I recently saw a post where someone was having a hard time finding a place to rent that would allow their dog. Many comments said "Register it as a Service Dog". Please don't! And here's why! 1. Online registries for service animals are NOT legitimate. They essentially just sell an identification card. They don't assess a dogs temperament, training or skills, or even verify the handlers disability. 2. There is no official registry for service dogs in North America. Some Canadian provinces do have government qualification programs that assess service dog teams to assure they meet training standards and provide a government issued ID card. 3. Service dogs are specifically trained to do tasks to mitigate a disability. Making someone feel better, cuddling, providing happiness and love are all important things, but these are not trained tasks. Trained tasks are things like opening doors, retrieving items, recognizing human behaviors and interrupting them, detecting allergens or blood sugar changes, etc. These tasks should be able to be consistently done in any environment. 4. Fake service dogs make it harder for people with disabilities who have legitimate service dogs. When dogs wearing service dog vests are seen with no leash manners, snapping at people, jumping up on strangers etc, it makes people suspicious of real service dog teams. It can also put teams in real danger if we see another dog in a vest and try to pass it in a store aisle and get bit. This is a real problem many teams encounter in places like malls. 5. Many people are uncomfortable with dogs. The general public should be able to trust that the only dogs they'll come across in "no pets" areas are highly trained and not aggressive to humans. Dogs provide great companionship and comfort, especially to those who live with anxiety or depression. Often these are referred to as Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). In North America, and most other countries that recognize service and assistance dogs, ESAs do not have public access rights, meaning they can only go to pet friendly places. However, in some states and provinces, they can be exempt from pet restrictions in housing rentals if deemed necessary by a physician or psychologist. Check your province or state housing laws to find out. While service dogs are not classed as pets and a person cannot be denied a rental due to having one, the reality is often a place is simply rented to someone else because illegitimate service dogs have created so much skepticism. ALL dogs are special, lovable, and important. They all can provide emotional support and promote better living habits, but most dogs aren't cut out for service work. Just like all humans are important but only some make great teachers or doctors or whatever their job is. No matter what your dog's skills are or their job is, love them lots!