Does My Service Dog Have to Be Registered?
A service dog is a canine that assists a person with a specific disability. By definition, a service dog is trained to perform one or more tasks that help the individual live out their life independently.
For example, a canine that leads a blind person is a service dog. When a dog helps an individual in a wheelchair accomplish daily tasks, their service is also needed. Other skilled canines have the ability to detect when their owner is about to have a medical crisis.
Though confusion does exist in regards to what qualifies as an actual service dog, the use of true service dogs is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What Kinds of Service Dogs Are There?
Because there are many challenges in life such as those that come with disabilities, people need help to overcome them. Getting a service dog can be helpful to many people. Some of the many kinds of service dogs you might find include:
- Seizure Response Dogs
- Diabetic Alert Dogs
- Autism Service Dogs
- Guide Dogs
- Hearing Dogs
- Mobility Assistance Dogs
- Medical Alert Dogs
- PTSD Service Dogs
If you have another condition that doesn’t fit into any of the above categories, you might still be able to apply for a service dog, through the ADA.
Does My Service Dog Have to Be Registered?
No, it does not. It is not mandatory that your register your service dog anywhere in the United States, by law. With that being said, having your service dog registered is still useful in being straightforward with others.
When your service dog is registered, it becomes much easier to make sure that your rights are given to you when you go out in public. Some places have rules in place against animals who are not registered. If you are able to prove it with the flick of a wrist, your rights are upheld.
Helping to Identify Your Service Dog
Though it is not required that your service dog wears special clothing or identification when going out in public, it can make your life easier if you show others that he is a service dog by the way that he looks. Having identification on your dog also lets people know that the dog should be left alone as he is working right now.
Identify your dog as a service dog by having him or her wear:
- Vests that can be purchased through service animal registries
- Harnesses that identify your animal as a service dog
- Collars that state your dog is a service animal
- Tags that state your dog’s registry date, position, and your contact info
Though none of these are required by law, having any of them will make your life easier when dealing with strangers.
Takeaway
Registering your service dog is not something you are required to do by law. Nevertheless, having a registration to show others can be a great way to make certain that respect is always given to you in regards to you bringing your canine companion with you in public places.