The State of Arizona acknowledges the importance of service dogs in Arizona to individuals with disabilities and provides a clear legal framework for the use of service dogs in public establishments. Service dogs are legally allowed in public places in Arizona and are not subject to discrimination based on local regulations.
Service Dog in Arizona Definition
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a service dog as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. In Arizona, private businesses and non-profit organizations that serve the public are generally required to allow service dogs to accompany their handlers in all areas where the public is permitted.
How to Register a Service Dog in Arizona
There are no mandatory registration identification requirements for a service dog in Arizona. However, it is always recommended to have some form of identification, such as a digital ID card or physical markers such as a collar, bandana, or ID tag, to avoid disputes with third parties about the validity of the service dog’s registration.
Here are the steps you need to follow to have your dog become a service dog in Arizona:
Identify the right service dog for your disability Ensure proper training Registering and certifying your service dog
Step 1: Identify the Right Service Dog for Your Disability
Any dog breed can be a service dog in Arizona, but certain breeds have characteristics and instincts that make them better suited for specific tasks. In Arizona, service dogs can assist individuals with psychiatric disabilities, such as:
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Depression
- OCD
- Schizophrenia
- Substance
- Abuse
- Addiction
- Eating Disorders
Service dogs can assist those suffering from psychiatric disabilities in many ways, such as through tactile stimulation, blocking in public spaces, helping with taking medication, and more physical and emotional tasks.
Step 2: Ensure Proper Training
This is the most critical step in having your dog become a service dog. Training and temperament are the key aspects and markers of a service dog. Arizona does not issue or require any formal training certifications. This aspect of the process is self-regulated by the community.
Step 3: Registering and Certifying Your Service Dog in Arizona
There is no official registry for service dogs in Arizona, and service dog certificates are not a formal requirement. Any service dog registry claiming to be government-operated or sanctioned is false information. Business operators and government officials cannot legally require proof of registration, training, or licensing as a condition to enter their establishment where the public is invited.
The only two questions that are permissible for you to be asked about your service dog are:
- Is the animal required because of a disability?
- What task has the animal been trained to perform?
Once you confirm the above, businesses must make reasonable accommodations. Unfortunately, many businesses that interact with the public are unfamiliar with the laws surrounding service animals and insist on receiving proof of service dog registration.
For convenience and to ensure proper access as intended by the ADA, many service dog handlers choose to voluntarily register their dogs as service dogs and carry a digital ID card and/or certificate with them, or use physical markers such as a collar, bandana, or ID tag. This can prevent uncomfortable situations or confusion when interacting with staff at public establishments.
Emotional Support Animals in Arizona
Emotional support animals (ESAs) in Arizona are recognized as assistance animals but do not have the same access rights as service dogs. Individuals with disabilities who do not meet certain thresholds or have dogs that are not trained to perform specific tasks may be eligible to register their dog as an ESA.
Having a registered ESA in Arizona comes with some benefits, such as being able to travel with your animal without incurring extra fees or being able to live in pet-restricted housing.
Conclusion
Service dogs in Arizona are a valuable asset to individuals with disabilities as they provide greater independence and an enhanced quality of life. Arizona residents have the option of training their own dogs to become service dogs through self-training, offering a personalized approach to assistance. Regardless of whether they are trained by a professional organization or through self-training, a service dog can greatly improve the daily life of those in need.
Register now to receive your uniquely identifiable Service Dog or ESA Identification and Certification.