Service Dog Supplies & Registration

Service dogs assist humans with disabilities, performing or helping with tasks that the person cannot perform himself. For example, a service dog might turn on lights, detect impending seizures, guide a blind person or provide a distraction from compulsive behavior. Service dogs require training specific to their partners̵7; disabilities and assistance needs. Some organizations provide trained dogs to the disabled, while other people may choose to train their own dogs.

  1. Equipment

    • A service dog may require specialized equipment, depending on the tasks it performs. Leader dogs for the blind use harnesses that allow them to safely guide their partners. Other types of harnesses include mobility harnesses, which assist with balance and weight bearing, and pulling harnesses, which are designed to distribute weight properly for dogs that pull wheelchairs. Backpacks or harness bags allow service dogs to carry and transport items for their partners. Some service dogs use ropes or tugs to open doors and drawers. Leashes that wrap around the waist or the shoulders may benefit some disabled people, allowing them to keep their hands free while the dog is on-leash.

    Registration

    • According to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is one that is ̶0;individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability.̶1; The type of assistance provided varies, and registration of a service dog is not a requirement. If the dog has been individually trained to assist a disabled person, it is legally considered to be a service dog, regardless of registration or certification.

      Some state and local governments waive standard dog licensing fees for service dogs; in some cases this requires registration for a special service dog tag. Organizations that provide service dog training may have their own certification system for dogs that have completed their program, and some may evaluate and certify dogs that have been trained elsewhere. There are companies that offer service dog certification for a fee; however, in most cases, these are based solely on the disabled person̵7;s affidavit and do not evaluate the dog̵7;s training or task performance.

    Identification

    • While identification of a dog as a service dog is not required by the ADA, doing so can minimize or prevent questions or hassles. Business owners are allowed to ask disabled persons if their dog is a service dog required for a disability, and what kind of tasks the dog performs. They are not permitted to ask about the specific nature of the person̵7;s disability, however.

      A common and visible form of service dog identification is a vest or cape. Some vests have harnesses built in, and some are adapted to include backpacks. Patches are also available, which can be sewn onto regular backpacks, vests or coats. An embroidered leash or collar will readily identify a service dog. Special collar tags are also available, but they are not as immediately visible.