How do I get my dog certified as a therapy dog in California?
Posted by: admin / Category: Basic Training
Question: How do I get my dog certified as a therapy dog in California?
We have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He is so well trained and never even barks (‘cept for in his sleep LOL). He likes other people but is just shy. He will go up and sniff them but then runs to me when they want to pet him. He was never abused or anything, just is very shy. But with disabled people he is extremely outgoing. We had lunch with a friend of ours one day that had cerebal paulsey, he went right up to her and sat in her lap as soon as we all sat down.
We are not wanting to get him certified for visiting places with elderly/disabled/sick people though. We want to get him certified so that we can take him places such as on flights, busses, malls. Because I tend to get very nervous when traveling or in new places. Our dog helps me stay calm.
A friend of ours is the same way as me and he got his dog certified for this such thing. But it was in a different say so we want to know what’s the easiest way to go about getting him certified for all of this stuff. Does he need any extra special training even tho he wouldn’t be visiting elderly and such? Oh, we are in Los Angeles if that helps at all.
I think I was misunderstood. I do NOT want to get my dog certified for therapy visits. I want him certified to help with my stress/anxiety on traveling and such.
Best answer:
Answer by YouHave2BeKidding
EIDT!!!!!!: Oh so you want your dog to be a SERVICE DOG
Very different. First of all there is no law that states your dog has to be certified as a Service dog. Certainly not in California.
What will assist you, if anyone-especially an airline challenges you- is having your physician (the one who has diagnosed your anxiety disorder) sign a note saying you need the dog for your mental health.
Check the ADA laws regarding service dogs so you know your rights.
http://www.ada.gov/qasrvc.htm
If you license your dog in Los Angeles County,and it is intact you will have to meet their rules that are set out under the mandatory spay and neuter laws that are in effect.
http://www.laanimalservices.com/spayneuterlaw/intact%20dog%20license%20application.pdf
Do some google searches about traveling with a service dogs, and your rights with a service dog those will give you all the information you need.
Hope that helps.
ADD: For the answerer below- Dogs used for people with Anxiety, Bi-Polar and other disorders ARE CONSIDERED SERVICE DOGS.
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