The problem with “fake certifications” for assistance animals has reached epidemic proportions and is affecting each and every disabled service dog handler here in the United States. We see everything from new handlers believing that they need to buy a certificate, thinking they are legitimate, to those with less honorable intentions of simply passing their pets off as service animals so they can take their pets with them.

The Americans with Disability Act specifically says that NONE of these online certificates/registrations are legitimate.

“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.” ~ https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/

Yet, take a quick search for “service dog registration” on your favorite search engine. Take note of how many are sponsored ads. All of them are simply a waste of money. There for no true reason except to separate a person from their money, and cause hardship for those of us that need our service dogs for our health. This is simply a modern-day snake oil scheme, and it does nothing but hurt our disabled community and businesses.

Who do these online schemes hurt? 

Service dog teams: This problem has reached a level where we are constantly asked to see our dog's certification and are even refused entry when we explain there is no such thing and cannot provide a piece of paper saying the dog is a service dog. This has been exacerbated by these companies as most of the population doesn’t understand why our dogs are there with us.

Businesses: When a business asks to see a certificate and denies entry, they open themselves up to litigation for violating the rights of the service dog team. While we can argue about the education of the law, the fact that these fake registrations are so popular it tends to be considered lawful by the business owners and gatekeepers.

General Public: When a company offers anyone a piece of paper saying that “this” dog is a service animal, what happens when “that” dog gets aggressive? Not only will people get hurt it also casts a very bad light on all service dog handlers who have spent tens of thousands in training for our dogs.

Why is now the time to act?

The time to act should have been years ago. The fact that these companies have been allowed to thrive is truly beyond us. They steal money for not only an empty promise but put others at risk for what they do.

We, the service dog teams in the United States, ask that this improper service be stopped.