07/24/2026
We hope that sometime soon something like this is put in place. The issues true service dog handlers face from uneducated people with out of control pets is extremely dangerous. Something needs to be done and we support service dog registry and access policy reform.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1EiZV29gMH/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Why I Believe the United States Should Consider Legitimate Service Dog Tags
Let me start by saying this is my opinion on how the system could be improved—it is not how the law currently works.
Right now, the ADA does not require service dogs to have registration, certification, or identification. However, I believe there is a way to create a fair system that protects legitimate service dog teams while making it much harder for people to pass pets off as service dogs.
Here's what I think a better system could look like:
*A doctor or other qualified healthcare provider would sign paperwork stating that the use of a service dog is a reasonable part of the person's disability treatment, similar to how a physician certifies the need for a handicap parking placard. The provider would not need to disclose the person's diagnosis—only that a service dog is medically appropriate.
*The dog would complete a yearly public access evaluation. This would not require proof of medical tasks, since many tasks involve seizures, cardiac alerts, blood sugar changes, psychiatric disabilities, or other conditions that cannot or should not be demonstrated on command.
*The evaluation would focus on things such as:
• Public behavior
• Obedience and control
• House training
• Neutrality around people and other animals
• Safe handling by the handler or caregiver
• Understanding of public access responsibilities
Think of it as something similar to the AKC Canine Good Citizen program, but specifically designed for service dogs.
*Owner-trained service dogs should remain 100% legal. The evaluation should judge how the team performs, not where the dog came from or whether it was professionally trained.
*Handlers should only be expected to participate to the best of their abilities. Some disabilities make physically handling the dog difficult. In those situations, a parent, caregiver, or designated handler could complete the handling portion. This would be especially important for disabled children, but could also apply to some adults who rely on caregivers.
*The yearly evaluation and service dog tag should be free or covered by insurance. Many disabled individuals already struggle financially, and adding hundreds of dollars in annual fees would only create another barrier to accessing medical equipment. (Speaking from experience... disability isn't exactly known for making people rich. 😅)
*Once approved, the dog would receive an official service dog tag that could be renewed annually, much like a dog license or rabies tag.
Potential benefits:
#1. Helps reduce fake online registrations and certificates.
#2. Gives businesses confidence that a team has met a basic public access standard.
#3. Protects owner-trained teams.
#4. Doesn't require people to reveal their diagnosis.
#5. Doesn't require dangerous or unrealistic demonstrations of medical tasks.
#6. Encourages responsible dog ownership and public safety.
No system will ever be perfect, and any program would need strong protections against discrimination, high costs, and unnecessary barriers. But I do believe we can create a system that better protects legitimate service dog teams while still respecting the rights and privacy of disabled Americans.
I'd genuinely like to hear respectful opinions from both sides. What would you add, remove, or change?
