How to Get Service Dog Registration – ADA Rules & Benefits

Getting your service dog registration is a simple process that can help make public access and travel smoother for both you and your dog. While registration is not required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), many handlers choose to register their dogs for the added convenience and peace of mind it provides.

3 Simple Steps to Register Your Service Dog

1. Customize your kit.
2. Provide your information.
3. Submit your order.

Registration with Working Service Dog never expires and is valid for the life of your service dog. Under ADA guidelines, you are not required to provide documentation of your disability, as this would be a violation of your privacy. We trust handlers to register honestly and to understand that falsely claiming a dog as a service animal is both unethical and illegal.

Understanding Your ADA Rights

While the ADA states that registration and special equipment are not required—and that your verbal assurance is all that’s needed—there are practical benefits to having official service dog identification. Here’s what you should know:

1. You Cannot Be Questioned

Under the ADA, if it is not obvious that your dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two questions: (1) Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? (2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform? If your dog is clearly wearing a vest, you cannot be questioned further and must be allowed entry.

2. You Can Take Your Dog Anywhere

Once identified as a service dog, your dog must be allowed access even in businesses that prohibit pets. Federal law requires all businesses to allow service animals in areas where customers are normally permitted.

3. Airlines Cannot Charge You for Your Service Dog

Air carriers must accept service animals without charging a fee. They may accept identification through written documentation, the presence of a vest or harness, or verbal assurance from the handler.

Know Your Rights and Make the Best Choice

There is no official government database for service dog registration—each company maintains its own independent registry. Many handlers find that having a vest, ID card, or certificate makes it easier to avoid challenges and delays in public settings.

If you encounter a business that refuses access or demands unnecessary documentation, you can remind them of the ADA requirements and report violations to the U.S. Department of Justice’s ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (voice) or 800-514-0383 (TDD).

Whether you choose to carry identification or rely solely on your ADA rights, knowing the law helps you make the choice that best supports you and your service dog.