Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes a Service Animal?

The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) defines a Service Animal as any dog that is individually trained to provide assistance to an individual with a disability.

What is the definition of “Disability”?

The ADA defines “disability” as a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other type of impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as reading, bending, communicating, concentrating, etc. Disabilities may be visible or invisible. Some impairments, such as seizures, may be episodic or in remission. Those, too, are considered disabilities if it would limit a major life activity when active. www.ada.gov

As a business owner, what do I need to know about Service Animals?

Please review these “Commonly Asked Questions about Service Animals in Places of Business”at www.ada.gov.

Can a Service Dog really accompany its owner anywhere?

Yes, it is REQUIRED under federal and state laws that Service Dogs be allowed to go anywhere their handler goes including restaurants, schools, stores, theatres, concerts, sporting events, doctor’s offices, on buses, taxis, airplanes and any other public place or mode of transportation.

Can I train my own service dog?

Yes. Under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) you may train your own service animal.

Does the law require that my dog be registered or certified?

No, neither registration nor certification is required by law. Our Certification is the qualifying process by which we are able to provide valid identification to allow your dog to accompany you anywhere you wish to go.

Does a service dog have to have to wear a vest or other identification at all times?

No. The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require that service animals wear any type of identification in order to be protected under the ADA laws. However, visible identification of some sort (Certified Service Dog patch on vest or scarf) does make life a lot easier for both the handler and the business owner. When your dog is sporting some kind of identification, it puts everyone at ease. (CYSD does not promote the use of “ID Tags” because business owners are often intimidated if they have to lean in close to view a collar tag.)

If someone questions my disability, am I obligated to divulge the specifics?

NO! It is ILLEGAL for anyone to request the details regarding your disability. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) of 1996, an individual is not required to disclose any information about their health status or medical history. Any business or organization that makes an inquiry is in violation of federal statute and may be subject to criminal and civil charges.

Do I need to obtain a Doctor’s letter?

No, a Doctor’s Letter is not required by law and therefore CYSD does not require that for qualification purposes. If you meet the requirements outlined on the “Qualify Your Dog” page of this website, then you qualify to obtain your Service Dog Certification and Service Dog Identification Kit.

What mental disabilities may be assisted with a Service Dog?

All mental disorders such as, Anxiety, Major Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, PTSD, etc. can be mitigated with a Service Dog.

What tasks can Service Dogs be trained to do to assist with mental impairments?

• Psychiatric Service Dogs can be trained to do many things. Here are just a few examples of their amazing abilities


• Warm handler’s body during a panic attack


• Mitigate paranoia with “reality testing”


• Interrupt dissociative episodes or flashbacks


• Enter home or building before the handler and turn on lights


• Survey the premises for anything out of the ordinary


• Alert handler to take medication at a specific time


• Recognize repetitive behaviors and provide persistent distraction


• Provide balance and weight-bearing support


• For a complete list, please read, “Service Dog Tasks for Psychiatric Disabilities”

What is PTSD?

By definition, PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) always follows a traumatic event which causes intense fear and/or helplessness in an individual. Symptoms include re-experiencing the trauma through nightmares, obsessive thoughts and flashbacks (feeling as if you are actually in the traumatic situation again). There is an avoidance component as well, where the individual avoids situations, people, and/or objects which remind him or her about the traumatic event. Finally, there is increased anxiety in general, possibly with a heightened startle response (e.g., very jumpy, startle easy by noises). Many American Veterans returning from war suffer from this debilitating disorder.

What is the difference between a “service dog” and a “therapy dog”?

TRAINING: Service dogs are specifically trained to perform tasks and/or provide assistance to an individual with a disability. Therapy dogs are trained to provide affection and comfort to individuals in stressful situations such as hospitals or nursing homes and can visit these institutions by invitation only. LEGAL RIGHTS: Service dogs have a legal right to accompany their owners wherever they may go and to travel without question. On the contrary, therapy dogs do not have legal rights. Therapy dogs are not service dogs. PETS: A therapy dog could very well be a pet. However, a service animal is never considered a pet.

What are my legal rights regarding air travel?

“Carriers must permit dog guides or other service animals with appropriate identification to accompany an individual with a disability on a flight. Identification may include cards or other documentation, presence of a harness or markings on a harness, tags, or the credible verbal assurance of the passenger using the animal.” The above paragraph is an excerpt from The US Dept. of Transportation regarding Service Animals entitled, “New Horizons: Information for the Air Traveler with a Disability”. Air travelers who want additional information about the rights of persons with disabilities in air travel may call the Toll-Free Hotline: 800-778-4838 (Voice) or 800-455-9880 (TTY).

What do I need to know about Air Travel Etiquette?

Air Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions is an invaluable source of information provided by the Transportation Security Administration.

What should I do if I experience disability-related air travel service problems?

Air travelers who need DOT to investigate a complaint about a disability-related issue must submit their complaint in writing via email to: airconsumer@est.dot.gov or regular mail to: Aviation Consumer Protection Division U.S. Dept. of Transportation, 400 7th Street SW, Washington DC 20590.