Your Working Dog Questions Answered

Most Common Question
1Is this required to have a service dog?
No, ADA law does not mandate certification for service dogs. However, Certify Canine aims to establish a standard in education and training by offering certification that qualifies handlers and their dogs for a specialized insurance program, enhancing the service dog partnership.
Our Program
2What is Certify Canine?
Certify Canine is a collective of individuals deeply influenced by the human-animal bond, dedicated to creating positive change in our communities through education, certification, and support for service and facility dog teams.
3What benefits does membership offer?
Membership with Certify Canine provides discounts on working dog supplies, access to a supportive community, and unique opportunities for involvement in research, advocacy, and more, fostering a robust network for service and facility dog handlers.
4How long does it take to become a member?
The timeline to membership varies based on your dog's current training level. Typically, it takes about 6 months of training for a service dog to be ready for active work. For those with completed training, the process can be significantly shorter.
5Can I complete the testing requirements online?
Absolutely! We offer a convenient option to submit your testing requirements virtually. Detailed instructions are provided for uploading a private video to our portal via YouTube.
Eligibility
6Who is eligible to join Ceritfy Canine?
Certify Canine welcomes any dog owner aspiring for their canine to become a certified service or facility dog. Eligibility hinges on a dog's ability to successfully complete a public access test. Service dogs must demonstrate a task that directly assists with the handler's disability, whereas facility dogs are required to pass a handler temperament assessment, ensuring they are well-suited for their supportive role in various environments.
7I have an emotional support dog, can I sign up?
While our program currently does not include a direct path for emotional support dogs to qualify for liability insurance, these dogs often possess the potential to transition into service roles. For owners interested in exploring this possibility, we encourage reaching out to our team for detailed guidance. Contact Us.
8I have a therapy dog, can I sign up?
Yes, therapy and facility dogs, known for their invaluable contribution of affection and support in communal settings, are eligible to join. Our certification recognizes the unique benefits these dogs provide in therapeutic and care environments.
9Are senior pets eligible for coverage?
Certify Canine has an age consideration in place, particularly for the liability insurance aspect, affecting dogs aged 10 years and older. This policy ensures that all participating dogs are within a health and activity level conducive to their roles as service or facility dogs.
Insurance
Certify Canine is currently finalizing our Insurance Partnership Contract, details on specific coverage, cost, and fine details will be released on our launch date.
Pricing
10How much does it cost to sign up with Certify Canine?
  • New Service or Facility Dog Membership: $425, encompassing registration, testing, and initial membership fees.
  • Additional Handler Fee: For new members adding an additional handler, the cost is $310.
  • Renewal for Handler and Dog Team: $350 for those renewing their membership.
  • Renewal for Individual Handlers: $235 for renewing handlers without adding a new dog.
  • Recertification Requirement: After the first year, recertification is mandatory every two years to maintain membership status.
11Do you offer any discounts?
Currently, no direct discounts are offered through Certify Canine. However, we invite organizations or foundations supporting service and facility dogs to discuss potential collaborative opportunities.
12Do you offer a refund?
While we do not offer refunds, we understand that unforeseen circumstances can occur. We encourage members to reach out to our team to discuss any concerns or special situations: Contact Us.
Miscellaneous
12Do you offer training?
Certify Canine currently offers training at their Arizona Partner The Barking Dog Ltd. Please note working with a trainer through Certify Canine or The Barking Dog Ltd. is not a guarantee of membership.
13Do you have a recommendation on trainers, breeders, etc?
If you are interested in learning recommendation of trainers, breeders, rescues and other businesses who support working dog training and placement please join our mailing list: Join Our Mailing List
14What Tools are can I test my dog with?
  • Dog equipment: Items must be specifically designed for the use of dogs and are detailed below. Certify Canine does not allow retractable, elastic, or bungee leashes. Leashes should be no longer than six feet and strong enough for the dog's size.
  • Collars: The collar must be the appropriate size and properly fit the dog. The dog should not be able to get out of the collar when on a loose leash. A properly fitted collar will not add significant length to the leash (see leash requirements below). Slip/limited slip, buckle, quick release, martingale, prong, or any other smooth collars made of chain, nylon, biothane, or leather, are acceptable. Slip and martingale style collars should be worn correctly so that it releases and/or does not allow the dog to slip/back out of it.
  • Leashes: Leashes must be no more than six feet in length or shorter, including any additional length from the collar. Leashes must be strong enough for the size/strength of the dog, in good condition, and made of material that has not been disallowed above. A convertible leash that is designed to be adjusted to six feet or shorter may be used as long as it is used only at the six foot or shorter length.
  • Head Halters and Harnesses: Head halters and harnesses must be made of webbing or leather and fastened with metal, or plastic buckles or rings. Head and body halters/harnesses fastened solely with Velcro® or metal clothing snaps are not allowed.
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