01
ADA · public accessService Dog
For a person with a disability, individually trained to perform a specific disability-related task.
Protected under the ADA
Explore this path 
Evidence-led. Handler-first.
Service animal support, made clear.
Understand your options, prepare with confidence, and keep a voluntary record for your service dog, psychiatric service dog, or emotional support animal.
Available in all 50 states Transparent legal disclosures Privacy-respectful records
What registration means
The ADA does not require or recognize online service-animal certification. Our registry is an optional identification and recordkeeping service; it does not grant legal rights, certify training, or replace required evaluation.
Read official ADA guidanceStart with the right definition
Which path fits your situation?
Rights depend on the animal’s role, the applicable law, and—when the ADA applies—individual task training. An ID or registry entry does not determine status.
02
ADA · task-trainedPsychiatric Service Dog
A service dog trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate a psychiatric disability.
Same ADA access rights
Explore this path 03
FHA · housingEmotional Support Animal
An assistance animal that provides disability-related emotional support; not a service animal under the ADA.
Housing rules may apply
Explore this path A calmer process
Three steps. No misleading promises.
Choose your support type
Compare service dog, psychiatric service dog, and ESA definitions before selecting anything.
Complete the appropriate path
Document your trained task or, for an ESA, request a legitimate clinical evaluation when needed.
Organize your essentials
Keep voluntary records, identification, educational resources, and gear in one place.
Products & resources
Useful tools, honestly described.
Choose practical items that support day-to-day communication. Nothing sold here creates service-animal status under federal law.
Identification
Durable photo ID cards and digital wallet-ready records.
View optionsVoluntary Registry
A searchable record for convenience—not proof of ADA status.
View optionsWorking-Dog Gear
Vests, harnesses, tags, leashes, and travel accessories.
View optionsHandler Resources
Plain-English guides for access, housing, travel, and training.
View optionsIndependent clinical pathway
Learn about evaluationsESA evaluation support
Connect with an appropriately licensed clinician for a real evaluation. Documentation is issued only when clinically appropriate and never guaranteed.
From ADA.gov · General Rule
Know the two questions staff may ask.
This rule applies when it is not obvious that a dog is a service animal.
Read the complete Service Animals FAQ on ADA.gov“Staff may ask only two specific questions:
- Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
Staff may not request documentation, require a task demonstration, or ask about the nature of the person’s disability.
U.S. Department of Justice · ADA.gov
Public record search
Verify a voluntary registration.
Enter the registration number printed on the animal’s ID or QR record. Medical information and private handler details are never displayed.
Record lookup
A matching record will appear here.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers before you choose.
Start with the federal definition, then consider housing, travel, state, or local rules that may also apply.
Is service dog registration required by the ADA?
No. The ADA does not require service dogs to be certified or registered. A voluntary registry can organize identification and public-facing records, but it does not create legal status.
What makes a dog a psychiatric service dog?
The dog must be individually trained to perform a specific task related to a person’s psychiatric disability. Comfort from the dog’s presence alone does not meet the ADA service-animal definition.
Does an emotional support animal have public-access rights?
Not under the ADA. Emotional support animals may qualify as assistance animals in housing under other federal rules, depending on the circumstances.
Does an ESA letter require a clinical evaluation?
Legitimate disability-related documentation comes from an appropriately licensed healthcare professional after a real evaluation. A letter should never be promised before that evaluation.
Make a wider impact
Visit Canine Companions Support expertly trained service dogs.
Canine Companions provides expertly trained service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities. Visit their official site to learn about donating or fundraising.