Setting a High Standard of Excellence

Public Access Evaluations for Service Dog Teams

Certification is NOT Required for Service Dogs in the U.S.

In the United States, service dog certification is NOT required by law under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This means that no official government body or regulatory agency mandates that your service dog must be “certified” to accompany you in public spaces.

Public access skills are crucial for service dog teams

Ensuring that your service dog team is well-prepared for real-world situations makes everyday life smoother and upholds the dignity and reliability of service dog partnerships.

The Helping Paws Public Access Evaluation Program is designed to assess and elevate the skills of service dog teams.

Go beyond basic obedience to reach the highest standard of performance in public places.

Whether you choose to work with Coach Meg directly via live video or use my practice test and self-assessment tools on your own, we’re here to help you ensure your dog is fully prepared for any public setting.

What Our Public Access Evaluation Includes

Focus & Attention

How well does your dog respond to your cues in busy, high-stress situations?

Behavior in Public Settings

Can your dog remain calm and focused amidst distractions?

Manners in Public

Can your service dog walk work in public without being disruptive or drawing unwanted attention?

Comprehensive
Evaluations

We focus on real-world scenarios, not just basic obedience, to ensure your service dog is ready for public access.

Live or Self-Assessment Options

You can either complete the evaluation live with me or use our practice tools and administer the final test on your own.

No Legal Obligation

Our certification is entirely optional and is not required by law or government agencies. It’s simply a way to confirm your dog is performing at the highest possible level.

A Commitment to Excellence

Our program isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about ensuring that service dogs are well-prepared to assist their handlers in any situation, setting a standard of excellence that benefits the entire service dog community.

Who Can Benefit from Our Program?

New service dog handlers

looking to evaluate their dog’s readiness for public environments.

Experienced handlers

who want a professional, high-standard assessment of their service dog’s skills.

Service dog owner-trainers

who need guidance on public access standards and preparation.

Service dog trainers

who want their clients’ dogs to meet the highest public access criteria.

Get Started Today!

Whether you’re just beginning your service dog training journey or looking to fine-tune your dog’s public access skills, our program can help. Join The Helping Paws Project today and give yourself the confidence that your service dog will meet the highest standards of public access behavior.

Be proud of your service dog team

Show your Stuff

Connect with us to explore how we can make your vision a reality. Join us in shaping the future of outstanding service dog skills.

Reach Out to Coach meg