Certify Your Service Dog

Qualify Your Dog

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PUBLIC ACCESS TEST: Your service animal should be able to perform most of the tasks outlined in the test below. Commands may be given to the dog by hand signals, verbal signals or a combination of both.

PURPOSE: This test is to ensure that dogs which have public access are stable, well-behaved, and unobtrusive to the public. It is to ensure that the handler has control over the dog at all times and that they are not a public hazard. It is understood that not all service animals are perfect all the time.

DISMISSAL: Any dog that displays aggressive behavior (growling, biting, raising hackles, showing teeth) should not be considered for this privilege.

PUBLIC ACCESS TEST:

1. CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:
The dog must remain calm and under control while departing the vehicle and must wait until released before exiting. Once out of the vehicle, the dog must wait quietly until commanded otherwise. Under no circumstances should the dog be off lead.

2. APPROACHING A BUILDING:
The dog must stay in a relative heel position and may not forge ahead or lag behind. The dog must not display a fear of cars or traffic noises and must display a relaxed attitude. When the handler stops for any reason, the dog must stop also.

3. CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY:
While entering through a doorway, the dog must not pull or strain against the lead or try to push his/her way past the handler but must wait patiently while entry is completed.

4. HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING:
Once inside the building, the dog may not wander off or solicit attention from the public. The dog should calmly walk beside the handler in a controlled manner. The dog should always be within touching distance where applicable or no greater than a foot away from the individual. The dog should not strain against the lead except in cases where the dog may be pulling the handler’s wheelchair. In tight quarters, the dog must be able to avoid obstacles and not damage or play with private property.

5. SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD:
The handler should be able to “sit” the dog, travel a six-foot distance away, then turn and call the dog to him/herself. The dog should respond promptly and not stop to solicit attention from the public. The dog should come close enough to the individual to be readily touched. For Guide Dogs, they must actually touch the person to indicate location. The recall should be smooth and deliberate without the dog taking any detours along the way.

6. SITS/STAYS ON COMMAND:
The dog must respond promptly to the handlers command to “sit” and “stay”. If the dog starts to move, the handler may correct the dog to maintain the position. If necessary, the handler may repeat the sit/stay command along with reasonable physical corrections without exaggerated gestures.

7. DOWNS ON COMMAND:

• In a dining situation, if food drops on the floor, the dog should not break to sniff or move towards it.
• If approached by an adult and/or child who may attempt to pet the dog, the dog must not break his/her position.
• If someone attempts to step over the dog, the dog should not shy or break to solicit attention from the stranger.

In all situations, the handler may give verbal and physical corrections to maintain the down. There should not be any extraordinary gestures.

8. NOISE DISTRACTION:
The dog may acknowledge a loud or surprising noise, but may not in any way show aggression or fear. A normal startle reaction is fine. The dog may jump and/or turn, but should quickly recover and continue along on the heel.

9. RESTAURANT CONDUCT:
Suitable conduct in a restaurant involves having the dog sit or lay under the table. If size prevents that, the dog should stay close by the handler. The dog may shift for comfort during the meal, but should not get up & down frequently or require excessive correction.

10. OFF LEAD:
If the lead is dropped at any time, the handler must be able to maintain control of the dog until the leash is back in its appropriate position.

To Qualify Your Dog as Service Dog:

	MY SERVICE DOG MEETS MOST OF THE CRITERIA OUTLINED IN THE PUBLIC ACCESS TEST.
	MY SERVICE DOG IS CURRENT ON ALL LICENSES AND VACCINATIONS AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE, WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
	I HAVE READ AND AGREE WITH THE TERMS & CONDITIONS.

If you answered yes to the three questions above, Congratulations! Your dog can now be certified as a service dog.

Certify Your Service Dog
Identification Kit for only $69.95
(includes the following items)

Certify Your Service Dog online today and begin living the richer,
fuller life that you deserve!

Phone: 602-410-2131 | Email: Sales@CertifyYourServiceDog.com | Terms and Conditions

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