You can certify a therapy dog, but it is not required. In fact, certification is not required of any SD under the ADA. Some states do have a cert requirement, but if those cases are ever taken before the Supreme Court, the state will loose because ADA is federal law and trumps state and the ADA says that all that is required is that the animal (not even required to be a dog) meet a legitimate and recognized need to enable a person with a legitimate and recognized disability to fully participate in things that a non disabled person can participate in. OTSD's (owner trained service dogs) are as a legitimate as a certified one. Bottom line,...is the person disabled and does the dog assist with that disability? Marsha
----- Original Message ----- From: dasha48 To: [email protected] Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2006 7:45 PM Subject: RE: [Chihuahuas] Re: Pebbles Shopping Trip Can you just certify a therapy dog? I mean don't they need special training like a service dog does? Sheila (My daughter has actually been looking into getting Rein "certified" so that I would have proof as to what she does.) I can understand how angry the "fakers" make you and I would take a stand against them also, but I assure you I'm not one of them. Mindy .
