Assistance Dog
Certification Program
Certification Program
The Certification program for Canine Support Teams consists of providing organizational based support to persons who have trained
their own dogs and wish to have their dogs certified for public access. CST is pleased to offer this service to those teams that are
qualified and prepared to bear the responsibility.
Certification is, essentially, an endorsement by CST. It means that the certified team wears CST colors and logo on the dog’s id
jacket/harness and is supported in access problems. In order to earn certification, the dog must be able to perform at least three
reasonable tasks for the disabled handler (such as retrieve dropped or hard to reach items, pull a manual wheelchair, turn lights on
and off, assist with walking, open and close doors, etc.).
Organizational support to teams hoping to earn certification is given on an individual basis. Depending on the needs and logistics of the
team, assistance will be given as time is available.
Press PAW to Download Application
Complete application
Write a letter explaining why you want a service dog,
A recent photo of yourself
Send the completed application, along with a $500.00 Application/Evaluation fee. (non refundable)
CST will call you to set up an appointment with a CST Instructor for an evaluation of your dog. If your dog’s temperament and
personality are suitable, we will recommend a training protocol needed to achieve certification.
The evaluation will rate your dog's overall behavior for the following characteristics: friendliness, fearfulness, confidence, ability to
focus, prey drive, sensitivities to noise, etc. If our evaluator feels that your dog is not appropriate, for any reason, the evaluation shall
end. The evaluator will submit a report to the main office and a determination will be made. You will be notified of this determination
either by phone or letter. A group obedience class may be recommended or required as a result of this evaluation.
Upon notification of a favorable evaluation, you will receive written information pertaining to teaching tasks and public behavior
requirements.
You will be given a photo ID card (at no cost) to assist with public access. You must meet with a CST representative on a monthly basis
for continuing evaluation, and help with problem areas and training. Your ID card will be renewed monthly.
You may be subject to removal from the certification program if you fail to meet with a CST representative or miss more than one
scheduled appointment without notification or rescheduling.
The Public Access Test is the final requirement for certification. (see PAT information below).
The fee for the test is $1000.00* due on or before the day of the test. If the test is passed, you will be given an ID card, cape/harness &
collar for your dog. There is a $30.00 use fee for the id cape/harness. Pulling and stability harnesses are extra and your representative
will advise you of the cost.
As a requirement of continued certification you will be required to pass the PAT test annually.
You will be invited to attend CST’s annual graduation ceremony.
*Payments can be arranged, but must be paid in full by the date of the final Public Access Test (unless other arrangements are made
with and approved by CST). Canine Support Teams, Inc. also accepts Visa, MasterCard & American Express.
THE PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT) <Sample of PAT test>
The Public Access Test was devised to help ensure that teams are properly suited and prepared for the responsibility of maneuvering
safely in public and representing CST, as well as the entire assistance dog community. This test is given to all teams graduating with
dogs that are trained and provided by CST’s program.
their own dogs and wish to have their dogs certified for public access. CST is pleased to offer this service to those teams that are
qualified and prepared to bear the responsibility.
Certification is, essentially, an endorsement by CST. It means that the certified team wears CST colors and logo on the dog’s id
jacket/harness and is supported in access problems. In order to earn certification, the dog must be able to perform at least three
reasonable tasks for the disabled handler (such as retrieve dropped or hard to reach items, pull a manual wheelchair, turn lights on
and off, assist with walking, open and close doors, etc.).
Organizational support to teams hoping to earn certification is given on an individual basis. Depending on the needs and logistics of the
team, assistance will be given as time is available.
Press PAW to Download Application
- STEP 1
Complete application
Write a letter explaining why you want a service dog,
A recent photo of yourself
Send the completed application, along with a $500.00 Application/Evaluation fee. (non refundable)
- STEP 2
CST will call you to set up an appointment with a CST Instructor for an evaluation of your dog. If your dog’s temperament and
personality are suitable, we will recommend a training protocol needed to achieve certification.
The evaluation will rate your dog's overall behavior for the following characteristics: friendliness, fearfulness, confidence, ability to
focus, prey drive, sensitivities to noise, etc. If our evaluator feels that your dog is not appropriate, for any reason, the evaluation shall
end. The evaluator will submit a report to the main office and a determination will be made. You will be notified of this determination
either by phone or letter. A group obedience class may be recommended or required as a result of this evaluation.
- STEP 3
Upon notification of a favorable evaluation, you will receive written information pertaining to teaching tasks and public behavior
requirements.
You will be given a photo ID card (at no cost) to assist with public access. You must meet with a CST representative on a monthly basis
for continuing evaluation, and help with problem areas and training. Your ID card will be renewed monthly.
You may be subject to removal from the certification program if you fail to meet with a CST representative or miss more than one
scheduled appointment without notification or rescheduling.
- STEP 4
The Public Access Test is the final requirement for certification. (see PAT information below).
The fee for the test is $1000.00* due on or before the day of the test. If the test is passed, you will be given an ID card, cape/harness &
collar for your dog. There is a $30.00 use fee for the id cape/harness. Pulling and stability harnesses are extra and your representative
will advise you of the cost.
As a requirement of continued certification you will be required to pass the PAT test annually.
You will be invited to attend CST’s annual graduation ceremony.
*Payments can be arranged, but must be paid in full by the date of the final Public Access Test (unless other arrangements are made
with and approved by CST). Canine Support Teams, Inc. also accepts Visa, MasterCard & American Express.
THE PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT) <Sample of PAT test>
The Public Access Test was devised to help ensure that teams are properly suited and prepared for the responsibility of maneuvering
safely in public and representing CST, as well as the entire assistance dog community. This test is given to all teams graduating with
dogs that are trained and provided by CST’s program.
| Providing the gift of independence & love… one dog at a time® |
| Canine Support Teams, Inc. |
| "Changing the way the world thinks about disabilities, one dog at a time" ® |
| 951-301-3625 cstmain@caninesupportteams.org |
