How to get service dog certification?

[Clyde_Dexter]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I can not find anything that says a dog has to pass any certain test or anything just that they have to be doing a service for the disabled person. I think that maybe false info.

Service Dogs do not need to pass any kind of special test. Service dogs are also not required to have their Canine Good Citizen Certificate. Every service dog should be well trained enough to pass CGC test with ease, but it is not a requirement by any means.

[Hrossen11]

No certification is necessary, but dogs must be trained to do a specific task. You can train them yourselves. My friend took a pound puppy and trained him to pick up objects off the floor and give them to him. (He is in a wheelchair).

[McheleM]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

No there is not I researched it when I was looking into psychological service dogs. There are many that claim to be but it is not necessary. You just have to follow the ADA and it helps to have a letter from a doctor.

I quoted from the ADA website, so why would they mention certification if there wasn't one???

[My guy Charles]

I found a woman on line that will start training and evaluating Charlie for $5500 - I am afraid to trust someone I just found on the Internet....?? Not only is it expensive I would have to leave Charlie with her for and unknown amount of time..... That worries me more that the expense! Plus- I was shocked to find that anyone can order service dog badges, vests, etc.... With nothing but a credit card. There really doesn't seem to be any qualifications....
Medically I have no doubt I could qualify for a service dog - I'm just not sure if Charlie can actually provide the 'service' - I'm a huge rule follower and don't want to take advantage of Charlie qualifying due to my issues but in reality he is just my companion.... I'm thinking maybe I should wait for my next episode and see if Charlie notices...? I read several stories on line about people having dogs that just noticed and warned them before a seizure or dizzy spell hit without any training.....? Maybe I just need to be patient and wait to see how Charlie responds on his own? I just hate living in fear of when the next vertigo episode will hit - it's really affecting my life and I'm afraid to be alone, to go anywhere. I have zero warning. It is very frightening. I'm 51 and just didn't expect to be so concerned about my health this early :-(

[Quadraphinic]

Originally Posted by My guy Charles

I found a woman on line that will start training and evaluating Charlie for $5500 - I am afraid to trust someone I just found on the Internet....?? Not only is it expensive I would have to leave Charlie with her for and unknown amount of time..... That worries me more that the expense! Plus- I was shocked to find that anyone can order service dog badges, vests, etc.... With nothing but a credit card. There really doesn't seem to be any qualifications....
Medically I have no doubt I could qualify for a service dog - I'm just not sure if Charlie can actually provide the 'service' - I'm a huge rule follower and don't want to take advantage of Charlie qualifying due to my issues but in reality he is just my companion.... I'm thinking maybe I should wait for my next episode and see if Charlie notices...? I read several stories on line about people having dogs that just noticed and warned them before a seizure or dizzy spell hit without any training.....? Maybe I just need to be patient and wait to see how Charlie responds on his own? I just hate living in fear of when the next vertigo episode will hit - it's really affecting my life and I'm afraid to be alone, to go anywhere. I have zero warning. It is very frightening. I'm 51 and just didn't expect to be so concerned about my health this early :-(

I would not give this person any more information than you already have, this does not sound legit at all. Talk this over with your Dr. and Vet, and see what advise they can give, but $5,500 sounds like a major scam. You might also want to look into this person's success rate, how many has she trained, how many failed, will you get any money back if your pup fails her eval/training. Personally I would just walk away from this person, and find someone who can help you. Would you let me know what you do find out getting your puppy trained, as I am looking into this for myself as well. Thanks and good luck.
Cheers Quad

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by McheleM

I quoted from the ADA website, so why would they mention certification if there wasn't one???

The part you quotes about certification was

under the ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government

That says that even if there was a certification for state and local government that it means nothing to the ADA. Therefore there is no certification necessary.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by My guy Charles

I found a woman on line that will start training and evaluating Charlie for $5500 - I am afraid to trust someone I just found on the Internet....?? Not only is it expensive I would have to leave Charlie with her for and unknown amount of time..... That worries me more that the expense! Plus- I was shocked to find that anyone can order service dog badges, vests, etc.... With nothing but a credit card. There really doesn't seem to be any qualifications....
Medically I have no doubt I could qualify for a service dog - I'm just not sure if Charlie can actually provide the 'service' - I'm a huge rule follower and don't want to take advantage of Charlie qualifying due to my issues but in reality he is just my companion.... I'm thinking maybe I should wait for my next episode and see if Charlie notices...? I read several stories on line about people having dogs that just noticed and warned them before a seizure or dizzy spell hit without any training.....? Maybe I just need to be patient and wait to see how Charlie responds on his own? I just hate living in fear of when the next vertigo episode will hit - it's really affecting my life and I'm afraid to be alone, to go anywhere. I have zero warning. It is very frightening. I'm 51 and just didn't expect to be so concerned about my health this early :-(

I would want to talk to the trainer one on one in person but it is not unusual for the dog to have to stay with the trainer when training to be a service dog. The only thing that is necessary per the ADA is that your dog do a service that helps you. The dog doesn't have to wear a vest or badge or anything but it is recommended.

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by Quadraphinic

I would not give this person any more information than you already have, this does not sound legit at all. Talk this over with your Dr. and Vet, and see what advise they can give, but $5,500 sounds like a major scam. You might also want to look into this person's success rate, how many has she trained, how many failed, will you get any money back if your pup fails her eval/training. Personally I would just walk away from this person, and find someone who can help you. Would you let me know what you do find out getting your puppy trained, as I am looking into this for myself as well. Thanks and good luck.
Cheers Quad

It can cost even more then that for Service dog training so the price is not unreasonable I have heard of it costing up to $20,000 before.

[Lovetodream88]

Revised ADA Requirements: Service Animals

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

If he can provide this service for you it will easier for you to take him places. Not everyone recognizes emotional support dogs and there are some instances where they can be refused.

I have read service dogs can not be refused..

Service Dog Laws

[lovespandp]

kingservicedog.com/CamoServiceDogVest.aspx

You can buy a vest and a badge on this website.. and many more online. I have been wanting to buy one for Peanut.

[Lovetodream88]

This might also help not sure

Commonly Asked Questions About Service Animals in Places of Business

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

I have read service dogs can not be refused..

Service Dog Laws

You are right but an emotional support dog and service dog are different.