Certification

Navigate the Certification Path with Confidence

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At Certify Canine, we're dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals through the support of certified Working (Service and Facility) Dogs. Our mission is to establish the standard in the certification of these remarkable animals, ensuring they are recognized for their invaluable assistance in various environments and to individuals with diverse needs.

We believe in a world where every Working Dog is provided the opportunity to fulfill their potential in supporting communities and individuals. By offering a comprehensive certification process and partnering with a leading insurance company, we address critical gaps in the current system, providing third-party liability insurance for these dogs.

How Does Certifications Work?

Step 1: Comprehensive Registration for Rigorous Standards

Initiate your journey to certification through our HIPAA-compliant portal, where owners submit essential information, including contact details, the specific needs and tasks their dog fulfills, along with crucial dog information such as vaccination records and general health clearance. This step ensures a mutual understanding of the dog's role and adherence to public access rights, setting a strong foundation for certification.

• Dog Qualifications: Dogs eligible for certification must be between 1 and 11 years of age, up-to-date on vaccinations (DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella), with no breed restrictions.
• Human Qualifications: Handlers are required to demonstrate their ability to maintain their dog's service work readiness across various settings (home, veterinary care, etc.).
• There is a one time $75 Registration Fee to gain access to the Application Portal

Step 2: Rigorous Testing for Unmatched Reliability

Engage in a human-leaning course covering insurance understanding, public access guidelines, and federal/state rules. Success in this course, proven by achieving a set passing score, is essential for certification. This stage encompasses:

• Individual Assessments: Handlers undergo a written test on ADA guidelines, insurance law, and policies, while dogs must have documented proof of health and other prerequisites.
• Certification for Teams: Teams (handler and dog) must successfully navigate video or in-person testing in two distinct public environments (e.g., retail store, grocery, mall), showcasing public access and task-based skills.

Step 3: Membership and Integration into Our Community

Upon successful testing, teams are awarded a member ID, enabling the purchase of Certify Canine membership and registration with our Insurance Partner’s Working Dog Program. This step offers vital resources like a vesting/patch, member ID, and community connections, fostering a sense of belonging and support

• Upon a successful application submission an initial membership fee of $350 will be required to gain your membership ID. It is important to note, to maintain the high standards of our program and ensure continued insurance qualification, members are required to retest annually.
• Within 30 days of your first year anniversary with Certify Canine a recertification will be required to maintain standards. A $350 membership will also be required.
• Once a member has passed their first year recertification test, they will only be required to recertify every 2 years. A $350 membership will be required at testing.

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Are You An Organization Within The Working Dog Field?

Certify Canine actively seeks partnerships with organizations dedicated to Working Dog advocacy and support. Our partners gain access to a robust certification system, enhancing their ability to certify service dogs internally and extend the benefits of service dog support more broadly. Ideal partners include governmental departments, educational boards, service dog coalitions, registered breeders, and veterinary practices. Organizations are also offered the following:

• Organization Individual Membership: Designed for individuals utilizing service dogs through an organization. It offers the same level of support and certification as the Owner Membership but tailored to organizational contexts.
• Organization Certifier Membership: Reserved for members within partner organizations who have completed our certifier course. These members play a pivotal role in bridging their organization’s needs with Certify Canine’s certification standards.