Frequently Asked Questions

A service dog is individually trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability — for example allergen detection, guiding, mobility support, medical alerts, or psychiatric assistance. Under this training, the dog behaves reliably in public spaces.

Service Paws certifies service dogs — dogs task-trained for one handler with a disability, which carry the broadest public-access rights. Emotional support dogs provide therapeutic companionship without task training, and therapy dogs visit facilities such as hospitals and schools to comfort others; both are trained differently and have different, more limited access rights. We do not currently certify emotional support or therapy animals.

Handlers are protected by provincial human-rights legislation and, in several provinces, by dedicated service animal laws. In general, a person with a disability accompanied by a trained service dog may access the same public places as anyone else. Rules vary by province and by country when travelling.

Airlines set their own documentation requirements. Service Paws provides what carriers typically ask for: a verifiable registry profile, a formal certificate, and — where needed — a detailed trainer attestation letter describing the dog's training and assessment. Always confirm your carrier's requirements before travelling.

Scan the QR code on the card or enter the registration number at our registration lookup. The official profile shows the dog's photo, credentials, certificate, and current status. If the profile matches the card and dog in front of you, the certification is genuine.

Any breed. There are no breed, size, or age restrictions — suitability is about temperament, health, and motivation to work. Assessments focus on calm, reliable behaviour in public and the ability to perform trained tasks consistently.

Every dog completes a public access test — demonstrating calm, reliable behaviour around people, equipment, and distractions — plus task-specific testing for its role, such as controlled trials and real-world public checks. Completion dates are recorded in the dog's registry file.

Registry profiles show the certification's current status. A certification remains listed as ACTIVE while it is in good standing; if it is withdrawn, the profile shows REVOKED. Businesses should always rely on the live profile rather than the printed card alone.

Often, yes. Owner-trained dogs can qualify when the training is completed to standard, typically under the guidance of a qualified trainer, and the team passes assessment. Contact us to discuss your dog and your needs.

Contact Service Paws directly. The registrar can reissue cards, update registry details, and regenerate documents. Because verification happens against the live registry, updates take effect immediately.