SERVICE DOGS

Not every dog is suitable for service work. Working dog breeds tend to be more capable of service work than your average family pet. Some breeds we recommend include:

• Golden Retriever
• Labrador Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Standard Poodle
• Cavalier Spaniel

To be effective in their job while living a fulfilling life, a service dog must have the right temperament and personality. When evaluating dogs for service task-oriented work, we look to see that the dog has stable nerves, confidence, and high biddability paired with strong working drives. These characteristics will ultimately determine our decision on whether or not a dog is suitable for this type of work.

*Service dogs must be neutral to people, animals, noises, and surfaces when working. Dogs who are reactive, aggressive, or that have a bite history will most likely not be a suitable fit.

There are many specific conditions and disabilities that could qualify people for service dog usage.

Physical conditions include, but aren’t limited to, blindness or deafness, epilepsy, paralysis from any cause, allergies, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, osteoporosis, scoliosis, asthma, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, loss of limb, and seizures.

Individuals with a mental disability may also benefit from a service dog.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are NOT required to be certified or go through a professional training program.

As such, none of our dogs are certified or registered. However, we do can use the AKC Canine Good Citizen test as a way to evaluate your dog’s readiness for public access.

*There are individuals and organizations that sell service animal certification or registration documents online. These documents do not convey any rights under the ADA and the Department of Justice does not recognize them as proof that the dog is a service animal.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are not required to have any paperwork or documentation proving they are a service animal. Covered entities may not require documentation, such as proof that the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal, as a condition for entry.

Yes! Our team has helped many handlers prepare their service dogs for their first flight. Our training programs can include preparing for TSA, safely navigating escalators and elevators, moving through crowds and lines, and managing your pet during the flight.

Our skilled team members can also assist you in filling out the required Dept. of Transportation paperwork, locating pet-relief stations, and ensuring you pack all the necessities!