# Service Dogs - How do they get certified? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 16, 2008, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/service-dogs-how-do-they-get-certified/433793 "2008-01-16T22:28:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Neptunian\_Slug](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ce7236/32.png) [@Neptunian\_Slug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neptunian_Slug)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2008, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/service-dogs-how-do-they-get-certified/433793/1 "2008-01-16T22:28:20Z")
I was in a Vegas buffet this morning and in walks some lady with a small dog (slightly larger than a chihuahua) underneath her arm. The nice lady plops the animal down on the table and walks to get her food. I guess I was more mad than I needed to be, but I think that is pretty unsanitary. So I complained to the waiter and learned that they had to allow it in because it had papers a a service dog. I have no problem with trained guide dogs or anything else coming in since I know that it has a purpose. I can’t even imagine what kind of service this rodent performs, but I think this is a pretty interesting scam. Who certifies these things and how do you go get that done? Is it kind of the same process as getting some dirtbag doctor to give you a handicapped parking pass so you don’t have to walk? ---
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2008, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/service-dogs-how-do-they-get-certified/433793/2 "2008-01-16T23:50:11Z")
One such website. [http://www.servicedogsamerica.org/](http://www.servicedogsamerica.org/) Another one. [http://www.adionline.org/publicaccess.html](http://www.adionline.org/publicaccess.html) And…[http://www.registeredservicedogs.com/](http://www.registeredservicedogs.com/) And…found this [http://www.goldstar-germanshepherds.com/Certification\_Draft.htm](http://www.goldstar-germanshepherds.com/Certification_Draft.htm) > [@](#): > > According to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, (ADA), the certification of service animals is not required under present federal law. Each state and each municipality of each state may have its own statutes regarding service animals, but again, federal law supercedes state law. For example, Alabama has no current state laws regarding service dogs or service dogs in training, while New Mexico has state laws pertaining to service dogs but no laws pertaining to service dogs in training, and Nevada has state laws addressing both service dogs and service dogs in training, requiring an identification card for the dog in question. Some states require a special vest for the dog and an identification card. Other states require no type of identification whatsoever. So it looks to me like Precious is a service dog because Mommy says she’s a service dog. And the waiter, and other customers, just have to suck it. The site goes on: > [@](#): > > We’ve found here at “Goldstar” that a record of certification and a laminated certification ID goes a long way towards making access easier for our clients with service dogs and our trainers handling service dogs in training. It becomes quite tedious and annoying to debate state and federal law time and time again. So Mommy says Precious is a service dog, and it saves time and hassles for Mommy to be able to produce a magic piece of paper, or a laminated card, that says so. Thus, “certification”. They want 32 bucks for a certificate and a couple of laminated cards, but I’d think you could make your own with Print Artist, be a lot cheaper. > [@](#): > > _Is it kind of the same process as getting some dirtbag doctor to give you a handicapped parking pass so you don’t have to walk?_ Nah, it’s even easier. You can bypass the doctor altogether. Either send money to a website, or make your own. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2008, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/service-dogs-how-do-they-get-certified/433793/3 "2008-01-17T02:32:17Z")
I think **DDG** did a good job explaining how any dog can be “certified” in Nevada…but as for what “service” such a dog might provide…[pcychiatric service dog](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychiatric_service_dog). ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2008, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/service-dogs-how-do-they-get-certified/433793/4 "2008-01-17T04:24:03Z")
Woe be you if you create a fake disabled parking certificate. Such permits are generally issued as part of statewide programs under various state laws. If you are caught with your own fake certification, you will probably face fraud charges. ---
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2008, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/service-dogs-how-do-they-get-certified/433793/5 "2008-01-17T15:01:05Z")
Except that…we’re not talking about handicapped tags, we’re talking about service dog certifications. 😉