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Welcome to NASD

National Association of Service Dogs is
a nonprofit organization created for the benefit of Americans with Disabilities who rely upon the talents of working dogs in their daily lives.

NASD knows the value properly trained Service Dogs provide to people with disabilities.

NASD also understands the frustration dealing with business and law enforcement agencies that are unaware of the laws which protect a persons rights (your legal rights) to be escorted by their WORKING SERVICE DOG in public places.

Service Dog populations along with understanding of their benefits are growing rapidly in all countries but the largest increase in Service Dog popularity is in North America, primarily the United States and Canada.

This rapid growth brings with it large benefits as well as equally large problems.  Some of the benefits are:

• Easier access/availability of highly trained animals for people with disabilities

• Preplanned and wider acceptance of Service Dogs in public places

• Lower financial burden on disabled people to purchase or otherwise obtain a Service Dog

Some of the problems associated with this surge in Service Dog population are:

• Fraud, committed by selfish people who claim that their dog is a Service Dog when in fact they just want to take their pet with them wherever they go

• Physical injury or property destruction from fake Service Dogs because they are not properly trained animals

• Potential to cause restrictions or sanctions because of the fraudulent actions of people without disability and without qualified Service Animals

In the United States under the requirements stated in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) all a person needs to do is say their dog is a service dog.  Business owner's are not permitted by law to ask you, "What is your disability?"  You are not required to have a registration card and your Service Dog is not required to wear a vest, have a patch or any other identifying item showing they are a working dog.

For more information visit Service Animal Brief written by Department of Justice.

In Canada for instance each province has it's own rules and regulations in Canada.  Unlike the United States, Canada does not have one governing rule or law that encompasses the whole country.  Instead they allow the provinces to control and regulate their own laws regarding Service Dogs. 

For more information about rules by Province click here.  For Canadian Federal Laws select link below to find out more about Service Dogs.

Do you need a Service Dog?

If so, we may be able to help lead you in the right direction.

Service Dogs come in many varieties and provide a wide array of services.

The first one that comes to mind for most people is a 'Seeing Eye Dog' although for every one of those in service there are approximately 250 dogs performing other services.

If you are looking for a Service Dog or Animal Trainer please check out INFORMATION LINKS page.  There you will find links to all types of services that relate to Service Dogs, Training, Dog Health, Regulations and Dog Supplies.

Would you like to register you dog as a Certified Service Dog?

Have you finished with professional training of your Service Dog?  Has a Medical Professional such as an M.D. or Dr. of Psychiatry recommended that you will benefit from the use of a Service Dog?  If these are a couple of questions which you can answer yes to then you are on your way to qualifying your highly trained dog as a Service Dog. 

If you are ready to proceed click on the button below.