The service dog industry is largely unregulated. These documents have no legal standing under the ADA and are often used by people trying to pass pets off as service animals, which can lead to legal trouble in many states.

They are considered "medical equipment," not pets.

The ADA does not require service dogs to be professionally certified, registered, or wear a vest, though many handlers use them for clarity. 2. Choosing Your Path: Program vs. Owner-Trained

When you have a service dog, you become a magnet for attention, questions, and occasionally, access disputes.

You must be able to name specific tasks (e.g., "alerting to a seizure," "opening doors," "deep pressure therapy") the dog will perform. 5. Avoiding Scams