog is registered you'll receive a certificate and you can bring them with you in public or into homes that don't allow other pets.
Register Your Service Dog Today
Registering your service dog is necessary if you plan on going anywhere in public with them. Having your registration in order ensures that you can visit public spaces without having to worry about being removed. This also includes having your dog on the premises in houses that don't usually allow pets or even on airplanes.
Always make sure you register your service animal with a reputable provider like US Service Animals to ensure that everything is in order during and after your registration.