How can I get my dog certified as an emotional support companion?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You have to take Ryo to a vet to get a health certificate. They have to examine him within 10 days of travel to issue a certificate. That is not something we can do through this website. A certificate for emotional support has to come from your personal doctor- not a veterinarian. All we can do is validate health status. Good luck and kisses to Ryo!

HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Don't be embarrassed! I wouldn't try to trick the system though by putting a vest on Lola. I would talk to your guidance counselor or principal to see if they would allow her. If not then have your parents contact a service dog program and get Lola certified. That way she is legitimate. Unfortunately a lot of people are now abusing the emotional support animal. Lola needs to be able to behave at school: not whine or bark, growl or try to bite people, needs to know all her commands. She would need to be spayed, vaccinated, tested for worms and on preventatives. The school can't have dogs not Rabies vaccinated and have ticks and fleas on them in school with kids. It is a bit of a process. But if you feel your life would be better then start the process! All you can do is try, right? Good luck!

Hi there! I think part of the issue may be the terminology you're using, when you're trying to find someone to help. By definition, a "therapy dog" is a dog who visits hospitals, nursing homes, or other places and interacts with people there to bring them comfort. What you're describing - a dog that helps you, not members of the public - would be either an emotional support animal, or a service dog. If you're trying to make Leo an emotional support animal, you just need a letter from your doctor or mental health care provider stating that you have anxiety that is helped by having your dog with you. This allows you to have him with you in certain housing situations that may not otherwise allow pets, and may allow him to travel with you in come cases, but does not give him any other public access rights (restaurants, stores, etc.) A service dog, by definition, is trained to perform a specific task to alleviate an owner's disability. So if you're interested in working with someone to train him to do something specific to help you, you would need to find a trainer to work with who has experience training service animals. Off the top of my head, I don't know who in your area might be able to do this - but at least you know what to ask about now, when you call trainers to inquire. Best of luck! :)

No, vets do not do this. You need to have your dog go through specific training to become a service dog. Check out this website about becoming a service dog: https://www.servicedogcertifications.org/service-dog-requirements/

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is definitely possible and Labradors are great for that. However, it is important to have him professionally trained as it is not as straightforward as it may seem. Good luck and have a great day!

You must be certified as emotionally disabled by a psychologist, therapist, psychiatrist or certified mental health professional. Your doctor would have to send a letter explaining the you are disabled by mental illness and how the emotional support animal will help the disability.

We cannot do that from this site. Not only it is illegal, but we cannot make a statement about behavior just from seeing videos or doing a video chat. You need to make an appointment with a local clinic to have this done.