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How Old Does My Service Dog Have to Be?

How Old Does My Service Dog Have to Be?

There is no technical minimum age for a service dog, but practical considerations limit how young a service animal can be. Due to training requirements and developmental concerns, a puppy is generally not eligible as a service dog. 

Under ADA rules, service dogs in training are not considered full-fledged service animals. A service dog must finish training before being granted public access rights.  

Under the ADA, the dog must already be trained before it can be taken into public places.

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Some states and localities may have their own laws that allow for service dogs in training to be given public access rights. However, even if your local laws grants rights to a service dog in training, a young puppy is still likely ineligible to qualify as a service dog.

Puppies generally can’t qualify as service dogs for two main reasons: 

1.
A puppy in its early developmental stages is not ready for formal training.

Many trainers and organizations do not recommend beginning formal service dog training until a dog is at least 6 months of age. A very young puppy may not be ready for the rigors of undergoing intensive task training. Many trainers encourage owners to allow their puppies to be puppies, and that means allowing them to play, socialize and explore their curiosities.

2.
Service dog training is an involved process that can require several months to years, depending on the skillset needed.

The other reason a puppy usually can’t be a qualified service dog is that the actual training process can take significant time. Under ADA rules, a service dog must be individually trained to perform a job or task relating to the handler’s physical or psychiatric disability.

Service dogs are trained for an enormous variety of tasks. Simple tasks can be mastered within weeks or months, but complex tasks or sets of interrelated tasks can take years to master.

In addition to disability-related task training, a service dog must also be trained for public access skills. That means the ability to be in public on best behavior, under full control, and without becoming distracted by the environment. It can take time for a puppy to learn and mature into these abilities.  

Once a service dog is fully trained, handlers can use accessories like ID cards, vests, certificates, and tags to easily identify their animal as a service animal. ServiceDogCertifications.org specializes in providing these tools to service dog owners for their convenience, safety, and privacy. 

How Old Does My Service Dog Have to Be?
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About the author: Shannen Standiford is a trainer and applied animal behavior consultant in San Diego, California. She specializes in service animal training, behavioral issues such as separation anxiety, reactivity, aggression, and more. She is a supporting member of the IAABC and opened her own 1:1 training business under the name Pups on the Coast to help others understand their dog on a deeper level and create a bond with their pet that they’ve always dreamed about.
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About the Author: The writing team at Service Dog Certifications is made up of folks who really know their stuff when it comes to disability laws and assistance animals. Many of our writers and editors have service dogs themselves and share insights from their own experiences. All of us have a passion for disability rights and animals.

6 comments

  1. Aurora Simpson says: February 25, 2023

    Can I get a dog that is already trained? I’m asking because I have CLL cancer and I also have depression, anxiety I know I would not be able to train the dog.
    Thank you Aurora

    Reply
    • SDC says: February 25, 2023

      There are organizations that offer fully trained dogs and professional trainers that will train a service dog for you. Unfortunately we do not give referrals for service dog adoptions, but we would be happy to assist you if and when you do qualify for a service dog.

  2. Alisha says: March 4, 2023

    Do I qualify for a service dog for my ptsd that causes me not to be able to go anywhere on my own?

    Reply
  3. Diane Lynn Matthews says: March 9, 2023

    What is the first step once you settle on the right dog breed for your service 🐕‍🦺 animal?

    My doctors back me on this due to my documented illnesses, daily struggles, and mobility issues. I was thinking about contacting the ADA to find out if they cover any expenses…or would that be wasting my time?

    Reply
    • SDC says: March 11, 2023

      The “ADA” refers to a set of laws (the Americans with Disabilities Act). Unfortunately it does not provide for the coverage of expenses for service dog training.

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