Criteria for a Service Dog ID Card

People who use a dog to assist them with a medical condition or cope with a disability usually carry a "certified service dog" identification card. This card helps ensure the dogs have access to public places that might not otherwise allow them, such as airports and restaurants.

  1. Training

    • Service dogs are often trained by professionals before they are paired with a person who needs their assistance. Some service dogs are trained privately by their owners.

    Requirements

    • Service dogs are required to exhibit desirable character traits, including being friendly, but not overly solicitous of attention from strangers, being calm and not startling easily, and being eager to please. Service dogs should also be well-trained, behave consistently and remain focused on their owner even in busy social situations.

    Certification

    • According to the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act of 1990, certification of service dogs is not required by federal law. States and municipalities may require certification of service animals so check local statutes about requirements to carry a service dog identification card.

    Duties

    • The requirements for service dogs are generally less specific than the requirements for search and rescue, or medical response dogs. This is because service dogs perform a wide variety of functions, which can vary depending upon the specific medical, physical and emotional needs of their owners. Some service dogs guide their owners or carry medical supplies, while others may be constant companions, providing emotional support and easing debilitating phobias.

    Acquiring an ID Card

    • A service dog identification card is presented to a dog that has completed formal training with a professional trainer or dog training facility. Service dogs that are trained by their owners can be certified via a questionnaire, application and payment of a fee at a number of service dog certification Web sites.

    Service Dog ID

    • Owners of service dogs usually carry a laminated identification card that includes a photo of their dog and text from the ADA about service dogs. Service dogs can also wear vests that make it obvious they are at work as assistance canines.