Frequently Asked Questions

Registration comes with the purchase of any package. By registering you affirm your dog as a Service Dog, Emotional Support Animal and/or Therapy dog as defined by the American Disability Act. Proof of registration is included as an instantly downloadable PDF with the Digital Package or mailed to you within 5-10 business days with the Basic, Premium or Ultimate Packages.

The ADA does not require certification, but it is recommended to have proof that the animal has been certified or registered to help staff and general public recognize your dog as a support animal. By law businesses my only ask you two questions to determine if your dog is a service dog:

1. Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

It is unlawful to ask any questions about your disability.

You can prove your dog is registered with US Service Dog Certification by using the number on your certificate or ID card with our reverse lookup service.

ESA’s do not have the access rights that Service Animals do. A business that serves food may deny an ESA, but a service dog should be welcome wherever their handler goes. Businesses that do not follow ADA laws are opening themselves up to a potential lawsuit. If the matter cannot be resolved, you can file an ADA complaint online with the Department of Justice.

The American Disability Act requires landlords to provide reasonable accommodations for Emotional Support Animals and Service Dogs. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects people with disabilities from discrimination in obtaining housing. A landlord or homeowner’s association must provide equal opportunity to people with disabilities to have access to a dwelling.

In cases when a person with a disability uses a service animal or an emotional support animal, a reasonable accommodation may include waiving a no-pet rule or a pet deposit.  Service animals are not considered pets. To purchase a certificate to provide your landlord, click here.

As well, service/support animals do not have to be just dogs; they can also be other animals, such as cats or rabbits. For full information visit the Fair Housing Act.

Under the Air Carrier Access Act, Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals are permitted to travel in the cabin with their handler. Airlines can determine if an animal is a service animal or pet by:

• The credible verbal assurances of an individual with a disability using the animal;
• Looking for physical indicators such as the presence of a harness or tags;
• Requiring documentation for psychiatric support animals and emotional support animals; and
• Observing the behavior of animals.

Most airlines have specific documentation requirements for Emotional Support Animals and Psychiatric Service Animals. Generally, a letter from your health professional is required. Always check with your airline in advance. For additional information see the ACAA.

Yes. Any dog breed is eligible to become a Service Dog, ESA, or Therapy Dog as long as they can meet the requirements. Traditionally Labs, German Shepherds, and Poodles have been common support animals, but the ADA does not place any limitations on breeds. Each dog and their personality is unique, so make sure your dog is a good candidate before investing time and effort on both your parts.

Yes. Other common service animals include cats, pigs, and miniature horses. As long as an animal meets the definition of service animal or emotional support animal, they may be considered. Airlines may have special rules about which types of animals are allowed in cabins. Always confirm with your airline in advance.

We do not require medical proof or a letter from a doctor to process your registration. By registering, you affirm that you have a physical or mental disability that impairs your ability to complete everyday activities and your Service Animal helps you with a specific task(s).

Under the ADA, individuals do not have to disclose the nature of their disability to anyone in order to be allowed to have their Service Dog accompany them. It is unlawful to ask for medical documentation, certification, or proof of training.

Many people are ignorant of these laws so it is common to provide written documentation and identifiers to avoid disputes.

To make your dog a Service Dog, they must be trained in a certain task that assists you with a disability. They must also be trained in proper obedience, good manners and public skills.

You may train your dog on your own, with assistance from a private trainer, or through a 3rd party training program. No certificate is required to prove your dog’s training. Registering your dog with US Service Dog Certification provides identification to landlords and businesses who may request proof of registration.

No, it is unlawful for a business to ask for a doctor’s note or to ask you questions about the nature of your disability. US Service Dog Certification does not require a doctor’s note or proof of disability.

In general, no.

A business may only ask you to remove your Service Dog if it is not within your control, is causing damage, or is creating a hazard. For example, if a space is small and having your Service Dog blocks an aisle or cannot be accommodated, it may be a appropriate to temporarily leave your dog outside.

In the event that your dog needs to wait outside they must still provide you with service.

Generally, yes.

Your Service Dog must be within your control at all times. For most that means either a leash or harness is a good option. If a dog’s task requires them to be off-leash then they do not need to wear a leash. You may choose a leash, harness, or vest that identifies your dog as a service dog, although it is not required.

Emotional Support Dogs help their handlers with general well-being and may be prescribed for a number of reasons including, but not limited to; depression, anxiety, stress, phobias, social challenges, companionship through an illness, loss of a loved one, or other reasons.

Only a licensed medical professional can prescribe an Emotional Support Dog. US Service Dog Registration does not require proof of prescription due to privacy laws.

By registering with us you acknowledge that you meet the requirements of having an ESA.

Yes. Your doctor or mental health professional can write you a letter recommending that your pet be designated as your emotional support dog. To provide proof that your pet is an ESA to a landlord or property manager, you can register here for an instant download digital certificate.

To bring your dog with you in public spaces as an ESA, they should have basic good manners and obedience skills. You can do this training yourself, with a private trainer, or through local obedience training classes.

For ESA Dogs, businesses may ask to see a letter from your doctor recommending that you obtain an emotional support dog. For example, to fly with an ESA dog, most airlines require a letter from a doctor dated within one year.

Yes. ESA dogs are protected under the Air Carrier Access Act and the Fair Housing Act but laws for businesses and establishments vary state by state.

Generally health code laws outrank ESA laws, therefore most establishments that serve food will not accept an ESA Dog on site. Patios may be an exception to the rule. If you call ahead and ask, many businesses may be able to make accommodations.

Remember, unlike Service Dogs, the presence of an ESA Dog is at the business owner’s discretion.

Yes, your ESA dog must be within your control and on a leash or harness. You may also have them wear a vest to identify them as an ESA Dog in public. Marked leashes and tags are excellent for air travel to quickly identify your dog in an airport, with or without a vest.

Registration with any of our packages immediately adds your service animal to the online database so that businesses and other parties can verify your registration via our reverse lookup service. Your personal information will not be shared. Reverse lookup only confirms whether or not your animal is registered to you. For some businesses this is enough, but other businesses may want to see a certificate of proof.

Yes. Our PDF downloads are available for immediate download. Your receipt will be emailed to you within a few minutes and will include your PDF as attachments.

You can also find your PDFs under your orders in “my account”.

Yes, you can register additional animals, however each must have their own registration number and certification.

No, each registration assigns the service animal to one handler. If your animal provides support for multiple people, you can order additional cards separately.

Orders are processed within 2 business days and will usually arrive within 5-10 business days if using free shipping.  You can upgrade to express shipping options at checkout if your order is time sensitive.

Digital copies are included with every package and are always available for immediate download under “my account”.

We want you to be completely satisfied.

Since certificates and ID cards are custom printed, they cannot be returned or exchanged. Digital packages are non-refundable, however if you made an error on the order, please email us and we will be happy to work with you to correct it.

We only offer premium quality vests and accessories, but if anything does not meet your expectations, please email us and we’ll do our best to make it right. We stand behind our products and services 100%.