How to Register a Dog as a Service Dog in Georgia

Service dogs play an indispensable role for many individuals with physical and mental health disabilities. Recognizing this, Georgia provides legal protections and rights for service dog handlers.

In the Peach State, service dogs have the right to access public areas typically off-limits to animals and can reside in homes and apartments that generally don’t permit pets. Service dogs can also board airplanes free of charge. 

In this article, we’ll highlight some key details about service dogs in Georgia.

Who can handle a service dog in Georgia?

Service dogs aren’t pets; they are legally protected assistance animals for individuals with disabilities. As outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a person with a disability is someone:

“who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.“

The requirements: The handler must have a physical or mental health disability and should train the dog – either personally or through a professional – to execute a job that assists with their disability.

Service dogs can perform tasks such as guiding the visually impaired, providing deep-pressure therapy for those with psychiatric disabilities, or pulling wheelchairs. Service dogs used for mental or intellectual disabilities are referred to as psychiatric service dogs.

Registering Your Service Dog in Georgia

Is it required: In Georgia, there’s no formal requirement for service dog registration. However, many handlers choose to register their dogs in voluntary databases to obtain ID cards.

Benefits: Service dog owners frequently use accessories like vests, ID cards, and certificates to inform the public about their dog’s status. These tools can be beneficial in conveying to others that your dog is a highly trained service dog, not a pet. This can discourage unnecessary inquiries about the dog’s presence in areas generally closed to pets and prevent others from interfering with the dog while it’s on the job. 

It’s crucial to note that these accessories cannot replace genuine service dog verification. No one can insist on these items as a condition of access. They are merely a display for the convenience of the handler.

The only way to verify: In Georgia, third parties may ask two questions if the need for the service dog isn’t immediately apparent:

• Is the dog a service dog required for a disability?
• What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

A Georgia service dog handler who can adequately answer these questions must be reasonably accommodated in public spaces without showing any documentation.

Training a Service Dog in Georgia

A service dog must be specifically trained to perform their necessary tasks. Furthermore, the dog must be well-behaved and under control in public settings.

There are three general routes for training a service dog:

1. Adopt a dog from a service dog trainer: This option involves adopting a dog that has already been trained for the tasks you require. However, this can be expensive.

2. Hire a professional trainer: You can select a dog and outsource the training to a professional.

3. Training on your own: Handlers can independently train their service dogs without external help. It’s more time-consuming, but you can build a stronger handler-dog bond. Before choosing this option, be confident in your ability and knowledge to train a service dog.

Georgia State Laws

While federal laws protect service dogs and their handlers’ rights, Georgia law also provides support through O.C.G.A. § 30-4-2. This statute gives service dogs in training the same public access rights as fully trained service dogs.

Georgia law also makes it a misdemeanor to falsely present a pet as a service animal. It’s crucial to know that the handler’s honesty is vital in maintaining trust and legitimacy in the service dog community.

Georgia Service Dog News

The Georgia Department of Veterans Service has partnered with Rebuilding Warriors, a non-profit organization that provides service dogs to veterans. These dogs are trained specifically to assist with the veterans’ unique needs, thereby enhancing their quality of life and helping them reintegrate into society.