How to Make Your Dog a Service Animal

Dogs are more than just, well, dogs. Someone out there took this way too seriously and thought, “What if everyone’s favorite companion could be more than that?”

Although the term is service ‘animals,’ make no mistake. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), dogs are the primary recognized service animals, though miniature horses may also qualify in some cases.

On the other hand, therapy animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) can be various species. “Wait a second. Service animals? Therapy animals? Emotional support animals? Just WHAT are you saying?”

Fair enough. Knowing the differences is important, especially if you’re considering training your dog to be a service animal (more on service dog eligibility later).

For now, let’s learn the differences.

Service Animals, Emotional Support Animals, and Therapy Animals: The Difference

• Service Animals

The ADA recognizes service animals as specifically trained animals that assist people with disabilities by performing specific tasks.

They include guiding visually impaired individuals and alerting deaf individuals to sounds. Service dogs are allowed in public places, including restaurants and businesses. While organizations cannot ask for documentation, they may ask whether the dog is a service animal and what task it has been trained to perform.

• Emotional Support Animals

Individuals with emotional or psychological conditions often find comfort in the companionship of animals. They’re called emotional support animals. Dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals can be emotional support animals; they help reduce anxiety and depression.

Emotional support animals do not have public access rights like service animals. However, they may be permitted in housing under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and, in some cases, on flights outside the U.S.

• Therapy Animals

Animals that comfort groups of people, such as hospital patients or nursing home residents, are called therapy animals. Therapy animals can be cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, and even birds. A hospital may arrange for a therapy animal to visit its residents and bring emotional relief.

Since therapy animals are not service animals, permission is required before bringing them to healthcare facilities. Now that you know the differences, let’s talk about how to make your dog a service dog online.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Dog a Service Animal

If you want to make your dog a service animal for others and not yourself, skip the first point.

1. Determine If You Qualify for a Service Animal

As we’ve mentioned before, service animals are trained to assist individuals with disabilities, such as mobility issues, diabetes, or anxiety disorders. If you have neither, it’s best to train your dog to be a therapy animal or emotional support animal.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements, speaking with a professional or conducting a service dog evaluation can help you determine the right course.

2. Train Your Dog for Specific Tasks

Your dog must be trained to perform tasks directly related to disabilities, such as:

Guiding visually impaired individuals.
Alerting to sounds for the deaf or hard of hearing.
Retrieving dropped objects or providing balance support.
Detecting seizures or changes in blood sugar levels.
Interrupting anxiety attacks or PTSD-related symptoms.

Training a service animal requires patience and consistency. Many handlers work with professional trainers to ensure their dog meets the necessary standards.

3. Instill Good Behavior and Public Etiquette

Since service animals are allowed in public places, they must remain well-behaved. They should be non-aggressive, calm, and trained to ignore distractions and focus on core tasks.

4. Acquire Certifications (Optional)

Under the ADA, service animals do not require registration or certification. However, some organizations offer voluntary certificates to demonstrate credibility.

A service dog card can serve as an additional form of identification, making it easier for handlers to navigate public spaces.

5. Know Service Animals’ Rights

Under the FHA, landlords must accommodate service dogs and, in some cases, emotional support animals, even in no-pet housing. The employer must make reasonable accommodations at the workspace if an employee has a service dog.

Additionally, some organizations accept service dog donations to help train and support these working animals. If you’re looking to give back, contributing to these programs can make a difference.

6. Get a Vest and ID (Optional)

Service dog equipment, such as a vest and an ID, is not legally required. However, many handlers use them to avoid facing issues in public.

Best Breeds for Service Animals

Each dog breed is known for its intelligence, temperament, and trainability. Here are some of the best breeds for different service roles:

Labrador Retrievers
German Shepherds
Boxers
Pomeranians
Border Collies

What Are Service Dog Dropouts?

Not all dogs successfully complete service animal training. Some may struggle with specific tasks or behaviors, leading to what are known as service dog dropouts.

These dogs can still have meaningful roles as emotional support animals or therapy dogs, bringing comfort and companionship to individuals in need.

Consistency and Patience Are Key While Training Dogs

Whether you’re training a service animal for yourself or assisting someone else in training one, it is, without a doubt, a noble cause.

However, training a service dog requires patience and compassion because, ultimately, you should never compromise on your companion’s overall well-being.

If you need a helping hand with training your dog, Pawsibilities Unleashed provides thorough dog training programs that take into account their specific temperament and characteristics.

In the U.S., there is no official registration for service dogs. However, to be legally recognized, your dog must be trained to perform specific tasks related to your disability. Some organizations offer voluntary service dog IDs, but they are not required under the ADA.

The ADA does not require service dogs to wear vests or special identification. While vests can help signal their role, handlers are not obligated to use them, as verbal confirmation of the dog’s status is sufficient.

Yes, a service dog can live with a family, but its primary role is to assist its handler. When working, it should not be treated as a regular pet or distracted by others.

Juliette Nicholson

Juliette is a writer who specializes in all things related to pets, particularly canines. As a mother of two adorable beagles—Salt and Pepper—she uses her well-earned experience to tell readers what it’s like to be obsessed with dogs. When Juliette isn’t writing about canines, she likes to watch true-crime documentaries—if Salt and Pepper let her watch, that is. Whether exploring training tips, dog care, or the unique personalities of different breeds, Juliette’s articles are always rooted in her genuine affection and understanding of dogs.

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