Program Overview

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All breeds of dogs may become certified as Service Dogs.  Families may choose to certify their current pet dogs or dogs that are  purchased/adopted specifically for the purpose of Service Dog work.  

Certification requires 450 hours of documented training time.  Hours are logged in journal and video format.  Forms and format for required training documentation is provided by Paws In Partnership. Record keeping is the responsibility of the dog owner. 

Certification is self-paced.  Paws In Partnership compiles owner submitted reporting into a portfolio documenting ADA standards for Service Dogs.   Dogs may begin training as early as 8-weeks of age and may be eligible for certification as young as 8-months of age.  There is no age limit for dogs beginning the certification program.  You have 24 months to complete your certification.   

Paws in Partnership exceeds industry training standards.  To uphold our reputation and certification process, all portfolio documentation is reviewed by a team of accredited service dog trainers with over 10 years of industry experience.  Our team is available to advise and guide you through the process of training your dog.  

As of January 2021, Service Dog certification will be required for all Service Dogs including emotional support animals traveling on airlines.  Public access is required for all dogs assisting persons with disabilities.  Dogs are required to meet training standards to be certified. 

As your certification provider, Paws in Partnership stands behind the training documentation you submit and is available to support you with public access.  However, if your dog either accidently or intentionally  causes destruction or harm to persons or property while working as a certified Service Dog, we are not liable.  We require personal insurance documentation to complete the certification process. 

An investment of time and energy is required to successfully train your Service Dog.  As a self-paced course, this requires your initiative and commitment.  Dogs who do not complete the 450 training hours will not be eligible for certification.  

Paws in Partnership stands firmly behind dogs who have been properly socialized and trained as Service Dogs.  We advocate for the safety and access of all of our partnerships.  We provide lifetime support and continuing education for all families.  

Enrolling in the Paw in Partnership certification program is affordable. Our families pay only $75/month with no commitment.  To encourage your timely progress, we provide personalized training timelines to keep you and your dog on track for certification.