There is no government provision for the certification of service dogs in the United States. Certification of service dogs reflects the standards, training, and quality of the organization or individual who certifies the dog.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) states:
“Q17. Does the ADA require that service animals be certified as service animals?
A. No. 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.”
Internationally, countries vary greatly in their requirements, but in many places, the situation is similar to that in the United States. While certification may not be a legal requirement, assessment and evaluation of service dogs are important. Cooperative Paws SDC® graduates receive tools and training to effectively assess service dogs and document their training, providing valuable support to ensure high standards of service dog work.