[vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_toggle title=”What is a service dog?” style=”rounded_outline” color=”mulled_wine” size=”lg” open=”false” el_id=”1432324381694-36797f33-a8e6″]Service dogs are dogs that are trained to assist the owner in mobility, psychological support, and medical alert for conditions (such as seizures and diabetes).[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” el_id=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_toggle title=”Can any dog become a certified Service Dog?” style=”rounded_outline” color=”mulled_wine” size=”lg” open=”false”]Not necessarily. Service Dogs require some natural characteristics such as being confident and social. They cannot be high strung, aggressive, or have any major behavioral issues.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” el_id=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_toggle title=”What are the benefits of having my dog certified?” style=”rounded_outline” color=”mulled_wine” size=”lg” open=”false” el_id=”1432324531000-2aa722dc-2e44″]
- Certification increases public confidence in teams.
- Certification increases confidence of current or future employers and helps to smooth the transition into the workplace.
- Certification provides assurance to evacuation shelters, so that in times of disaster the authenticity of your service dog team will not be questioned.
- Certification is beneficial when answering any legal questions regarding your service dog: though the law provides for public access for service dogs, you may be required to provide proof that the dog in question is actually a service dog.
[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” el_id=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_toggle title=”What is required of a Service Dog?” style=”rounded_outline” color=”mulled_wine” size=”lg” open=”false”]Since a service dog is required to be in public (and often times confined) places, it is vital that they are: well trained (obedient), social, confident, and perform at least 3 tasks for the owner that is specifically related to their condition.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” el_id=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_toggle title=”What are the requirements of me having a Certified Service Dog in Northern Virginia? ” style=”rounded_outline” color=”mulled_wine” size=”lg” open=”false” el_id=”1432324825386-396d844d-f6e2″]
- The dogs must have passed the Canine Good Citizen Test (or equivalent) no earlier than their first birthday. If a dog has taken and passed the test prior to the first birthday, then the test must be taken again.
- The dog must be at least 18 months of age.
- The dog must have their current County license tag as well as their name and phone number identification tag displayed on their collar.
- The dog must have proof of up to date vaccination, spay or neuter and a letter from a veterinarian (dated within 30 days of test) stating that the dog is in good health and able to perform their service duties.
- The dog must have been trained to perform at least 3 service tasks related to hearing impairment, mobility impairment, medical alert or psychological assistance. This test is not designed to certify guide dogs for the blind.
- The dog must be clean and properly groomed.
- The handler must have a letter from their treating physician simply stating that they are being treated for a disabling medical condition. We do not require any individual or their treating physician to disclose the nature of the disability.
[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” el_id=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_toggle title=”How long does it take to train a service dog?” style=”rounded_outline” color=”mulled_wine” size=”lg” open=”false”]That really depends on how much work you have done with the dog prior. It could take weeks or even months.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” el_id=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_toggle title=”What organization are you certified under?” style=”rounded_outline” color=”mulled_wine” size=”lg” open=”false” el_id=”1432324962456-71e5b62a-e161″]We are certified Service Dog Evaluators under FSDS (The Foundation for Service Dog Support) which is a non-profit 501(C)(3).
Service Dog Support[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” el_id=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_toggle title=”What if I have trained my dog on my own, but I want him/her certified through FSDS?” style=”rounded_outline” color=”mulled_wine” size=”lg” open=”false”]If your dog is already fully trained, but you just want an official Service Dog designation/certification, you can apply here:
Once you submit your paperwork, they will give you the go ahead to contact us and we can then evaluate your dog for certification.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” el_id=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_toggle title=”If my dog has aggression issues with other dogs or people, can they still be a service dog?” style=”rounded_outline” color=”mulled_wine” size=”lg” open=”false” el_id=”1432325126524-1849663d-a2e4″]If your dog has aggression or major behavioral issues, those would need to be fixed before they could be a certified service dog. Service dogs are required to go in population public places; therefore, it is important that they are well mannered, friendly, obedient, and confident.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=”” el_id=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_toggle title=”Do you all provide Service Dog Training in Northern Virginia?” style=”rounded_outline” color=”mulled_wine” size=”lg” open=”false” el_id=”1432325169656-42b39b38-1469″]Yes, we can give your dog the obedience and skills needed to be a certified service dog. See the prices page of our website for more information.[/vc_toggle][/vc_column][/vc_row]